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What are the requirements to travel to Switzerland from the USA?
Do you meet the requirements to travel to Switzerland from the USA? Finding out will help you get through immigration without any problems.
Medieval cities, cozy alpine villages, crystal clear lakes, and the breathtaking Swiss Alps await anyone exploring Switzerland. Whether you are visiting for a vacation, work, studies, or business, there is always something to enjoy, from a beautiful view to photograph to delicious chocolate to taste or a finely made watch to take home. If you are an American planning to travel to Switzerland from the USA, this article is for you. Here is everything you need to know about the entry requirements
We want your journey to start smoothly, so we’ve put together a complete guide to help you plan every detail. Switzerland is an easy destination for travelers from the United States, but good preparation is the key to making your trip a success.
A tip before traveling to Switzerland
Switzerland has great internet coverage and takes privacy seriously, but it’s still a good idea to have your own data plan when you travel, whether it’s unlimited or just enough for your needs. In big cities, you’ll easily find Wi-Fi in hotels and coffee shops, but once you head into the mountains or visit small alpine villages, don’t be surprised if your connection becomes spotty or disappears for a while.
In this case, Holafly’s global data plans are a great option for traveling to Switzerland from the USA. You can choose between 25 GB or unlimited data, making these plans ideal for digital nomads and remote workers who need to stay connected at all times.
The best part is that if you leave Switzerland to continue exploring Europe or travel to another part of the world, you won’t need to switch to a new eSIM for your next destination. With Holafly, you can have internet access in over 170 countries!
If your stay in Switzerland is short, you can opt for a Holafly eSIM for the country, which provides unlimited internet without roaming charges for the duration of your trip.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Having a Holafly Plan will keep you in touch with your loved ones back in the United States and let you work without interruptions, but none of that matters if you don’t get through immigration. Don’t worry, the list of requirements is not long. Let’s get straight to it and see what documents you need to present to Swiss authorities to enter the country.
Round-trip plane ticket
One of the requirements for traveling to Switzerland from the USA is having a return ticket to the United States or a ticket to continue your trip to another destination. It is not always required and mainly applies to tourists or short stays of less than 90 days. Airlines usually check this before boarding, and Swiss authorities may ask to confirm that you will not exceed the allowed stay.
When does this not apply? If you are an American with legal residency in Switzerland or traveling on a work or student visa. The same goes for transit passengers who stay within the airport’s international zone.
Visa – Is it one of the requirements for traveling to Switzerland from the USA?
Before we dive into visas, it’s important to note one key detail: Switzerland is not part of the European Union, but it is part of the Schengen Area. This matters because all Schengen countries follow the same visa rules. That said, if you are traveling from the United States for up to 90 days, you will not need a visa to enter Switzerland.
If you plan to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa that matches the purpose of your visit. Here are the two most common situations that require a visa:
Student visa
All non-European citizens will need a student visa to enter and stay in Switzerland for the duration of their studies, as long as the course or program lasts longer than 90 days. To start the process, visit the nearest Swiss embassy or consulate in the United States and schedule an appointment.
You will need to present:
- A valid passport.
- A certificate or acceptance letter from a Swiss university.
- A type D visa application.
- Proof that you have enough funds to cover your expenses while studying. You can show this with bank statements or credit cards with a sufficient limit, typically at least $1,600.
- Proof of payment of university fees, if applicable.
- A written statement confirming that you will leave the country at the end of your studies.
- Your resume.
- Medical insurance.
All of these documents will also be useful if you apply for a study scholarship in Switzerland. Receiving a scholarship can be a big advantage, as it helps cover a significant portion of your expenses while staying in the country.
Work visa
As a U.S. citizen, you will need a work visa to legally work in Switzerland, along with a residence permit and a job that has been approved in advance.
The National Visa (Type D) is required for U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals who plan to work in Switzerland for more than 90 days. To obtain it, you will need to provide:
- An employment contract with a Swiss company.
- A residence and work permit approved by the Swiss authorities (this is handled by your employer).
- Valid passport (at least six months).
- Medical insurance.
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof of accommodation in Switzerland.
- Completed and signed visa application form.
Once you have secured a job in Switzerland, your employer can start the process for your work and residence permits. After they are approved, book an appointment at the nearest Swiss consulate, submit all required documents, and pay the application fee. Visa approval can take around 8 to 12 weeks.
Passport
Another requirement for traveling to Switzerland from the USA is having a valid passport. It must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Switzerland. The passport should also be in good condition, have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps, and all information must be clearly legible. This is important because if you do not meet these conditions, Swiss immigration could deny you entry.
Accommodation address
You will also need to provide the address where you plan to stay in Switzerland. This can be an Airbnb, a coliving space, a hotel, or the home of a friend or family member. You will be asked to provide this information when completing the ETIAS application.
