Switzerland Visa Requirements 2026
Visa requirements for Switzerland: schengen area for up to 90 days within 180. Updated 30 May 2026. Plus passport rules, customs, and prohibited items.
Switzerland visa at a glance
- Policy
- Schengen area
- Length of stay
- 90 days within 180
- Cost
- Free (ETIAS €20 once active)
- Passport
- Valid 3+ months beyond stay.
- Official source
- travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Schengen-associated. ETIAS from late 2025.
Schengen 90 days (UK/US). Swiss border control can be strict.
Customs allowances
200 cigarettes, 1L spirits. Strict food import rules from non-EU.
Prohibited items
Radar detector apps illegal. Strict import rules for meat, dairy from outside EU/Schengen.
Frequently asked questions about Switzerland visas
Do I need a visa to visit Switzerland?
Schengen area applies for Switzerland: Schengen-associated. ETIAS from late 2025.
How much does a Switzerland visa cost?
Entry to Switzerland is free under the current schengen area policy for eligible passports. There is no visa fee. Always check whether your nationality is eligible before booking flights.
How long can I stay in Switzerland?
The standard schengen area allows 90 days within 180 per entry. Most policies are extendable in-country at an immigration office for an additional fee — check the official source for current extension rules. Visa runs (leaving and re-entering to reset the clock) are increasingly scrutinised; do not rely on them.
What passport validity does Switzerland require?
Valid 3+ months beyond stay.
Where do I apply for a Switzerland visa?
Apply directly at the official government source: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en. Many third-party sites charge inflated fees for the same form. Always check the URL ends in a government domain (.gov, .gov.<country>, or the country's official immigration domain) before paying.