Visas
Information and practical advice about visas in Switzerland.
EU ministers agree new rules around suspending visa-free travel
European affairs ministers gave the go ahead this week to new rules that will make it easier to suspend the right to visa-free travel for non-EU countries under certain circumstances.
COMPARE: Which country in Europe is the easiest to retire to?
Finishing work and heading off to a glorious new life as a retiree in Europe is the dream for many, but just how easy is it to do in reality? We compare the rules in 9 countries in Europe.
How can foreign nationals bring their family members to Switzerland?
Family reunification can be tricky in Switzerland, depending on where you and your family are from. Here is what you need to know.
Europe to draw up new visa strategy to bring in skilled non-EU workers
The European Commission is preparing a new visa strategy to attract "top talent from abroad that is needed to fill skills and labour shortages in the EU and drive research and innovation."
'Cascade scheme': Who can benefit from longer term Schengen visas?
Certain non-EU nationals, including Indian citizens, can benefit from a new type of Schengen visa, which rewards travellers with an established travel history, and allows multiple entries to the EU/Schengen area over a long period of time.
Which European countries now offer a 'digital nomad' visa?
With the world of work rapidly changing, digital nomad visas are now in high demand as a way to experience life in another country while continuing to work remotely. Here are the European countries that you can obtain one for, and what’s involved.
American barred from returning to Switzerland after overstaying visa
A US citizen has been ordered to leave Switzerland and barred from returning before a certain date after overstaying his visa.
EXPLAINED: How to get a working holiday visa in Switzerland
Switzerland has its own ‘working holiday visa’ scheme for younger people, although there are some important differences you should know about. Here’s what you need to know.
EES and ETIAS: Prepare for the major travel changes in Europe
There are some big changes due to come into effect in 2025 which will affect travel in and out of the European Union for non-EU citizens such as Brits, Americans, Australians and Canadians. Here's how EES and ETIAS will affect you.
Cost for getting a short-stay Schengen visa to rise on June 11th
The fee for getting a Schengen visa will rise by 12 percent in June, the European Commission has confirmed.
How much money do you need to enter Switzerland on a tourist visa?
While tourists from many countries can enter Switzerland with just their passports, others need to have financial proof that they will be able to support themselves while in the country.
EU set to hike cost for getting a Schengen visa
The fee for obtaining a Schengen visa looks set to rise by 12 percent if the European Commission has its way.
Mythbuster: Can you really 'cheat' the Schengen 90-day rule?
It's human nature to look for a loophole, shortcut or workaround to the rules, but most of the advertised 'dodges' to the EU's 90-day rule are nothing of the sort.
Will American tourists need to pay a fee to visit Switzerland?
The EU has plans to introduce an authorisation system for non-EU holidaymakers - including Americans when entering the EU and Schengen zone. Here's how it will work for people travelling to Switzerland in future.
LATEST: EU agrees to launch digital-only Schengen visa application process
Non-EU nationals who need a Schengen visa to travel to European countries will soon be able to apply online, after EU council and the European Parliament announced an agreement on Tuesday.
How many travellers are turned away at European borders because of 90 day limit?
Many Non-EU nationals, including Britons since Brexit, need to make sure they don't go over the 90-day rule in the EU/Schengen area. But how many people are turned away at European borders because they overstayed?
Your key questions answered about the Schengen area's 90-day rule
The EU/Schengen area's '90-day' rule is a complicated one that causes much confusion for travellers - here we answer some of the most common questions from readers of The Local.
ETIAS: EU postpones launch of €7 visa waiver for tourists
The EU has postponed the start date of its €7 ETIAS visa waiver for tourists - due to come into effect later this year - until 2024.
Switzerland suspends eased visa scheme for Russians
Switzerland on Friday suspended a simplified visa regime with Russia, aligning itself with the European Union which has taken a similar step in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Which countries does Switzerland have working holiday visa agreements with?
Switzerland has made reciprocal agreements regarding working holiday visas with several countries. Here's what you need to know.
What is the EU's 'single permit' for third-country nationals and can I get one?
In 2020, 2.7 million non-EU citizens were issued a so-called "single permit" to both reside and work in the EU. But what is the single permit, how does it work and what could change in the future?
REVEALED: EU plans digital-only Schengen visa application process
Soon those non-EU nationals requested to have a Schengen visa to travel to European countries will no longer need to go to a consulate to submit the application and get a passport sticker, but will be able to apply online.
'Shady characters': Will EU countries now put an end to 'golden passport' schemes?
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine European countries are coming under pressure to end backdoor routes to EU citizenship which are deemed to be unfair and "shady". This week MEPs in the European parliament made their opinions on the scheme clear.