If you are planning a journey to Switzerland, expecting a visit from abroad or would like to invite vistors from abroad to Switzerland, the following information could be of help to you.

Prerequisites For Entry

Foreign nationals require a valid and accepted travel document to enter Switzerland. In addition, a visa is required in certain cases. Furthermore, sufficient funds must be available or procurable by legal means to cover the cost of living during the transit through or the stay in Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Office for Migration (FOM), the Swiss foreign missions and the cantonal aliens police authorities will gladly provide information on the principal conditions for entry to Switzerland (www.bfm.admin.ch). REASON AND DURATION OF STAY Foreign visitors who have entered Switzerland in compliance with the relevant regulations and are not taking up any form of employment require no permit of sojourn if the duration of their stay does not exceed three months. After a period of three months, foreigners are required to leave Switzerland for at least one month. Their stay must not exceed a total of six months within a period of twelve months. Individuals requiring a visa should observe the duration of stay specified in their visa. Foreign nationals intending to take up any form of employment in Switzerland are required to apply for a guarantee of permit either in person or through their employer, regardless of whether they require a visa to enter Switzerland or not. In the case of a visa requirement, the guarantee is granted through the issue of the visa.

Regulations On Registration

Hosts are obliged to register their foreign guests with the authority in charge following a stay of one month (more strict regulations may be in force in some cantons). Employment without specific authorization is not permitted. Foreign nationals must report immediately to the cantonal or communal authority in charge if their departure within the period of stay granted is not possible. Federal Office for Migration, FOM, Quellenweg 6, 3003 Bern-Wabern T +41(0)31 325 11 11, F +41(0)31 325 81 95, www.bfm.admin.ch DECLARATION OF GUARANTEE The Swiss foreign missions may declare the issue of a visa dependant on a declaration of guarantee if the applicant does not have access to sufficient financial funds or if this seems doubtful. The guarantor engages to meet uncovered costs of up to CHF 20'000.- for living expenses, including accident and illness, as well as for the return trip, which arise for public welfare due to the presence of the foreign national. If a declaration of guarantee is necessary, the Swiss foreign mission in charge will provide the foreign visitor with the necessary forms and instructions. An approved declaration of guarantee provides no claim to the issue of a visa.

Fees

The processing of a declaration of guarantee by the cantonal authorities is subject to a fee. As a rule, this administrative fee is to be paid in advance using a specially supplied deposit slip.

Travel Insurance

In order to limit the risk of liability, it is advisable for the guarantor to take out a private travel insurance policy covering illness and accident.