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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

For travelers from Thailand the general entry conditions for Switzerland apply.


Important: COVID-19-related, as per 08.02.2021

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 Thailand 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 10.02.2021