As of July 2023, Switzerland holds the 21st spot in the global ranking of the VisaGuide Passport Index, allowing its citizens to roam freely across 155 countries sans visa. However, certain nations require a visa before entry, necessitating Swiss nationals to obtain one in advance.

Visa-Free Destinations for Swiss Passport Holders

Swiss nationals, equipped with a valid passport, have the liberty to explore 155 countries and territories without a visa as of July 2023. Here's a comprehensive list of these nations:

Note that for visa-free travel, a valid passport—usually with at least six months of validity beyond the departure date—is mandatory. Additionally, securing travel health insurance may be a requisite for certain destination countries.

Passport-Free Entry for Swiss Citizens

Swiss citizens can gain access to certain countries simply by presenting a valid ID card, eliminating the need for a passport. These countries are Albania, Aruba ,Austria, Belgium ,Caribbean ,Netherlands ,Bosnia and Herzegovina ,Bulgaria ,Croatia ,Curaçao ,Cyprus ,Czechia ,Denmark ,Estonia ,Faroe Islands ,Finland ,France ,French Guiana, French Polynesia, French West Indies ,Germany ,Greece ,Greenland ,Hungary ,Iceland ,Ireland ,Italy ,Latvia ,Liechtenstein ,Lithuania ,Luxembourg ,Malta, Mayotte ,Moldova Monaco ,Montenegro ,Netherlands ,New Caledonia ,North Macedonia, Norway ,Poland ,Portugal, Réunion ,Romania ,San Marino ,Serbia ,Slovakia ,Slovenia, Spain, Saint Martin ,Sweden ,Türkiye ,Vatican City.

eVisa Facilities for Swiss Nationals

Swiss passport holders can apply for an eVisa for the following 12 countries, presenting a simplified, online version of the traditional visa application process:

Upon approval of the eVisa application, an email confirmation is sent out, along with a document that must be printed and presented at the border. While the visa registration is digital, carrying a hard copy is still advisable in case immigration officers request for it.

Visa on Arrival for Swiss Citizens

For Swiss citizens, the following 31 countries offer a visa upon arrival Bahrain, Bangladesh ,Burkina Faso ,Burundi ,Cambodia, Cabo Verde ,Comoros ,Guinea-Bissau ,Iran, Jordan ,Kuwait ,Lebanon ,Madagascar ,Malawi ,Maldives ,Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Myanmar ,Nepal, Palau ,Papua New Guinea, Rwanda ,Samoa ,Saudi Arabia, Seychelles ,Somalia ,Saint Helena ,Tanzania ,Togo ,Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Upon arrival, visitors must apply for a visa at a dedicated section in the airport, facilitating immediate access.

Visa-Mandatory Nations for Swiss Citizens

Swiss passport holders must obtain a visa beforehand to gain entry to these 28 countries:

Visa Application Process for Swiss Citizens

• Appointment Scheduling: Book an appointment with a local visa application center in Switzerland.
• Document Preparation: Gather all the necessary documents for your visa application, which could include your passport, application form, health insurance, and more. Certain documents may require an apostille stamp or foreign office certification.
• Application Submission: Submit your application and attend the visa interview. You may also be asked to submit biometrics.

Please note, if you already possess a valid multi-entry visa, you are not required to apply for a new visa.

Essential Documents for Visa Application

For a successful apply for e-Visa application, Swiss nationals must submit required document for Swiss Citizens :

• Valid passport (and a photocopy)
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Travel health insurance for the entire duration of stay
• Receipt for visa fee payment
• Detailed travel itinerary
• Letter of invitation (if applicable)
• Proof of return flight booking
• Proof of accommodation booking
• Proof of sufficient funds for the visit
• Civil status documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)

Please note that visa applications could be denied if the applicant has a criminal history.

Transit Visas for Swiss Citizens

While travelling to certain destinations, Swiss passport holders may need to apply for a transit visa. This is particularly necessary when you are passing through a country en route to your final destination. 

The specifics vary from one nation to the next. Some countries may exempt Swiss travelers from the transit visa requirement if they remain in the airport and leave within a specified timeframe. Therefore, it's always advisable to verify transit visa requirements before finalizing your travel itinerary.

Work and Student Visas for Swiss Citizens

Swiss citizens seeking to work or study in a country that is not visa-free will generally need to apply for a work or student visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in the host country for the duration of your studies or employment. 

The application process involves providing proof of your admission to a course or your employment offer. There may also be requirements for health checks and proof of financial resources.

Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETA) for Swiss Citizens

Certain countries have an electronic system for travel authorization. This allows citizens from eligible countries to apply for entry authorization online. ETAs are typically required for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through the country. 

The United States (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and Australia (eVisitor) are examples of countries that require ETAs. Swiss citizens should check whether their destination country has such a system and apply accordingly.

Validity and Renewal of Swiss Passports

Swiss passports have a validity of 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under the age of 18. It's important to check the expiry date of your passport before planning your travels. 

Some countries require that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to leave that country. Renewing a Swiss passport typically takes several weeks, so it's best to renew it well ahead of your intended travel date.

Dual Citizenship and Travel for Swiss Citizens

Swiss citizens with dual citizenship can travel with two passports. This can have advantages in terms of visa-free travel, but it can also complicate matters. 

It's important to research the specific requirements of the countries you plan to visit, as well as those of your second country of citizenship. You should also be aware that if you enter a country on one passport, you should also leave on the same passport.

Travel Advisories for Swiss Citizens

Before travelling abroad, Swiss citizens should always check the current travel advisories. This information can be found on the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) website. 

The advisories provide information on safety and security, health risks, local laws and customs, entry and exit requirements, and possible disruptions to travel. It's always important to stay informed and prepare accordingly to ensure a safe and hassle-free trip.

FAQ

How many countries can Swiss citizens visit without a visa?

As of July 2023, Swiss citizens can travel visa-free to 155 countries and territories.

Do Swiss citizens need a visa to travel to the United States?

No, Swiss citizens are part of the Visa Waiver Program and can enter the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. However, they must apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travel.

Which countries can Swiss citizens enter without a passport, using only an ID card?

Swiss citizens can enter numerous countries within the European Union and Schengen area, as well as a few non-EU countries, with only an ID card. These include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and many more.

Can Swiss citizens work in EU countries without a visa?

Yes, Switzerland is part of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons with the EU, which allows Swiss citizens to live and work in EU countries without a visa.

Do Swiss citizens need a visa for China?

Yes, Swiss citizens need to apply for a visa before traveling to China. This involves filling out an application form, providing a passport-size photo, and supplying relevant travel documents.

How can Swiss citizens apply for a visa?

To apply for a visa, Swiss citizens typically need to contact the consulate or embassy of the country they wish to visit, make an appointment, and prepare the required documents, including a valid passport, completed application form, proof of travel health insurance, and possibly more, depending on the country. After submitting their application, they might need to attend an interview or provide biometric data.

What are eVisas and how can Swiss citizens obtain them?

eVisas are digital visas obtained online. They are offered by a growing number of countries and can often be obtained more quickly and easily than traditional visas. Swiss citizens can apply for eVisas to a variety of countries, including Angola, Azerbaijan, Egypt, India, and more.