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Switzerland visas
Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Area (though not the European Union). For short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), most travellers use the shared Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) or, if they are visa-exempt, ETIAS — the rules are shared across the Area, so see our Schengen guide for the full detail. For stays of more than 90 days, Switzerland issues its own national long-stay (Type D) visas and residence permits under its own procedures. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay — always confirm what applies to you with the official guidance and Switzerland’s embassy or consulate before you travel.
- Official informationFrom government sources
- Clear guidanceStep-by-step explanations
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Important information
Short-stay rules for Switzerland are shared across the Schengen Area — whether you need a visa, and what applies to you, depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay. Long stays (over 90 days) are national: the long-stay visa (Type D) is issued by Switzerland under its own rules. We do not publish Switzerland’s national fees, processing times or eligibility until they have been verified against official sources — always confirm what you need with the official European Commission guidance and Switzerland’s embassy or consulate before you travel or apply.
Find the right Switzerland visa for you
Choose the category that matches your plans. Each route explains who it is for, what it covers and how to apply.
Switzerland visa overview
How to apply – in 3 simple steps
- Check eligibilityUse the quick checker to confirm which visa you need for your trip.
- Prepare documentsGather your passport, photos and supporting paperwork using our guides.
- Submit & trackSubmit your application and track its progress.
Apply for a Switzerland visa
Start an application online and follow the guided steps.
Explore Switzerland visa types
Every Switzerland route we cover, with a short summary of who it is for.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
The uniform short-stay visa for visits to Switzerland of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, valid across the whole Schengen Area. The rules are shared across the Area — see the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) guide for the full details.
Switzerland National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
For stays in Switzerland of more than 90 days — work, study, family or residence — issued under Switzerland’s own national procedures, not the shared Schengen short-stay visa.
Popular Switzerland guides
People also asked
Do I need a visa to visit Switzerland?
Switzerland is in the Schengen Area, so short visits (up to 90 days in any 180) follow the shared Schengen rules. Whether you need a short-stay visa depends on your nationality — some travellers are visa-exempt and use ETIAS instead. Check our Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) guide and confirm what applies to your nationality before you travel.
How long can I stay in Switzerland on a short stay?
According to the European Commission, short-stay visitors may stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area, including Switzerland. See our 90/180-day rule explainer to understand how the rolling window works.
What if I want to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days?
Stays of more than 90 days need Switzerland’s national long-stay visa (Type D), which Switzerland issues under its own rules — not the shared Schengen short-stay rules. Confirm the requirements with Switzerland’s embassy or consulate before you apply.