Visit World - How to Apply for a Tourist Visa to Switzerland as a German Citizen

Entry rules to Switzerland in 2024

Are you planning a trip to Switzerland in 2024? If you are a citizen of Venezuela, Costa Rica, Georgia, Ukraine, Israel, or other visa-free countries, you do not need to apply for a visa for short-term trips of up to 90 days. This allows you to travel freely, visit tourist destinations, meet friends, or participate in short-term business events.

Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, so the general rules for short-term travel to Schengen countries apply to you. However, if you plan to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days or for other purposes (e.g., study or work), you will need a long-term visa.

Entry requirements for Switzerland: who does not need a visa?

Citizens of countries such as Venezuela, Costa Rica, Ukraine, Georgia, Israel, Moldova, and many others do not need a visa for short-term travel to Switzerland if the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.

In addition, you do not need to apply for a visa if you have a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country or a valid long-term visa (national visa) issued by another Schengen country. This entitles you to visa-free entry to Switzerland.

Table of countries with visa-free travel to Switzerland

Region	Countries	Visa-Free Stay Duration
EU and Schengen Area	Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Greece, Hungary, etc.	Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Europe (non-EU)	Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein	Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
South America	Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica	Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Middle East	Israel	Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
Asia	Japan, South Korea, Singapore	Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

To view the full list of countries whose citizens can enter Switzerland without a visa, please follow the link.

What additional documents do I need to have to enter Switzerland?

Although citizens of visa-free countries, such as Venezuela, do not need a visa, there are still certain documents that you need to have with you:

• Proof of travel arrangements: a booked round-trip ticket or other proof of your intended transportation and the full itinerary of your visit.

• Travel medical insurance covering emergency medical care and repatriation throughout the Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

• Proof of residence in Switzerland: booked accommodation (hotel, apartment) or an invitation from a Swiss citizen (friend, relative) together with a copy of their passport or ID.

• Financial security: You must confirm that you have at least 100 Swiss francs per day to cover your accommodation costs, or 30 francs for students.

Please note: Your travel insurance policy must meet the following requirements

• minimum coverage of 30,000 euros

• validity in all Schengen countries

It is recommended to increase the insurance coverage of the policy, as there are many opportunities for active sports in Switzerland.

How can I extend my stay in Switzerland?

To stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you need a residence permit. Residence permits are issued by the cantonal migration offices.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Apply to the cantonal migration office: this must be done before the end of your authorized period of stay.

2. Apply for an extension. You will need to provide justified reasons for extending your stay, such as studies, medical treatment or work-related circumstances.

3. Documents for the extension. You have to provide documents proving your financial solvency, health insurance and justification for the extension of your stay.

4. Wait for the decision. The process can take several weeks, so it is recommended to apply in advance.

If you do not have the right to a visa-free entry to Switzerland, you may need an airport transit visa.

Please, follow the link and choose the country of your citizenship in order to find out the procedure of transit visa application and issue.

Almost all pets are allowed to enter Switzerland from any country without a permit from a veterinary health authority or health certificate. Special conditions apply to dogs, cats, ferrets and birds. No more than 5 pets are allowed to be transported into Switzerland from third countries.

Animals cannot be sold or given to new owners.

To find out the entire list of requirements of entry to Switzerland with pets from your country, follow the link.

Dial 144 for medical and ambulance services and 118 for fire stations.

To receive information and advice concerning customs regulations of Switzerland, visit the official website of Federal Office for Customs and Border Security.

A driver’s license issued in a different country is only accepted if it is in English, French, German or Italian, otherwise, you are strongly advised to receive a special driver’s license of the generally accepted international standard. To rent a vehicle you need a minimum driving experience of 12 months. Minimum age – 20 years (for some vehicles – 25).

All Switzerland diplomatic missions in different countries can be found here: https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/representations-and-travel-advice/foreign-representations-in-switzerland.html.

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Entry rules to Switzerland in 2024

Entry requirements for Switzerland: who does not need a visa?

Table of countries with visa-free travel to Switzerland

Region

Countries

Visa-Free Stay Duration

EU and Schengen Area

Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Greece, Hungary, etc.

Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

Europe (non-EU)

Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein

Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

South America

Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica

Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

Middle East

Israel

Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

Asia

Japan, South Korea, Singapore

Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

What additional documents do I need to have to enter Switzerland?

How can I extend my stay in Switzerland?