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Coronavirus: New rules for entry to Switzerland and for people vaccinated abroad to access the COVID certificate

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(Last modification 20.09.2021)

Bern, 17.09.2021 - The Federal Council wants to prevent an increase in the number of infections caused by people returning from the autumn holidays. From Monday 20 September, travellers entering Switzerland who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 will have to present a negative test result. They will then have to be tested again after four to seven days. This was decided by the Federal Council at its meeting on 17 September. The Federal Council has also set out details of how people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad can obtain a COVID certificate.

With the autumn school holidays approaching, the Federal Council has decided on new public health requirements at the border. This comes in response to experience made after the summer holidays: data from the cantonal contact tracing offices indicates that returning holidaymakers contributed to the worsening situation after the summer. The new rules reflect the fact that the highly contagious Delta variant can cause case numbers to rise very rapidly on a regional basis. It has therefore been decided that keeping and updating a list of risk countries is no longer the most appropriate health protection measure at Switzerland’s  borders.

Compulsory testing on entry for travellers who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered

Anyone who has not been vaccinated or has not recovered must present a negative test result (antigen or PCR) on entry into Switzerland, irrespective of where they are travelling from or by which means of transport they are entering the country. After four to seven days in the country, another test must be carried out, subject to a fee. The result of the second test must be sent to the relevant cantonal office. Testing is not required for vaccinated or recovered travellers who can present a COVID certificate or other valid proof of vaccination or recovery.

Entry form required for everyone

All travellers entering Switzerland – whether vaccinated, recovered or with a negative test – must also complete the entry form (Passenger Locator Form, SwissPLF). This will enable the cantons to carry out random checks to determine whether people who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered and who entered the country with a test have actually taken the second test after four to seven days.

No test or form requirement for cross-border commuters 

The test and entry form requirements do not apply to travellers in transit through Switzerland without stopping, drivers who transport people or goods professionally, and cross-border commuters or people entering from border areas. The Federal Council is thus taking account of the close economic, social and cultural exchange in the border regions. Children under 16 are also exempt from the test requirement.

Risk-based inspections

More than two million people and one million vehicles cross Switzerland's borders every day. Risk-based inspections are to be carried out to ensure compliance with the new rules. Anyone required to present a negative test result and who cannot do so on entry must take a test immediately after entering Switzerland. The cantons are required to carry out random checks to ensure that incoming travellers who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered have actually taken the required second test. Fines may be imposed if these rules are breached (CHF 200 for missing test certificates and CHF 100 for incomplete forms). In international travel, the airlines and bus companies are responsible for ensuring that travellers to Switzerland have completed the Passenger Locator Form and can present a COVID certificate or a negative test result. The Federal Customs Administration and local police forces will carry out risk-based inspections on all modes of cross-border travel. In a few weeks, the Federal Council will evaluate the experience with the new entry rules and make adjustments if necessary. 

The existing entry regulations remain unchanged. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) continues to operate a list of high-risk countries, which is used to determine who may enter Switzerland. Any non-Schengen state not on this list is still considered a risk country for which restrictions on entry to Switzerland apply to unvaccinated third-country nationals. As a Schengen associated country, Switzerland aligns its entry regulations as far as possible with the decisions taken by the European Union. The Travelcheck online tool can be used to check the conditions for travellers wishing to enter Switzerland from specific countries.

Swiss COVID certificate for individuals vaccinated or recovered abroad

As of 20 September, anyone who has been vaccinated abroad with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and who is resident in or travelling to Switzerland will be able to obtain a Swiss COVID certificate. This means that people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad, such as tourists, can also participate in social activities here. Currently, only the certificates of countries using the EU Digital COVID Certificate are compatible with the Swiss system.

