Schengen/Dublin refers to the agreements signed following coordinated attempts by EU member states to enhance the personal freedoms of its citizens, while at the same time improving security within Europe’s borders to a significant degree. On Friday, December 12, 2008, the Swiss association agreement under Schengen entered into force. Ever since this date, Schengen visas have been accepted for entry into Switzerland.

You can obtain further details on visa regulations through the information provided below, as well as in the documents listed on the right hand side of this page. In addition, the Regional consular center Benelux can provide further information, as can other Swiss representative offices abroad, Cantonal Migration Offices, and the Federal Office for Migration.

A number of different regulations apply for entry into Switzerland (e.g. those for tourists, students, employed persons, and retired persons). It is worth clarifying these before you arrive. If you intend to travel to Switzerland, are expecting someone to visit Switzerland from abroad, or would like to invite someone to Switzerland, the information sheet for entry into Switzerland (listed on the right hand side of this page) could prove useful.

• For short-term stays of up to 3 months as part of six months' stay in the wider Schengen area you will need a visa. You can fill out the Schengen visa application form online.
• For long-term stays in Switzerland that are longer than three months and require an official permit you will need a national visa D. The visa application form for a national visa D can likewise be filled out online. Visa application are at the charge of € 60.00.

Anyone who wants to work in Switzerland during their stay or who wishes to stay in Switzerland for longer than three months will require a permit. This will be issued by the Cantonal Migration Offices. A distinction is made between a short-term residence permit (less than 1 year), a fixed-term residence permit and an open-ended residence permit.

• The various residence permits for citizens of EU/EFTA member states can be found via the following link: 
   Permits to stay for EU/EFTA citizens
• The various residence permits for nationals of other countries can be found via the following link: 
   Permits to stay for other countries. 

Further information can be obtained from the website of the Federal Office for Migration.

When do I require a visa for entry into the United States? 
Anyone who stays in the United States for more than 90 days requires a visa. Information on visas for the US can be found at the following website  U.S. Department of State

What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)? 
International travellers who want to travel to the US without a visa (as part of the Visa Waiver Program) have been subject to more rigorous security requirements since 12 January 2009, and must also pay an application fee. All eligible travellers who would like to enter the US as part of the Visa Waiver Program must submit an application for the issuance of a travel permit and pay a fee once the process is complete. 

Who is required to fill out the ESTA form? 
If you hold one of the following passports and do not intend to stay longer than 90 days in the United States (e.g. you are travelling on holiday, you can fill out the application online at the following website:
 Electronic System for Travel Authorization
You can find the form, together with information on how to fill out the application, among the documentation listed on the right hand side of this page.  

Important: 
Register as early as possible before your trip to the United States, as it may take up to 72 hours (3 days) for the travel authorisation to come through.

• Passport model "03": If your passport was issued prior to 2 October 2006, you can travel to the US without a visa as part of the Visa Waiver Program. 
• Passport model "06": Holders of this passport can likewise travel to the US without a visa as part of the Visa Waiver Program.