Americans can visit Switzerland visa-free for up to 90 days. Here's what you need to know about entry requirements, the Schengen rule, and ETIAS for Zurich, Geneva, and the Alps.
Switzerland's Alps, chocolate, and precision watches draw millions of visitors each year. Here's what Americans need to know about entry requirements for Zurich, Geneva, and beyond.
The Short Answer: No Visa Needed
US citizens do not need a visa to visit Switzerland for stays under 90 days. According to the US State Department, Americans can enter Switzerland for tourism or business without obtaining a visa in advance.
While Switzerland isn't part of the European Union, it is a member of the Schengen Area. This means the same visa-free rules that apply to EU countries like France and Germany also apply to Switzerland.
The 90/180-Day Rule
Switzerland follows the Schengen 90/180-day rule: you can stay up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.
Days spent in Switzerland count toward your total alongside visits to other Schengen countries. A week in Zurich plus two weeks in Paris plus a month in Rome all draw from your single 90-day allowance.
Entry Requirements
According to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, you'll need:
- Valid US passport: Should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If transiting through other Schengen countries, at least 3 months beyond your departure date.
- Proof of sufficient funds: Evidence you can support yourself during your stay.
- Return or onward ticket: Proof of your plans to leave.
What's Changing: EES and ETIAS
Entry/Exit System (EES): Active since late 2025, this system collects biometrics when entering the Schengen Area. Your fingerprints and facial image will be recorded at Swiss borders.
ETIAS: Starting in late 2026, Americans will need ETIAS authorization before traveling to Switzerland. It's an online registration (not a visa), valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple entries across the Schengen Area.
Staying Longer Than 90 Days
If you want to stay in Switzerland beyond the 90-day Schengen limit, the process is more complex than in some other European countries. Switzerland handles long-stay immigration at the cantonal (state) level, not federally.
You'll need:
- Advance approval from the cantonal authority where you plan to reside
- A long-stay visa from a Swiss embassy or consulate
Common categories include work permits, student visas, and family reunification. Start the process well in advance since cantonal approval can take time.
US Consular Services in Switzerland
The US maintains consular agencies in both Zurich and Geneva, in addition to the Embassy in Bern. These offices can assist American citizens with passport issues, emergency services, and other consular matters during your stay.
Track Your Days
If you're visiting Switzerland as part of a broader European trip, keep track of your Schengen days. Use our free Schengen calculator or download the Days Monitor app on iOS for automatic tracking.
Disclaimer: Entry requirements can change. Always verify current information with the US State Department or the Swiss government before traveling.
Track Your Schengen Days
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