European Travel Information and Authorization System

Essential Information for American citizens traveling with ETIAS for Switzerland

American citizens will soon be able to travel to Switzerland and other ETIAS countries once the new ETIAS for Switzerland goes live in 2025. The new system practically replaces the existing regulations regarding visa-free travel from the US to the Schengen area and four more countries.

 

ETIAS Process Step - 1
STEP 1

Get notified when ETIAS is mandatory

ETIAS Process Step - 2
STEP 2

Start the application with us

ETIAS Process Step - 3
STEP 3

Receive ETIAS confirmation

ETIAS Process Step - 4
STEP 4

Welcome to Europe


How to travel from the US with ETIAS for Switzerland?

Starting from 2025, the new ETIAS for Switzerland will become mandatory for Americans and 59 other nationalities, including Americans citizens, Australians, Canadians, and many more. As such, ETIAS is not aimed to curb travel from the US in any way. Quite the opposite, in fact. The new ETIAS for Switzerland will harmonize practices across all ETIAS countries, combating terrorism, curbing illegal immigration, and ensuring protection against health threats coming from abroad. The system will also enhance and improve traveler’s experience, resulting in fewer queues at airports and a fast-track, expedited entry into ETIAS countries such as Switzerland.
Intrepid explorations to the summit of mount Matterhorn will appeal to thrill seekers, or otherwise a relaxed cable-car journey will suffice to see the wonders of the surrounding Swiss landscape.

As of March 2022, Switzerland has dropped its restrictions on foreign travelers and does not require any proof of vaccination nor masks for visitors in public or private spaces. Please note that the ongoing global COVID-19 crisis may force Switzerland to impose additional travel restrictions and border restrictions. These changes to Switzerland’s border security policy won’t affect the ETIAS travel authorization program. You can rest assured that we will continue to support all international travelers who have trusted us. We will continue to make every effort to ensure that our website has the most up-to-date information.
Get notified when ETIAS becomes mandatory! Check the latest news about travel requirements in Europe

Why should you travel to Switzerland?

As small a country as it seems, Switzerland offers an incredible array of experiences and sightseeing attractions to marvel at.
First of all, the country offers a wide variety of delicacies and tasty food to choose from. Swiss people often joke on how nobody in the country would get along if it wasn’t for their shared love of cheese and chocolate. And indeed, Swiss cheese and Swiss chocolate are among the most prized ingredients in world cuisine. There are hundreds of types of cheese in Switzerland, but every village might argue which one is best for fondue. But everyone will agree that Lindt and Toblerone are what you should be looking into when it comes to small gifts for your family back in America.
Intrepid explorations to the summit of mount Matterhorn will appeal to thrill seekers, or otherwise a relaxed cable-car journey will suffice to see the wonders of the surrounding Swiss landscape.
But there’s not only the food – Switzerland’s stunning scenery is made up of beautiful mountains, lakes, and charming villages. These scenes make Switzerland a great destination for exploring new cultures and holidays.
The country’s high-peak Alps, mountains and lakes account for up to 62 per cent of its total area. Even though Switzerland is small geographically, it can be overwhelming when trying to decide where to go.
Each city in Switzerland is unique, with its own landscapes and extraordinary city life. Cities like Basel, Geneva, Bern, Bern and Geneva offer a unique view of Switzerland and its diverse cultures.
And, of course, the great outdoors also makes for an incredible opportunity to taste adventure and sports. Switzerland is home to a multitude of natural landscapes, making it an ideal outdoor destination for adventure seekers. You can go skiing and snowboarding in winter. In summer you have the option to hike more than 60,000 km of marked trails that run across the country.
Another truth you should know is that there are almost as many marked hiking trails as roads for motorized transport. You can also engage in other outdoor activities like snowshoe trekking, tobogganing and sleighing.
Tourists can also hop effortlessly from mountain to mountain with the country’s extensive gondola system and cable car system. The Swiss rail journeys of mountains are able to take you to the highest summits as well as the farthest points in this pioneering land of rail.
All these reasons make Switzerland a must-see during your trip to Europe and one of the top destinations for tourists from all over the globe.

ETIAS for Switzerland FAQ

These are quick answers to many commonly asked questions about the ETIAS for Switzerland Program, which will be available in 2025
Are you having difficulty finding the information you need? Reach out to us! Our customer service team is available 24/7 to help you.

Yes. Before travelling to Switzerland or other Schengen countries, all American citizens must submit an online application. When the new visa waiver program is made mandatory in 2025, this will be required. International travelers and border officials will have a six-month grace period to learn about the Schengen changes. After the initial grace period, international travelers who do not have valid ETIAS for Switzerland authorizations will be denied entry to Switzerland and other Schengen countries.

Yes. To enter the Schengen country, minors and children must have an ETIAS for Switzerland. Minors and children can also use the ETIAS authorization Switzerland process. Only difference is that parents or guardians of children traveling abroad must submit an ETIAS form on their behalf. For more information, please refer to our Application page.

To travel to Switzerland from the US, you will need a passport and internet access. To receive a confirmation or rejection of your ETIAS Switzerland, you will also need an email address. The processing fee for ETIAS for Switzerland requests must be paid with a debit or credit card before submitting the application.
During the ETIAS visa waiver application online, you will be asked to give your full legal name, address, as well as any other personal information. You will be asked a few questions about your criminal and travel history. For a complete listing and description of all documents required for your ETIAS application, please visit our Requirements Page.
Most applicants will be able to complete the online ETIAS application in less than 10 minutes. Within 24 hours of their submission, most applicants will receive an email notification. Only in rare cases might border officials flag a new application as suspicious. Border officials may also ask for additional information, supporting documents, or even face-to-face interviews. To ensure safety, please allow at most 96 hours (4 days) for your ETIAS visa waiver processing. This will allow you to resolve any problems that may arise during the ETIAS Switzerland application process.

No. If you intend to work in Switzerland, or any other Schengen country, you must apply for a traditional work visa to your local consulate. The same applies to student visas to Switzerland.