Frequently Asked Switzerland ETIAS Questions


Are all US citizens required to obtain a Switzerland ETIAS visa waiver?


When the new travel authorization program is made mandatory in 2025, all American citizens will have to apply for an Switzerland ETIAS visa waiver. The ETIAS visa waiver for short-term travelers will replace the current visa-free Schengen travel. It will be effective in 2025.

A grace period of six months will be granted to international travelers and border officials in order to help them adjust to the new policies.

Before traveling to Europe, travelers should complete the ETIAS Switzerland application. The new travel authorization system will go live in 2025. ETIAS online applications should be submitted no later than 96hrs (4 days) prior to departure. This will allow you ample time to complete your application and resolve any issues that may arise during the approval process.

How do I apply for a Switzerland ETIAS visa waiver to travel from the US?


The ETIAS application process for travel forms is simple. All American citizens must submit an online application through the ETIAS website before traveling to Switzerland or any other country in the Schengen area. The basic information required to submit an Switzerland ETIAS request is the contact information. The online application should take less than 10 minutes in the majority of cases.

Do I need a passport to apply for Switzerland ETIAS?


Yes. International travelers must have a valid passport to be able to prove their identity for ETIAS travel authorization. All passports must be biometric and machine-readable. Your passport must remain valid for at least three months from the intended arrival date.

This applies to all US citizens as well as those from the other 59 eligible countries for Switzerland ETIAS. Visit our homepage for a complete listing.

How much does it cost to apply for an Switzerland ETIAS visa waiver?


To apply for a travel authorization, all applicants over 18 years of age must pay the Switzerland ETIAS fee. ETIAS travel authorizations are available to minors under 18 without extra cost. You must pay the fee online to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. If payment is not received, your ETIAS application may be put on hold.

When will the Switzerland ETIAS visa waiver program go live?


The current Schengen border control system will be replaced by the ETIAS visa waiver program in 2025. To minimize disruptions, there will be a grace period that can last six to twelve months, depending on the circumstances. This grace period allows international travelers and border agents to adjust to the new travel regulations slowly and seamlessly.

It is easy to submit an online Switzerland ETIAS request. An applicant will need to have a valid passport with biometrics that is not expired, a stable internet connection, a valid email address, and enough funds to pay the ETIAS fee. The application can be completed on a tablet or laptop as well as a desktop computer. ETIAS mobile apps will work with both Android and Apple smartphones.

Is it possible for minors or children to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver?


Yes. All eligible travelers, children and adults alike, must apply for Switzerland ETIAS visa waivers to allow them to travel to the Schengen area in Europe. The visa waiver will enable them to travel within the European Schengen area, beginning in 2025 and continuing after that. A parent or legal guardian should complete the online ETIAS application on behalf of minors and children. Visit our homepage to see a complete list.

With Switzerland ETIAS travel authorization, can I study or work in Switzerland?


No. ETIAS cannot be used in place of a national study or work visa. ETIAS Switzerland covers 60 countries. It is an electronic travel authorization for citizens of eligible countries. The ETIAS visa waiver can be used to travel, travel, or tourism for a maximum of 90 days. This 180-day period allows for up to 90 days. This visa waiver does not permit foreign citizens to study or work in Switzerland or other countries in the Schengen area. You must apply for an ETIAS visa to study or work in the country.

Is it possible for me to apply for an ETIAS waiver visa even though I have been convicted of a crime?


Before entering any Schengen country, international travelers must submit an Switzerland ETIAS online application. The process may be slightly different for applicants who have been convicted of a crime than those without a criminal record. This includes minor offenses like disorderly conduct, driving while intoxicated (DUI), loitering and shoplifting.

International travelers with criminal records may not be able to access the ETIAS program for travel authorization. Contact our customer service department for more information.

I am a citizen of an Switzerland ETIAS country. Do I require an ETIAS travel permit to travel?


No. ETIAS visa waiver is not mandatory for citizens of Schengen countries. They can freely enter any Schengen country as Schengen citizens because they do not have to present a passport. Let’s say you are a German citizen who wants to travel to Switzerland. You don’t have to apply for ETIAS in that situation, as both countries are members of Schengen.
It doesn’t matter if you have a American passport. Citizens of other eligible countries are also eligible for the ETIAS Visa Waiver Program. ETIAS permits must be applied for at least 96 hours (4 working days) prior to your departure date.
The Schengen region is not the same as the European Union. All EU members are not eligible to participate in the Schengen Agreement. Some Schengen countries are not members of the European Union. Visit our homepage to see a complete list of 60 countries that are eligible for Switzerland ETIAS visa waivers and a list listing all 26 Schengen countries.

I'm a citizen of more than one country. When I submit my ETIAS request, which citizenship should I choose?


No. ETIAS visa waiver is not mandatory for citizens of Schengen countries. They can freely enter any

It will depend on which nationality you are. If you are a dual citizen in at least one ETIAS country (e.g., a citizen of the US and France), then an ETIAS visa waiver is not required. Without a Switzerland ETIAS, your French passport is sufficient to enter the Schengen region.
You should consider, however, whether you are a dual citizen of two non-Schengen countries. As long as at least one eligible country is included, you can apply for an ETIAS Visa Waiver. Let’s say you are a dual citizen of India and the US. If you are a dual citizen of India and the US, you can apply to ETIAS with your American passport. A dual citizen of the United States and Thailand may apply for an ETIAS visa waiver with their American passport. To travel to Schengen countries, an Indian passport would require a more traditional Schengen Visa.
Contact our customer service team if you have any further questions.
Schengen country as Schengen citizens because they do not have to present a passport. Let’s say you are a German citizen who wants to travel to Switzerland. You don’t have to apply for ETIAS authorization Switzerland in that situation, as both countries are members of Schengen.

It doesn’t matter if you have a American passport. Citizens of other eligible countries are also eligible for the ETIAS Visa Waiver Program. ETIAS permits must be applied for at least 96 hours (4 working days) prior to your departure date.

The Schengen region is not the same as the European Union. All EU members are not eligible to participate in the Schengen Agreement. Some Schengen countries are not members of the European Union. Visit our homepage to see a complete list of 60 countries that are eligible for Switzerland ETIAS visa waivers and a list listing all 26 Schengen countries.

Is Switzerland ETIAS required to travel from the US to Switzerland?


Yes. American citizens will need to apply online for ETIAS approval to travel from the US to Switzerland as soon as ETIAS becomes live in 2025. ETIAS visa waivers are available online to foreign nationals. You can apply online for a Switzerland ETIAS visa waiver if you are an American citizen.

Get notified when ETIAS becomes mandatory!