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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

New entry and exit digital system starts operations in Schengen countries

All non-EU nationals will be required to register electronically upon entering or exiting Schengen countries – including Switzerland. As of 12 October 2025, a new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations in Schengen countries.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-Schengen nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of the Schengen states.

The Swiss airports in Basel and Geneva will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) collection biometric data starting 12.10.2025. Zurich Airport will begin on 17.11.2025 and will also collect biometric data from the beginning. The smaller airports with a Schengen external border will follow between the 90th and 170th day after the go-live date (i.e. 12.10.2025).

The EES will be gradually introduced in external borders until full implementation by 10 April 2026.

For the purpose of the EES, ‘non-EU national’ means a traveller not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

‘Short stay’ means up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES.

For more information see this link.

Border check process description (PDF, 1 Page, 199.7 kB)

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 23.10.2025