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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

Important

On June 23, 2021, the Federal Council decided to lift the entry restrictions for Switzerland for persons from third countries who have been vaccinated.

For fully vaccinated third-country nationals with a vaccination certificate confirming vaccination with an EMA or WHO recognized vaccine, regular entry requirements apply. Kindly refer to the information of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).

Children below the age of 18 years do not need to be vaccinated.

The online Travelcheck enables you to get information on your personal situation when entering Switzerland.

Special rules apply for the stay in Switzerland. For information regarding the COVID certificate refer to: https://bit.ly/3zpZe4f

Entry restrictions continue to apply to foreign nationals who are not vaccinated and are without rights of free movement, entering from risk countries or regions and who do not belong to any of the exceptional categories of the COVID-19 Regulation 3 (exceptional categories).

Holders of a valid Swiss residence permit, or a valid Visa-D are able to travel to Switzerland. Holders of an expired Swiss residence permit due to COVID-19 circumstances can apply for a return Visa-D.

Booking of a prior appointment with the Embassy is mandatory for all application types and has to be fixed by phone (+880 255 051 601) or e-mail (dhaka.visa@eda.admin.ch) before the application may be submitted. Please bear in mind when arranging your appointment for a Schengen C-Visa, that the procedure for the visa takes another 14 days, from your application date.

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.

International Geneva

Information for people travelling to Switzerland within the International Geneva context.

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 04.10.2021