ETIAS Visa Waiver for Switzerland

As of now, many non-EU citizens only need a passport to visit Europe. This is set to change from 2025. Non-EU citizens will need an ETIAS visa waiver for Switzerland to enter the country and travel throughout the Schengen Area.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System or ETIAS is a visa waiver program that intends to strengthen the borders of the Schengen zone. This is done by screening and keeping a record of non-EU visitors who travel to Switzerland.

So I need to apply for a visa for Switzerland?

ETIAS is not a visa; rather, it is a pre-screening system that allows the Schengen Zone to better control who enters its borders.

For visitors traveling to Switzerland, the information about the ETIAS visa waiver is the same for all EU countries found within the Schengen Area. Once approved, visitors may move freely throughout the Schengen zone for up to 90 days.

Switzerland, the EU, and the Schengen Area

Switzerland is found in Central Europe, surrounded by mountains and lakes that make up the country’s landscape. The official languages include French, German, Italian, and Romansh. Zurich is the largest city and the currency used is the Swiss Franc.

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Switzerland is not actually part of the EU; although it does use some of the European Union’s laws. Since 2009, Switzerland became part of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is made up of several countries in Europe. The purpose of this area is to function as one jurisdiction for international travel.

On entering the free-travel area, a visitor can travel around without hard borders or additional passport controls. As a part of the Schengen Zone, tourists who have a Swiss ETIAS can travel around Switzerland and to any of the other Schengen countries.

Who needs ETIAS to travel to Switzerland?

When the ETIAS system is in place, citizens of non-EU countries will have to apply for an ETIAS before they visit Switzerland or any other Schengen countries. Currently, there are over 60 countries required to have an ETIAS if they wish to travel around Europe.

Starting in 2025, people who are currently allowed to travel visa-free to the European Union will need to apply for ETIAS. The ETIAS Switzerland allows people to visit Switzerland and the countries found within the Schengen zone for tourist, business, medical, and transit purposes.

How to complete your Swiss ETIAS application

The ETIAS application is quick and easy. The application can be accessed completely online and only takes about 10 minutes to complete.

However, be sure to meet the requirements for ETIAS before you start. Have your passport data on hand when you start the application.

Fill out the online application form with your personal details, including your surname, first name, date of birth, place of birth, current nationality.

Provide your home address and passport/travel document information.

Pay the ETIAS travel authorisation fee with a debit or credit card.

Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your Swiss ETIAS travel authorisation, which will be valid for 3 years. Please note that if your stay in Switzerland exceeds 90 days, you may need a consular visa.

What are the passport and document requirements to get a Swiss ETIAS?

All travellers need a passport with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the expected date of departure from the Schengen Area.

While filling out the form, please enter the following:

  • Number
  • Issue and expiry dates
  • Nationality
  • Minimum validity of 3 months after the trip

All applicants should provide education and work experience, contact information, and home address.

Minors also need an ETIAS. Guardians or parents can complete an application for them.

Travel information about Switzerland

Switzerland is a country that is sure to please a wide range of travellers. Visitors can witness spectacular medieval landmarks such as the chapel in Lucerne or the Old Town in Geneva.

Zürich is the largest city and known to be the banking headquarters of the world. The city boasts a mix of old and new, with a quaint Old Town that is split by the Limmat River. Furthermore, Switzerland is second behind Japan for the longest life expectancy in the world.

Since the country is situated in the middle of the Alps, Switzerland is full of world-renowned ski resorts and hiking trails. Whether tourists choose to ski the slopes of the high mountain peaks, canoe on one of the many lakes or get lost in nature, the options are nearly endless.

Visitors with a sweet tooth will be happy to hear that Switzerland is famous for its chocolate. This is because the country is the birthplace of milk chocolate. Since its birth in 1857, Swiss people take pride in continuing the legacy by producing some of the most delicious chocolate treats in the world.