Is Switzerland part of the Schengen area?

Renowned for its "perpetual neutrality", established in 1815 at the Congress of Vienna and later recognized the same year by the Treaty of Paris, Switzerland holds a unique position in the international arena. One might easily think that the Swiss Confederation would decline the possibility of joining any association of states. However, the homeland that gave birth to many illustrious figures such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Alberto Giacometti, Le Corbusier, and more recently Roger Federer, best-selling author Joël Dicker, or comedian Marina Rollman, is indeed part of the Schengen Area. Here’s an explanation and a guide on how it works.

Since when has Switzerland been part of the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985 and implemented ten years later, allows for the free movement of people and harmonizes border controls among the 29 signatory states within the area.

Contrary to popular belief, not all European Union countries are part of this zone, and not all Schengen states are EU members.

This is the case for Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, which are not EU members but are Schengen Area countries.

Since December 12, 2008, Switzerland, a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) since 1960, has been part of the Schengen Area.

Note: "The Schengen association agreement does not affect the activities of Swiss customs. Indeed, since Switzerland is not a member of the EU Customs Union, customs controls (goods checks) at Swiss borders (both internal and external) remain in place." (Source: State Secretariat for Migration of the Swiss Confederation).

Switzerland, a Schengen Area member: what does that mean?

By joining the Schengen Agreement and the associated area, Switzerland commits to following its operational rules. This includes:

1 - A common policy for border controls

• Applying, as set by the signatory states, the rules for short stays (i.e., any stay not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period) to facilitate the movement of tourists, visitors, and business travelers
• Removing border checks for persons at common Schengen Area borders (also known as internal borders)
• Performing uniform checks on persons crossing the external borders of the Schengen Area
• Adhering to uniform entry conditions that apply to all Schengen member countries
• Applying a uniform policy for Schengen visas for short stays, including mandatory travel insurance for Schengen visas

* After consulting with other member states, a Schengen country can temporarily reintroduce border controls in cases of public order threats, national security concerns, or health reasons. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic forced many countries, including Switzerland, to restrict or even prohibit entries and exits from their territories.

2 - Judicial and police cooperation between participating states

To fight crime, including drug trafficking, Schengen countries pool their resources and share information. This is done primarily through the SIS (Schengen Information System), an electronic database containing data on people and objects that can be accessed by various security services in member states.

Do I need a Schengen visa to go to Switzerland?

• If you are a citizen of a Schengen country: no
• If you are a citizen of a non-Schengen country, it depends on your nationality and the length of your stay.

Indeed, many citizens of third countries (non-Schengen) are eligible for a visa exemption and can stay in Switzerland and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days without a visa. This applies, for example, to citizens of the United States, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and South Korea.

Beyond this period, they must apply for a long-stay visa, known as a type D or national visa.

Citizens of third countries not benefiting from the Schengen visa exemption (including many African countries, Russia, India, China, etc.) for stays shorter than 90 days must apply for a Schengen visa for Switzerland. This is a Category C visa (short stay visa).

Consult our guide for information on how to apply for a Schengen visa for Switzerland.

Do I need travel insurance to go to Switzerland?

As a precaution, it is always highly recommended to take out travel insurance before traveling… Even when going to a country considered one of the safest on the planet like Switzerland.

In some cases, it is not only recommended but mandatory to have travel medical insurance.

This is the case if you are required to have a Schengen visa for Switzerland. Without proof of this insurance, which must meet certain criteria, your visa application will be denied.

For more information on Schengen travel insurance for Switzerland and to choose the best one, which covers you even in case of Covid-19, feel free to check out our advice on our website.

IMPORTANT COVID-19

To know the entry requirements for Switzerland (presentation of PCR test results, vaccination certificate, quarantine, health pass), which are constantly changing based on the health situation, please regularly check the destination sheets on the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs website and/or the Swiss Embassy in your country of residence.

Other articles on visas for Switzerland

• To get a visa for Switzerland from Algeria, visit this page.
• For applying for a visa for Switzerland from Morocco, this site will assist you.
• To get a Swiss visa from Tunisia, visit this page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Switzerland and the Schengen Area

Is Switzerland part of the Schengen Area?

Yes. Although Switzerland is not part of the European Union, it has been a member of the Schengen Area since December 12, 2008.

What is the Schengen Area?

It is the largest area in the world where people can move freely due to the abolition of internal border controls. It consists of 29 European countries.

Do I need a Schengen visa to go to Switzerland?

This depends on your nationality and the length of your intended stay. Citizens of Schengen Area countries—including Switzerland—and certain citizens of non-Schengen countries do not need a visa to enter Switzerland for stays of up to 90 days. Other nationalities are required to hold a Schengen visa to enter Switzerland, regardless of the length of stay.