Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: ETIAS Authorization
Most visa-exempt travelers to Switzerland now need ETIAS authorization (€7) - a straightforward online application that takes about 10 minutes and is valid for three years. Apply at least 72 hours before your trip to avoid delays, especially for multi-country Schengen itineraries including the Alps.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages for stamps. Switzerland strictly enforces this for entry via airports like Zurich or Geneva.
Double-check expiration dates well in advance, as some nationalities require additional validity for re-entry or transit through other Schengen countries.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa in Switzerland.
For longer stays, registration with local cantonal authorities is required, and work or study permits must be obtained separately through Swiss embassies.
Visa Applications
For required visas, apply through the Swiss representation in your country via the Schengen visa system (€80-100 fee), submitting documents like proof of funds (CHF 100/day recommended), accommodation details, and travel insurance covering the entire stay.
Processing typically takes 15-30 days, but allow up to 45 days during peak seasons; biometric data collection is mandatory at the embassy or visa center.
Border Crossings
Switzerland's borders with France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein are seamless within Schengen, but airports like Basel-Mulhouse have tri-national checks that can be thorough.
Train and car crossings are efficient, with ETIAS verification often digital; expect spot checks for customs on goods like cheese or watches when entering from non-Schengen areas.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended and often required for visas, covering medical emergencies (Switzerland's healthcare is world-class but expensive), trip cancellations, and adventure activities like paragliding in Interlaken or skiing in Zermatt.
Policies start at €5-10/day; ensure coverage for high-altitude activities and repatriation, as rescue operations in the Alps can cost thousands.
Extensions Possible
You can extend your short stay for compelling reasons (e.g., medical or family emergencies) by applying at a cantonal migration office before your authorized period expires.
Fees range from CHF 50-100, with supporting documents like medical certificates required; extensions are not guaranteed and limited to 90 additional days maximum.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks, especially for international transfers to fund your Alpine adventures.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Zurich or Geneva by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for low-cost carriers serving Swiss hubs during shoulder seasons.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for self-catering with groceries from Coop or Migros supermarkets, where a meal costs under CHF 15, or try affordable street food like pretzels and sausages to skip pricey tourist restaurants.
Picnic in scenic spots like Lucerne's lakeside saves up to 50% on food costs while enjoying authentic Swiss views and fresh produce from weekly markets.
Public Transport Passes
Invest in the Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited trains, buses, and boats at CHF 232 for 3 days, drastically reducing costs for multi-destination trips across the country's efficient rail network.
Regional passes like the Tell-Pass in central Switzerland include free entry to museums and cable cars, often paying for themselves after just one or two uses.
Free Attractions
Explore free natural wonders like the Rhine Falls, Lake Lucerne viewpoints, or hiking trails in the Swiss National Park, which offer world-class experiences without entrance fees.
Many cities like Bern provide free access to old towns, public transport on certain days, and outdoor festivals, allowing budget travelers to immerse in Swiss culture authentically.
Card vs Cash
Contactless cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, including mountain huts, but carry CHF 100-200 in cash for rural areas, small shops, or tips.
Use fee-free ATMs from PostFinance or UBS for withdrawals to get better rates than airport exchanges or hotels.
Museum and Activity Passes
The Swiss Museum Pass at CHF 98 for 3 days grants entry to over 500 museums, including the Chocolate Museum in Broc, ideal for cultural explorers and recouping costs after 4-5 visits.
Combine with half-fare cards (CHF 120/year) for 50% off trains and funiculars, perfect for frequent travelers balancing adventure and savings.
Smart Packing for Switzerland
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers including moisture-wicking base layers, fleece mid-layers, and a waterproof Gore-Tex jacket for sudden mountain weather changes in areas like the Jungfrau region.
Include quick-dry pants, thermal socks, and modest attire for urban sites like Zurich's churches; opt for breathable, odor-resistant fabrics for multi-day hikes without laundry access.