Immigration officers in Switzerland might ask where you’ll be staying during your trip. It’s a good idea to have a specific answer ready, like the name of a hotel, to avoid delays at entry. If your itinerary includes multiple cities or towns, make sure you have the addresses for all the places you’ll be staying.
Even though it can be a bit tedious, especially if you’re staying in multiple places, and authorities might not always ask for it, it’s still a good idea to have this information on hand.
ETIAS: The new requirement for traveling to Switzerland from the USA
Starting this year, all travelers from the United States, as well as many other countries, must obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to enter Switzerland and other Schengen Area countries.
What is it exactly? It is an electronic travel authorization linked to your passport, required for tourist or business stays under 90 days. It targets travelers who do not need a visa to enter Switzerland.
The process is simple and done entirely online through the official website. You’ll enter your personal details, making sure they match your passport, along with your travel plans and any criminal record information. After paying the fee of $7.30 with a credit or debit card, you just wait for approval. It usually takes no more than four days, so it’s best to apply a few days before your trip.
How to get through immigration smoothly
As long as you have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements for traveling to Switzerland from the USA, getting through immigration should be straightforward. If you travel often, this process may feel familiar, but if it’s new to you, these tips can help you stay calm and confident when dealing with Swiss border officials.
- Present your ETIAS and passport.
- If you are traveling as a tourist, have the addresses of your accommodations in Switzerland ready and be clear about the maximum length of stay in the country.
- Practice answers to questions such as: What is the purpose of your trip? How long do you plan to stay in Switzerland? Do you have a return ticket to the United States?
- Try to sound confident and relaxed, do not show documents unless asked, and do not provide unnecessary information.
Once you’ve cleared immigration, your Swiss adventure can officially begin.
Health insurance
Tourists visiting Switzerland are not required to have health insurance, but it’s still a good idea. The country’s healthcare system is among the best in the world, and also very expensive, so having coverage can save you from high medical bills if something happens, like an accident while skiing in the Alps. If you are coming on a work visa or with a residence permit, health insurance is mandatory to obtain your visa.
If you’re unsure which plan to choose, this article can help: Best Health Insurance for Foreigners in Switzerland. Make sure your coverage includes at least $31,200, and offers emergency care, hospital stays, and repatriation.
Other useful tips for traveling to Switzerland from the USA
Now that you know the essential requirements for traveling to Switzerland from the USA, here are some tips to help you make the most of your stay. Visiting Switzerland can be an unforgettable experience, but being prepared will help you make the most of it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you have travel insurance. It’s not required, but travel insurance can be a lifesaver if your flight is delayed or canceled, your luggage is lost or damaged, your transfer from the airport to your accommodation is delayed, or you have an accident or fall ill. In short, having travel insurance in Switzerland means peace of mind.
- Choose insurance that includes winter sports coverage. If you plan to do snow sports during your trip, make sure your insurance covers mountain rescue and accidents related to these activities. Keep in mind that not all policies include this.
- Get vaccinated against yellow fever. This only applies if you’re coming from countries with a risk of contagious diseases, such as certain parts of Africa, some provinces in Argentina, specific states in Brazil, Paraguay, or Venezuela.
- Obtain an International Driving Permit. Your U.S. driver’s license is valid for driving in Switzerland for up to 12 months. However, many car rental companies also require an international driving permit.
- Take cash and a travel card with you. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash, preferably in the local currency, when traveling abroad. You never know when a credit card might fail. Travel cards like Revolut, Wise, or N26 can also be very handy.
- Have an itinerary, but leave room for surprises. Switzerland has so much to offer, so it’s a good idea to have a travel plan, but leave room for surprises. A tiny alpine village off the tourist map, a lake few foreigners know about, a little restaurant that doesn’t look like much from the outside. Often, the magic of traveling lies in stepping off the beaten path and letting yourself be surprised.
Frequently asked questions about requirements for traveling to Switzerland from the USA
Overstaying your allowed time in Switzerland is not a good idea. The country is very strict about immigration rules and laws in general, so make sure to return to the United States on time. Otherwise, Swiss authorities could deport you and ban you from entering the Schengen Area. In some cases, fines ranging from $520–1,040 may also apply.
You can work remotely from Switzerland while visiting as a tourist for up to 90 days in a 180 day period. Keep in mind that your clients must be outside Switzerland. You are not allowed to provide services to Swiss companies or sign contracts with them. To work for businesses in Switzerland legally, you need a work visa or permit.
As you may know, Switzerland allows tourists to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. If you want to become a resident, the first step is to apply for a long-stay National Visa Type D. To live in Switzerland temporarily, you’ll need a B Permit, which you renew every year and which lets you live and work in the country.
People consider Switzerland one of the safest countries to travel to, thanks to its low crime, political stability, and reliable infrastructure. That said, it’s still smart to pay attention to local guidance and avoid neighborhoods with a reputation for trouble, particularly in bigger cities like Zurich or Bern.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
