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COUNTRY FIELD GUIDE / CH

Switzerland

Switzerland brings lakeside cities and Alpine scenery into one journey. Mountain visits depend on local weather, so keep an alternative city or museum plan.

Reviewed (UTC) 2026-09-07 · Official tourism resources ↗

Geographic reference · SwitzerlandMatterhorn landscapesKnow the place. Plan the journey.
chil (Camptocamp.org); derivative: Zacharie Grossen · Original photo & credits · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia thumbnail; displayed to fit the layout. See the source file for its original history.
Region
Europe
Country / territory code
CH / CHE
Calling prefix
+41
Entry options, clearly organised
396 records ↓

Passport and entry requirements

Ordinary passports · short tourist visits. Arrival cards, registration and other conditions may still apply. Routes separately recorded as ETA, eVisa or visa on arrival are not included in this list.

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198 records
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Reference information dated 14 June 2026. Reviewed official guidance takes priority where available. Confirm the current conditions before travelling.

IraqIQ · Asia Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
IrelandIE · Europe Visa exemption Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

EU/EEA/Swiss free-movement category, not the third-country 90/180-day allowance. A valid national identity card or passport is normally needed. Stays beyond three months may have registration or residence conditions. This summary concerns a short visit, not a work or settlement assessment.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
IsraelIL · Asia Visa exemption Recorded stay90 days Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

Annex II short-stay visa exemption: at most 90 days across the Schengen area in any rolling 180-day period, not 90 days in each country. Ordinary-passport tourism only. Travel-document validity, purpose, funds, return travel and admission checks still apply. Check the official ETIAS portal for the travel date; an authorisation is not a visa.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
ItalyIT · Europe Visa exemption Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

EU/EEA/Swiss free-movement category, not the third-country 90/180-day allowance. A valid national identity card or passport is normally needed. Stays beyond three months may have registration or residence conditions. This summary concerns a short visit, not a work or settlement assessment.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
JamaicaJM · Americas Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
JapanJP · Asia Visa exemption Recorded stay90 days Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

Annex II short-stay visa exemption: at most 90 days across the Schengen area in any rolling 180-day period, not 90 days in each country. Ordinary-passport tourism only. Travel-document validity, purpose, funds, return travel and admission checks still apply. Check the official ETIAS portal for the travel date; an authorisation is not a visa.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
JordanJO · Asia Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
KazakhstanKZ · Asia Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
KenyaKE · Africa Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
KiribatiKI · Oceania Visa exemption Recorded stay90 days Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

Annex II short-stay visa exemption: at most 90 days across the Schengen area in any rolling 180-day period, not 90 days in each country. Ordinary-passport tourism only. Travel-document validity, purpose, funds, return travel and admission checks still apply. Check the official ETIAS portal for the travel date; an authorisation is not a visa.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
KosovoXK · Europe Visa exemption Recorded stay90 days Reference snapshot2026-06-14+

Dated reference, not a live decision · 2026-06-14. Check the policy dates and permitted stay for your trip. An unspecified end date does not mean a permanent exemption.

KuwaitKW · Asia Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
KyrgyzstanKG · Asia Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
LaosLA · Asia Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
LatviaLV · Europe Visa exemption Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

EU/EEA/Swiss free-movement category, not the third-country 90/180-day allowance. A valid national identity card or passport is normally needed. Stays beyond three months may have registration or residence conditions. This summary concerns a short visit, not a work or settlement assessment.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
LebanonLB · Asia Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
LesothoLS · Africa Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
LiberiaLR · Africa Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
LibyaLY · Africa Visa required Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

A short-stay visa is normally required under Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. This is the standard ordinary-passport tourism category; existing residence rights, long-stay visas, family-member rights or other exemptions can change the requirement. National admission restrictions must be checked separately.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
LiechtensteinLI · Europe Visa exemption Recorded stayDuration not specified in source Official-source summary2026-09-07+

Conditions and important exceptions

EU/EEA/Swiss free-movement category, not the third-country 90/180-day allowance. A valid national identity card or passport is normally needed. Stays beyond three months may have registration or residence conditions. This summary concerns a short visit, not a work or settlement assessment.

Application steps and guide

For a visa application, use the consulate of the sole or main destination; for equal-length visits, check the first-entry rule. Consult the destination authority for the document checklist and appointments. Count earlier Schengen visits as well. Official visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en ; ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

Effective from
Not stated in the source
Policy end date
Not stated in the source
Reviewed (UTC)
2026-09-07
Sources and coverage

Reference information dated 14 June 2026. Reviewed official guidance takes priority where available. Confirm the current conditions before travelling.

Check the policy dates and permitted stay for your trip. An unspecified end date does not mean a permanent exemption.

Reference information: Passport Index. Policy dates and official checks are shown separately.

Official entry guidance ↗
02 / Switzerland

Places worth exploring

Matterhorn landscapes
chil (Camptocamp.org); derivative: Zacharie Grossen · Original photo & credits · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia thumbnail; displayed to fit the layout. See the source file for its original history.
01 / Switzerland

Matterhorn landscapes

Choose a viewpoint or mountain excursion that matches your experience. The photograph is an Alpine view, not a promise of visibility or a recommendation to climb.

Open official website ↗
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne
Simon Koopmann · Original photo & credits · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia thumbnail; displayed to fit the layout. See the source file for its original history.
02 / Switzerland

Chapel Bridge, Lucerne

Combine the covered bridge with a lakeside and old-town walk. Allow pedestrians to pass and take photographs without stopping the flow on the narrow bridge.

Open official website ↗
03 / Switzerland

Eat, stay & get around

What to eat

Ideas to try: rösti, fondue and regional bakery food. Start with a small selection, check the menu price and explain any dietary needs before ordering.

Tea, coffee & drinks

Look for coffee, hot chocolate and tea. Ask about sweetness, milk and serving size; keep drinking-water arrangements separate from tasting local drinks.

Where to stay

Areas to compare: Lucerne near the station or lake; Zermatt for a separate Matterhorn visit. Check the exact address, walking access, room size, cancellation terms and late-arrival procedure before paying.

Getting around

Trains, buses and boats can be combined, but mountain excursions may need separate tickets. Compare passes against the routes and dates you will actually use.

Season & weather planning

Choose the season for your specific region, not the destination name alone. Recheck local forecasts, closures and public-holiday demand shortly before departure; keep one indoor or low-effort alternative.

Practical reminders

Save the official visitor and transport links offline before going out. Carry the documents needed for your trip securely, respect worship and residential spaces, and verify any requested payment through the official provider.

A suggested route

Start with one base and one main attraction per day. The places above are separate ideas, not a timed package: check the map and reserve transfer time before combining them. Leave the final day flexible for weather or transport changes.

Geographic reference

Your next planning steps

Explore destination-specific reading and planning tools. Community guides and map services are not immigration authorities.

At a glance · Geographic reference

Switzerland is listed in Europe. Its ISO travel-directory codes are CH / CHE. Geographic neighbours in the reference dataset include Austria · France · Italy · Liechtenstein · Germany. The international calling prefix is +41.

Reference facts, not a reviewed travel advisory. Maps are schematic; borders and entry permissions must be checked separately.

Official entry guidance ↗
Map information and credits

Geographic data: countryinfo / mledoze / Natural Earth · ODbL 1.0 · Machine-readable data

Official websites

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Know the place. Plan the journey.

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