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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Swiss Federal Council decided to restrict entry into Switzerland.

Currently, travellers from Laos are not allowed to enter Switzerland, with the exception of the cases listed here, under the point “who has the right of free movement” & “who is not affected by the ban on entry to Switzerland”.

Holders of Schengen Visa C are not allowed to enter Switzerland. However, for persons holding already a visa or do not fall under the entry ban, the Regional consular center of the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangkok may be able to issue a Laissez-Passer to facilitate entry into Switzerland. Please contact the visa section by email.

Holders of a valid Swiss National Visa D (for family reunion, study, work, etc.) are allowed to enter.



Important: COVID-19-related, as per 26.06.2021

As of Saturday, 26 June 2021, the existing entry ban for travelers from third countries (non-Schengen Countries) will be lifted if they can prove that they have been vaccinated.* (As of today, except Sputnik) Media release 23.June 2021

*acc. to Annex 1a of the COVID-19 Regulation 3:

1 Vaccinated persons are persons who have been vaccinated with a vaccine,

which:

  • has a marketing authorization in Switzerland and has been fully vaccinated in accordance with the recommendations of the FOPH;
  • has a marketing authorization of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the European Union and has been fully vaccinated in accordance with the specifications or recommendations of the country in which the vaccination was carried out; or
  • is licensed according to the WHO Emergency use listing and has been fully vaccinated following the requirements or recommendations of the country in which the vaccination was carried out.

Irrespective of this, the border sanitary measures of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) continue to apply.

For travelers who do not meet the above conditions

The following applies:

Negative PCR Test (Certificate in English)

All persons arriving in Switzerland by air must present a valid certificate stating a negative PCR test result on arrival. The certificate must be issued in English and not be older than 72 hours at the time of arrival. Without valid certificate, the boarding of airplanes to Switzerland will be denied.

Exceptions are listed here, however, each airline has its own rules for combatting the pandemic and we strongly recommend to contact your airline in time, in order to confirm the exception.

Contact Tracing

All persons entering Switzerland by air, boat, bus or train, must complete an online form on arrival. This information helps to identify infected persons more easily, and to break transmission chains as soon as possible. More information and a download of the form are provided here.

Quarantine

Travelers entering Switzerland from Laos are currently not required to quarantine. Please click here for an updated list regularly published by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG).

Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.

SEM

Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain categories of visa, depending on the length of stay and purpose of the journey in Switzerland. Please select one of the following options.

Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period: for example, in a context of tourism, a visit to relatives or friends, short-term language studies, participating in a conference or in sporting/cultural events, etc.

National visa for a stay of more than 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a stay of more than 90 days within a 180-day period. It is subject to the authorisation of the cantonal migration authority competent for the intended place of residence. For example: long-term student, family reunification, marriage in Switzerland, etc.

Airport transit visa

For citizens of certain countries who need a transit visa even if they are staying in the international transit area of the airport and do not enter the Schengen territory.

Labour / Work permits

Admission of foreign workers to an employer in Switzerland is subject to the authorisation of the competent cantonal authority. The entry visa is granted only when the requested authorisations have been delivered.

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Last update 25.06.2021