The documents can be submitted electronically. Each canton must designate a contact point for persons who have been vaccinated abroad. All cantonal contact points will be listed on a federal website. A federal working group (FDHA, FDFA, FDF) will oversee implementation together with the cantons and other agencies (data protection). The aim is to find a solution that is as efficient, straightforward and user-oriented as possible. In a transitional phase until 10 October 2021, all foreign vaccination certificates for EMA-approved vaccines will be valid for access to events or facilities requiring a COVID certificate.

As in neighbouring countries, access to the Swiss COVID certificate will not be extended to all WHO vaccines. Exceptions are being made for Swiss citizens living abroad returning to the country, non-EU citizens working in Switzerland, employees of international organisations and accredited diplomatic staff, as well as students.

Outcome of the consultation

The Federal Council had consulted on two variants for adapting the entry regulations, one with a requirement to take two tests and one with mandatory quarantine. Based on the results of the consultation, the Federal Council decided in favour of the first variant, which was found to be more practicable and should involve less additional work for the cantons.

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Federal Office of Public Health Coronavirus Infoline +41 58 463 00 00 COVID-19 Vaccination Infoline +41 58 377 88 92

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The Federal Council https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html Federal Department of Home Affairs http://www.edi.admin.ch Federal Office of Public Health http://www.bag.admin.ch State Secretariat for Migration https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html Federal Office for Customs and Border Security https://www.bazg.admin.ch Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

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Important information for flight guests travelling to Switzerland

Negative Covid-19 test result and registration of electronic contact details required before travelling. Exceptions for fully vaccinated passengers.

SWISS would like to draw your attention to that restrictions are still in place for travel to and transit in Switzerland for many countries. 

Please take note of the ​ detailed information on this page . Generally, a negative Covid-19 test result must be presented and an entry form ( ​ ePLF ) must be filled in. Exceptions are in place for, among others, fully vaccinated passengers and guests under 16 years of age .  Further details can be found on the pages of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) . Please u se the interactive Travelcheck form of the FOPH to find out about the rules applicable to you.

Transfer via Zurich: Simplified rules for vaccinated passengers

Passengers only transiting in Switzerland within 24 hours and without leaving the airport are exempted from the test requirements. The entry form still needs to be completed. Passengers in transit from a Non-Schengen to a Schengen country need to be fully vaccinated. Flight guests should note that only a confirmation will be issued when checking in online. The actual boarding pass will be issued at the check-in counter. Flight guests should note that only a confirmation will be issued when checking in online. The actual boarding pass will be issued at the check-in counter.

SWISS recommends that flight guests allow for additional time and inform themselves in advance of the type of mask that has to be worn onboard their flight.

Visa & entry to Switzerland

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Here you will find information on entering Switzerland and travelling abroad.

There are currently no COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions on entering Switzerland. You do not need to present proof of vaccination, recovery or recent test results in order to enter the country. Should the epidemiological situation change, under the COVID-19 Ordinance on International Travel a country or region may be placed on the list of countries and regions with a variant of a virus of concern, to help contain the spread of the variant involved. In such an event, any persons arriving in Switzerland from such a country or region will be subject to border health measures. No country or region is currently on this list, so no such border health measures are currently required.

The entry requirements of other countries may differ from those of Switzerland, and must always be observed. In view of this, it is important to obtain all the relevant information in good time in advance of any travel planned.

Note on COVID certificates

The entire Swiss certificate system was discontinued on 1 September. COVID certificates can therefore no longer be issued. COVID certificates issued before 1 September can still be used for travel if required, as long as they comply with the entry rules of the destination country and the QR code has not expired. The QR code of each COVID certificate is technically valid for two years.

Last modification 15.09.2023

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Switzerland Healthy Travel Packing List

Pack items for your health and safety.

• You may not be able to purchase and pack all of these items, and some may not be relevant to you and your travel plans. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
• This list is general and may not include all the items you need. Check our Traveler Information Center for more information if you are a traveler with specific health needs, such as travelers who are pregnant, immune compromised, or traveling for a specific purpose like humanitarian aid work.
• Remember to pack extras of important health supplies in case of travel delays.

