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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

To see what rules apply to your own particular situation when entering Switzerland, consult the online Travelcheck

For national visa D and consular related inquiries (e.g. issues regarding passports, authentication of documents etc.), also in relation with Covid-19, please contact the Regional Consular Center in Bangkok, Thailand at +66 2 674 6900.

Anyone who can prove to be fully vaccinated can enter Switzerland.
(The vaccine must have been administered in full within the past 270 days)

Which COVID-19 vaccines allow entry to Switzerland? Find list here (scroll down to relevant chapter).


Pandemic-related measures for all travelers

  • You (18 years and older) have been fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID and can prove this with a valid COVID certificate? Then you are exempt from the test requirement on boarding and on entry to Switzerland.

Quarantine

No quarantine required for travelers entering Switzerland from Laos.

Recommendation

We highly recommend to contact your airline in order to find out there regulations for boarding.

Information for non-vaccinated persons

Travel from Thailand to Switzerland for unvaccinated persons is only allowed under the exceptions of the cases listed here, “freedom of movement” & “Situations of special necessity”.

If you do not need a visa or you are already holding a valid Schengen Visa C, the Regional consular center in Bangkok might issue a Laissez-Passer to facilitate entry into Switzerland as an unvaccinated person. 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

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 17.03.2022