Passport Atlas

Entering Switzerland

Switzerland playbook updated 2026-09. Openness first, then how to apply and how to stay.

Openness rank

#92

Entry openness

Visa free

Visa required

105

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Country profile

Capital

Bern

Population

9.1 million

Area

41,290 km²

Currency

Swiss franc CHF

Languages

French, Italian, Swiss German

Time zone

UTC+01:00

Foreign-born

2.8 million · 2024

Migrant share

31.1%

Ethnic groups · 2020

Swiss69.2%
other16.7%
German4.2%
Italian3.2%
Portuguese2.5%
French2.1%
Other2.1%

Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.

Travel notes

Plug

Type C / Type J

Mains

230 V · 50 Hz

Driving

Right

Emergency

Police 117 · Ambulance 144

Dialing code

+41

Airports

ZRH · GVA · BRN · ACH

Highlights

Matterhorn
Jungfrau
Chapel Bridge
Old City of Bern

Switzerland Passport Guides · Switzerland Visa site Immigration site

How to get a visa

Schengen short-stay (type C)
Visit / tourism · 90 days in any 180-day period
- Apply at a Schengen consulate or visa centre in your country of residence, with biometrics, for the main destination.
- Visa-exempt passports use the EES entry/exit system. ETIAS will apply on the EU timetable — confirm whether your passport is in scope before travel.
Permit B (work)
Work · 1 year, renewable; non-EU is quota-limited
- The employer files with the canton, showing the role cannot be filled from Switzerland/EU.