Prescription medicines

• Your prescriptions
• Travelers' diarrhea antibiotic
• Suture/syringe kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Altitude sickness medicine

Medical supplies

• Glasses Consider packing spare glasses in case yours are damaged
• Contact lenses Consider packing spare contacts in case yours are damaged
• Needles or syringes (for diabetes, for example) Requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Suture kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Diabetes testing supplies
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)
• Medical alert bracelet or necklace

Over-the-counter medicines

• Antihistamine
• Motion sickness medicine
• Cough drops
• Cough suppression/expectorant
• Decongestant
• Medicine for pain and fever Examples: acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
• Mild laxative
• Mild sedative or other sleep aid
• Saline nose spray

Supplies to prevent illness or injury

• Hand sanitizer or wipes Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes
• Water purification tablets May be needed if camping or visiting remote areas
• Insect repellent Select an insect repellent based on CDC recommendations: Avoid Bug Bites
• Permethrin Permethrin is insect repellent for clothing. It may be needed if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Clothing can also be treated at home in advance.
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) with UVA and UVB protection. See Sun Exposure .
• Sunglasses and hat Wear for additional sun protection. A wide brim hat is preferred.
• Personal safety equipment Examples: child safety seats, bicycle helmets
• Latex condoms

First-aid kit

• 1% hydrocortisone cream
• Antifungal ointments
• Antibacterial ointments
• Antiseptic wound cleanser
• Aloe gel For sunburns
• Insect bite treatment Anti-itch gel or cream
• Bandages Multiple sizes, gauze, and adhesive tape
• Moleskin or molefoam for blisters
• Elastic/compression bandage wrap For sprains and strains
• Disposable gloves
• Digital thermometer
• Scissors and safety pins
• Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
• Health insurance documents Health insurance card (your regular plan and/or supplemental travel health insurance plan) and copies of claim forms
• Copies of all prescriptions Make sure prescriptions include generic names. Bring prescriptions for medicines, eye glasses/contacts, and other medical supplies.
• Family member or close contact remaining in the United States
• Health care provider(s) at home
• Lodging at your destination
• Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination
• US embassy or consulate in the destination country or countries

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Global Entry for Citizens of Switzerland

How to apply for global entry:.

In order to apply for Global Entry, citizens of Switzerland must first submit a clearance application to the Swiss Federal Police at a cost of CHF 100. Once a citizen of Switzerland is cleared by the Swiss Federal Police, he/she can apply for Global Entry through the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website . 

Application Process:

• Apply Online: Complete a TTP  online application and pay the $100 non-refundable application fee.
• Schedule an Interview: Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a message in your TTP account instructing you to schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers . If you are unable to schedule an in-person interview, you may opt to use the Enrollment On Arrival (EoA) option that is immediately available while entering the U.S. from an international country.  No appointment is required for the EoA process. Additional information regarding EoA is available on the Enrollment on Arrival website . 
• Interview Determines Your Eligibility: A U.S. Customs Border Protection officer will ask you questions, take your photo, and collect your fingerprints.
• Provide Identification: Bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card.

NOTE : If an applicant does not clear with the Swiss Federal Police prior to applying through the TTP website, the Global Entry application will not be processed.

Maintaining Global Entry Membership:

Membership in the Global Entry program lasts for five years. After the initial five years, a renewal application will have to be submitted through the TTP website, and another clearance from the Swiss Federal Police will be required.   

Other Benefits:

Once a citizen of Switzerland is enrolled in Global Entry, they will also be eligible to participate in TSA Precheck. Visit the TSA Precheck program website for more information.

Travel Requirements:

All Swiss Global Entry members must have a valid passport and Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or a valid visa. Global Entry members who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. lawful permanent residents must maintain updated visa information with CBP. If a Global Entry member obtains a new visa, or obtains a new petition for a work visa, the member must notify CBP in-person at a Global Entry enrollment center. A member must visit an enrollment center to have CBP add visa and/or update visa information. If the visa information is incomplete or not properly updated with CBP, the Global Entry kiosk may incorrectly calculate the member’s class of admission and admission date. A member must visit an enrollment center in-person to add or update visa information.