Electronics
Bring a Type J adapter for Swiss outlets, a high-capacity power bank for long train rides or remote trails, offline maps via apps like SwitzerlandMobility, and a rugged camera for capturing Alpine vistas.
Download language apps for German, French, or Italian regions, plus a VPN for secure Wi-Fi in cafes; consider a portable charger for charging devices during extended outdoor adventures.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a comprehensive first-aid kit with blister treatments and altitude sickness meds, personal prescriptions, high-SPF sunscreen, and lip balm for sunny high-altitude exposure.
Include hand sanitizer, N95 masks for crowded trains, and insect repellent for summer lake areas; pack electrolyte packets for hydration during strenuous hikes in the heat.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight 30-40L backpack for day hikes, a reusable water bottle (tap water is pristine), a compact sleeping bag liner for hostels, and CHF in small notes for vending machines or tips.
Bring passport copies, a RFID-blocking wallet for city security, and a carabiner for attaching gear to trains; include a foldable tote for market shopping in Basel or Geneva.
Footwear Strategy
Choose broken-in hiking boots with ankle support for trails like the Eiger or Matterhorn paths, paired with waterproof gaiters to handle snowmelt or stream crossings in the Alps.
For cities, pack comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobblestone streets in Lucerne; include sandals for lake swims and consider crampons for winter glacier walks if adventuring off-season.
Personal Care
Pack eco-friendly toiletries in TSA-compliant sizes, including a natural deodorant for active days, moisturizer for dry mountain air, and a multi-tool with scissors for gear repairs.
Don't forget a compact umbrella or poncho for afternoon showers, wet wipes for post-hike refresh, and chamois cream to prevent chafing during long-distance cycling or walking tours across cantons.
When to Visit Switzerland
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather with temperatures 5-15°C makes it perfect for wildflower hikes in the Valais region and fewer crowds at sites like the Lavaux vineyards, before summer peaks.
Shoulder season offers blooming meadows, Easter festivals in Bern, and lower hotel rates, ideal for scenic train rides without the high-season rush on routes like the GoldenPass line.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season brings warm 15-25°C days for lake swimming in Lugano, via ferrata climbing in the Bernese Oberland, and music festivals like Montreux Jazz.
Expect vibrant outdoor activities, long daylight hours for exploring Zermatt's car-free streets, but book ahead as prices rise and trails get busier with international hikers.
Autumn (September-November)
Cool 5-15°C temperatures with stunning foliage in the Engadin Valley suit mushroom foraging, wine harvests in Neuchâtel, and uncrowded visits to chocolate factories in Broc.
Lower costs and clearer skies for photography make it great for cable car ascents to peaks like Pilatus, with harvest markets offering seasonal treats like chestnuts and local cheeses.
Winter (December-February)
Cold -5 to 5°C weather transforms Switzerland into a ski paradise with resorts like St. Moritz hosting world-class slopes, snowshoeing, and curling.
Budget-friendly off-peak weeks feature Christmas markets in Zurich and Basel, cozy fondue nights, and fewer lift lines, perfect for families or first-time winter sports enthusiasts.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). Euros are accepted in border areas but change is given in CHF. Cards widely accepted; ATMs ubiquitous but fees apply for foreign cards.
- Language: German (63%), French (23%), Italian (8%), Romansh (0.5%) are official; English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and transport hubs.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (observes daylight saving as CEST, UTC+2 from late March to October)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type J plugs (three-pin, Swiss standard); Type C also works but adapters recommended for full compatibility.
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance (free from any phone; English operators available)
- Tipping: Not customary as service is included; round up bills or add 5-10% for exceptional service in restaurants or taxis.
- Water: Tap water is exceptionally safe and clean (from Alpine sources); free fountains everywhere - fill up your bottle to stay hydrated on hikes.
- Pharmacies: Widely available (Apotheke signs); open weekdays 8am-6pm, some weekends; 24-hour services in major cities like Geneva or Zurich.