As reported by Tribune de Gèneve (TDG), the 60-year-old American named only as JohnJ, stayed in Switzerland more than twice as long as his Schengen visa allowed — that is, over six months instead of 90 days.
Therefore, he violated the Swiss law by remaining in the country without a valid authorisation.
John was stopped at Geneva airport on his way back to the United States, when border guards noticed that he overstayed his welcome in Switzerland by 106 days.
For this offence, John was ordered to leave Switzerland (as he was doing anyway at the time) and was banned from returning until the end of June 2026.
‘Quality of life’
John appealed the ban to the Federal Administrative Court, arguing that he loved Switzerland, its quality of life, nature, regional food, as well as “medical know-how of the highest quality.”
He also asked the judges to overturn the ban because he needs medical attention, and his sister, who lives in Switzerland, could take care of him.
‘Serious violation’
The court reiterated that staying in Switzerland ‘illegally’— that is, without a valid authorisation — constitutes “a serious violation”.
It also noted that a one-year removal order is on the lenient side, because in some cases, the penalty is a five-year ban from entering the country.
John’s plea to let him return to Switzerland for medical care also fell on deaf ears.
The judges noted that he had not provided any medical reports to support the imperative need to seek treatment in Switzerland, or even indicated what illness he is suffering from.
Nor has he explained why his sister’s support would be essential during the period of entry ban.
In conclusion, the judges not only ruled against John on all counts, but also sentenced him to pay 900 francs in legal costs.
As the TDG summed it up, “the American ‘alien’ can now only count on his president, Donald Trump.”
READ ALSO: What happens if you overstay your 90-day limit in Switzerland?
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Not the only case
John is not the only foreigner who has experiences visa problems recently.
Swiss media reported last week that famous Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei, was expelled from Zurich airport because he didn’t have the required travel documents.
The dissident artist was denied entry to Switzerland because he didn’t have a valid Swiss or Schengen visa.
He spent the night on a bench at the airport before leaving Zurich the next morning.