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu is traveling to Switzerland next month. Here's why and who's paying

M ar. 27—Wichita Mayor Lily Wu has accepted an invitation for a weeklong trip to Switzerland next month with all expenses paid by the Swiss government.

The Embassy of Switzerland invited Wu and eight other female mayors from the United States on an overseas trip sponsored by Presence Switzerland, the European country's foreign affairs division in charge of improving Switzerland's image abroad. The invitation, provided by Wu to The Eagle, says the trip "provides the opportunity for city-level leadership from the United States to experience how local governance is organized in Switzerland."

The mayors will visit the Swiss cities of Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lausanne and Geneva.

Wu said she looks forward to learning during the trip, which was approved unanimously by the Wichita City Council on Tuesday. She'll be in Switzerland from April 20 to April 27.

"I'm honored to be selected among a group of women American Mayors to learn and connect with national and international leaders," Wu said in a statement to The Eagle. "I will be connecting with eight women mayors from the US and leaders from Switzerland, while gaining insight into how other communities are tackling issues that are also important to Wichita, including public safety, housing affordability, and economic development."

The theme of the trip is titled "Shaping Urban Landscapes for a Sustainable Future." The mayors will meet with representatives from the executive and legislative branches of Switzerland city governments, Swiss research institutions and "preeminent international organizations shaping the 21st century global environment." The "focus topics" of the trip will be sustainable infrastructure, the future of cities, economic promotion, public health and safety, urban governance and women in politics, according to a document outlining the trip itinerary.

Jacques Pitteloud, Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States and former head of the Swiss Intelligence Service, extended the invite. Other attendees will include mayors from Columbia, Missouri; Tampa, Florida; McMinnville, Oregon; Thornton, Colorado; St. Louis Park, Minnesota; Albany, New York; Fontana, California; and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

"This trip is designed for female mayors as both countries have increased the representation of women in local politics, but challenges in achieving gender parity persist. This trip aims to foster best practice exchanges and strategizing on urban development among current leaders," Pitteloud wrote in the invitation.

"I am impressed by your service to the people of Wichita," Pitteloud wrote to Wu. "In particular, your focus on public safety, economic diversification and restoration of trust within the community, demonstrate an awareness of current and future challenges and the ability to meet them. This is why I believe the planned program will be enriching and beneficial for you."

At Tuesday's meeting, Wu emphasized that no city money will be used to pay for the trip.

"This is not being paid for by the city of Wichita nor any stipend by the city of Wichita," Wu said. "This is an item on the agenda for full transparency, awareness and approval."

City Council members expressed excitement for Wu's opportunity.

"Congratulations," Vice Mayor Maggie Ballard said. "That's awesome."

"Will you be bringing back chocolate?" Council Member Brandon Johnson asked. "I hear they have good chocolate."

"I shall bring back chocolate for you," Wu said.

Wu said she also plans to meet with representatives of SelectUSA, a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce focused on promoting foreign investment in the U.S. economy, while she is there "to advocate for Wichita companies and global economic development opportunities for our regional employers."

Wu said she's traveling alone on the trip to Switzerland and that she trusts the city will be in good hands while she's gone.

"I know that Vice Mayor Maggie Ballard will be able to well-cover any duties while I am away and am grateful to have her as my Vice Mayor," she said in a statement.

(c)2024 The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kan.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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Switzerland

Reciprocity Schedule

Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.

Explanation of Terms

Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.

Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).

Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.

Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.

Visa Classifications

Country specific footnotes.

Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.

Visa Category Footnotes

The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:

• G-1 through G-4
• NATO 1 through NATO 6

An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty.  *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used.  **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.  

*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder. **Example 2:  Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.

The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.

Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.  

Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.

There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.

Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.

In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).

However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.

Canadian Nationals

Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.

Mexican Nationals

Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.

Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.

Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.

No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.

