Visa-free entry to Switzerland for Greek citizens

Greeks are allowed to enter Switzerland for up to 90 days without a visa. This applies to tourism, business, or social visits. Furthermore, Greek citizens who hold a valid residence permit or national visa from another Schengen country can travel to Switzerland without requiring a separate visa.

Since Switzerland belongs to the Schengen area, short-term travel rules for Schengen countries are applicable. A long-term visa will be necessary for Greeks planning to stay longer or for purposes like work or education.

Required documents for Greeks entering Switzerland

While Greek citizens do not need a visa, they must provide the following:

• Proof of travel: a booked return ticket or detailed travel itinerary.
• Health insurance: a policy that covers medical emergencies and repatriation throughout the Schengen area, with coverage of at least 30,000 euros.
• Accommodation details: hotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation from a Swiss host with their ID/passport copy.
• Financial means: evidence of funds covering 100 Swiss francs per day (or 30 francs per day for students) to support your stay. 
• Insurance requirements: coverage must extend to all Schengen countries with a minimum value of 30,000 euros. Higher coverage is suggested, especially for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

When should Greek tourists visit Switzerland?

Switzerland offers a variety of attractions for Greeks regardless of the season. Winter provides world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities, while the warmer months bring ideal conditions for hiking, paragliding, and climbing.

Top 5 unique places to visit in Switzerland for Greeks

Explore Switzerland’s lesser-known attractions, guaranteed to enchant tourists from Greece:

1. Les Grotte du Rhône ice caves. Step into a breathtaking world of ice tunnels at high altitude, with sparkling blue glaciers that feel straight out of a fairy tale.

2. Goms Ghost Town. A seemingly ordinary village with a haunting past. Experience ghost stories and historical legends that make this place unforgettable.

3. Helicopter tour around the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Take flight above the Alps and witness their icy splendor from the sky. A perfect experience for those craving adventure and extraordinary views.

4. Aare Gorge. Follow winding paths through the gorge where the Aare River roars through rocky terrain. Waterfalls, pools, and dramatic cliffs await exploration.

5. Swissminiatur in Lugano. A miniature version of Switzerland with scaled-down cities, railways, and landmarks. Perfect for capturing the essence of the entire country in a few hours.

Extending a stay in Switzerland for Greeks

If Greeks wish to stay in Switzerland for over 90 days, a residence permit is required. This permit is issued by the relevant cantonal migration office. The extension process consists of:

• Filing an application with the cantonal migration office before your permitted stay expires.
• Providing reasons for the extension, such as educational needs, employment, or health-related circumstances.
• Document submission: evidence of financial stability, health insurance, and reasons for the extended stay must be provided.
• Waiting period: applications may take weeks to process, so early submission is recommended.