Published on 1 February 2026

Diplomatic and consular privileges and immunities regime in Switzerland

FDFA Protocol's Privileges and Immunities Section is the central contact point for all information and questions about the status, privileges and immunities of foreign embassies accredited to Switzerland as well as consular posts and their staff. To this end, the section is in charge of administering all day-to-day diplomatic matters.

FDFA Protocol’s Privileges and Immunities Section is in charge of administering all day-to-day diplomatic matters. — © FDFA

Embassies and consular posts

The following information on diplomatic and consular privileges and immunities for beneficiaries within FDFA Protocol's remit covers:

• diplomatic missions accredited to Switzerland (embassies),
• foreign consular posts in Switzerland (consulates general, consulates and consular agencies),
• members of their staff and their family members,
• and any private household employees.

This site is for information purposes only and not legally binding on the host state.

eVIP+

FDFA Protocol has a range of electronic and online tools to improve its services for diplomatic and consular representations, and to make administrative procedures simpler and more efficient.

The eVIP+ programme in particular deals with the following:

• changing business and private addresses,
• announcing receptions and events,
• announcing temporary absences of ambassadors and appointments of chargé d'affaires a.i.,
• temporary closures of representations (national holidays, other holidays, etc.).

FDFA Protocol strongly recommends using this tool, which facilitates and speeds up these administrative procedures to a considerable degree. For further information and to create an account, please contact the Protocol, Privileges and Immunities Section: [e-mail]

Foreign permanent missions and international organisations

The practical manual of the regime of privileges and immunities and other facilities, issued by the Swiss permanent mission to Geneva, provides specific information for all permanent missions and international organisations in Geneva and their staff including family members and private household employees.

These categories of beneficiaries are covered by the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and the other international organisations in Geneva.

Protocol

Information on the Protocol Division, which deals with all protocol and ceremonial matters concerning the Federal Council, the President of the Swiss Confederation and the head of the FDFA, can be found here.