Citizens of countries outside the EU and EFTA who are not coming to Switzerland to work may stay in the country for a maximum of 3 months if they have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the scheduled date of departure from Switzerland and if the passport was issued less than 10 years ago.

Citizens of certain non-European countries also need a visa to enter Switzerland. You can find out if this applies to you on the page about visas for foreign nationals.

Unlike other countries, Switzerland does not have any special provisions on minors who enter Switzerland unaccompanied by family members or parents.

However, it is advisable for minors in this situation to carry a letter signed by their parents or guardian permitting such travel. The letter should contain the personal details of the parents/guardian, their telephone number and:

• the parents’ names and identity document number (and possibly also a photocopy of the document);

• the names, identity document number and address of any person accompanying the minor;

• name and identity document number of the minor;

• itinerary, motives and dates of travel permitted by the parents/guardian.

Some communes and cantons provide a special form for this purpose (see example from the canton of Vaud). However, permission from the parents/guardian may also take the form of a letter.

If you would like more information on what travel documents you require to enter Switzerland, on crossing borders, travelling around the Schengen Area or obtaining a visa, please consult the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) website FAQ – Entry.