V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.

Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:

• T-2 (spouse)
• T-3 (child)
• T-4 (parent)

The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.

The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.

General Documents

There is no general document information.

Birth, Death, Burial Certificates

Birth certificates.

Fees:  approx. 25 Swiss francs

Document Name: Geburtsschein (German); Acte de naissance (French); Atto di nascita (Italian)

Issuing Authority: Local cantonal officials: Zivilstandsbeamter (German); Officier de l'Etat Civil(French); Ufficiale dello Stato Civile (Italian)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  The document has a round impression or ink seal of the individual canton

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Zivilstandsbeamte

Registration Criteria:  There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining:  The document can be ordered on the website of the individual civil office.

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are available

Alternate Documents:  CIEC Extracts are also accepted

Exceptions:  None

Comments: Records are complete since 1876. Prior to 1876, records were kept by church authorities and are available for all living persons.

Death Certificates

Fees approx. 25 Swiss francs

Document Name:   Todesschein (German); Acte de deces (French); Atto di morte (Italian)

Procedure for Obtaining:  The document can be ordered on the website of the individual civil office

Alternate Documents:   CIEC Extracts are also accepted

Exceptions:  There is no general document information

Comments: The "Family Book or Family Certificate" (Familienbuechlein/Livret de famille/Libretto di famiglia or Familienschein/Acte de famille/Atto di famiglia) are also available, but only accepted as secondary evidence of birth, marriage and divorce, since formal certificates are readily obtainable.

Marriage, Divorce Certificates

Marriage certificates.

Document Name: :  Eheschein (German); Acte de mariage (French); Atto di matrimonio (Italian)

Procedure for obtaining :  The document can be ordered on the website of the individual civil office.

Comments: Marriage certificates are not issued to same sex couples.

Divorce Certificates

Fees: The fee varies from case to case

Document Name:  Scheidungsurteil (German); Acte de divorce (French); Atto di divorzio (Italian)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Judge of the individual canton

Procedure for Obtaining:  There is no procedure for obtaining

Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available

Alternate Documents:  There are no alternate documents

Comments: Family Certificate (Familienausweis) are not accepted

Adoption Certificates

Fees: Minimum Sfr. 400

Document Name:   Adoptionsverfahren/Procédures d'adoption/Procedure di adozione

Issuing Authority: Cantonal Court

Special Seal(s)/Color/Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title

Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining: There is no procedure for obtaining

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: None

Identity Card

Fees: Sfr. 65 adults / Sfr. 30 minors up until 18

Document Name: Identitätskarte/Carte d’Identité/Carta d’Identita

Issuing Authority: Cantonal Passport office

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:   Format of a Credit Card

Procedure for Obtaining:   There is no procedure for obtaining

Police, Court, Prison Records

Police/prison records.

Fees:   Sfr. 20.00

Document Name:  Auszug aus dem Schweizerischen Zentralstrafregister(German)/Extrait du casier judiciaire (French)/Estratto del Casellario Giudiziario (Italian); an extract from the Swiss central police records

Issuing Authority:   Schweizerisches Strafregister (German)/Casier Judiciaire Suisse (French)/Registro Penale Svizzero (Italian)

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  The document is issued on A4 Paper size

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  Swiss Federal Police

Procedure for Obtaining:   A legalized standard private extract is required unless your professional activities involves contact with minors or vulnerable people, then both, standard and special extracts are required.

Certified Copies Available:   Certified copies are available

Comments:   Additional information available at  https://www.e-service.admin.ch/crex/cms/content/strafregister/strafregister en

Court Records

Fees:  The fee varies from case to case

Document Name:   Gerichtsurteil (German); Jugement du Tribunal (French); Sentenza del Tribunale (Italian)

Issuing Authority: Issued upon request by the Clerk of the Court where the conviction occurred.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format:  There is no special seal(s)/color/format

Issuing Authority Personnel Title:  There is no issuing authority personnel title

Procedure for Obtaining:   There is no procedure for obtaining

Military Records

• FOR SWISS MALE CITIZENS
• FÜR SCHWEIZERBÜRGER (German)
• LES CITOYENS SUISSES (French)
• PER CITTADINI SVIZZERI (Italian)

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name:

• Military certificate
• Militäramtliche Bescheinigung (German)
• Une attestation de leur service militaire (French)
• Un certificato di posizione militare (Italian)

Issuing Authority:

Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports, Armed Forces Personnel (Pers A)

Eidgenössischen Departement für Verteidigung, Bevölkerungsschutz und Sport, Personelles der Armee (Pers A), Wehrpflicht

Département fédéral de la défense, de la protection de la population et des sports, Personnel de l’armée (Pers A), Obligations militaires

Dipartimento federale della difesa, della protezione della popolazione e dello sport, Personale dell’esercito (Pers A), coscrizione

Rodtmattstrasse 110, 3003 Bern (tél. 800 424 111)  [email protected] .

https://www.vtg.admin.ch/de/mein-militaerdienst/allgemeines-zum-militaerdienst/doppelbuerger.html

Registration Criteria:   There is no registration criteria

Procedure for Obtaining: Your Swiss military booklet must be enclosed with your request.

Diesem Gesuch sollten Sie Ihr Dienstbüchlein beifügen. (German)

Le livret de service doit être joint à la demande. (French)

La domanda deve essere accompagnata del libretto di servizio. (Italian)

Certified Copies Available:  Certified copies are not available

Passports & Other Travel Documents

Types Available (Regular, Diplomatic, Official, etc.): Regular and Diplomatic Swiss passport look similar. Both are red with different title.

Fees: Varies on the document

Document Name:   Aufenthaltsbewilligung/Permit de residence/P

Issuing Government Authority: Cantonal immigration authorities

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Format of a Credit Card

Other Documents Available:

• A blue Travel Document/Titre de voyage is issued to refugees in accordance with the International Treaty on Refugees of July 28, 1951. This document is normally valid for three years, and entitles the bearer to return to Switzerland.
• A blue Passport for Foreigners/Passeport pour Etrangers is issued to undocumented aliens who have a residence permit for Switzerland. This document is normally issued for three years and guarantees the bearer readmittance to Switzerland as long as it is valid.
• A gray Identity Certificate for aliens without documents / Certificat d'identité pour étrangers sans papiers is issued to undocumented aliens who are not refugees, and who do not have a residence permit for Switzerland. It is valid for one year and the bearer must obtain a visa for Switzerland in order to return.

Comments: All three travel documents contain the following: "This document is issued solely with a view to providing the holder with a travel document which can serve in lieu of a national passport. It is without prejudice to and in no way affects the holder's nationality."

Information on Swiss travel documents can be found here .

Other Records

Not applicable.

• Visa Issuing Posts

Post Title: U.S. Embassy Bern, Switzerland

Address: Sulgeneckstrasse 19 CH-3007 Bern, Switzerland

Phone Number: Tel.: +41 31 357 7011 (41) (31) 357-7777 - 24-hour emergencies only Fax: (41) (31) 357-7280

E-mail:   [email protected] (Nonimmigrant visa); [email protected] (Immigrant visa)

Comments / Additional Information: None

Visa Services

All categories for all of Switzerland.

Note: The Geneva and Zurich Consular Agencies handle ONLY limited ACS matters; they do not handle visas.

Additional Information for Reciprocity

• Reciprocity: What's New
• Temporary Reciprocity Schedule
• Country Acronyms
• Terrorist Designation Lists
• State Sponsors of Terrorism
• Treaty Countries

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brunei Darussalam

Burkina Faso

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Congo the Democratic Republic of the

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Côte d'Ivoire

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Iran, Islamic Republic of

Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Micronesia, Federated States of

Moldova, Republic of

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea

North Macedonia

Palestinian Authority

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Russian Federation

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Virgin Islands, British

Wallis and Futuna

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