Arriving in Switzerland as a tourist from a non-EU/EFTA country is simpler than coming here to work. But even tourists are required to have certain paperwork with them.
For people from outside the European Union and EFTA (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), getting a Swiss work permit is not easy, as various conditions and criteria must be fulfilled before they can enter the country.
READ ALSO: What do third-country nationals need to do to move to Switzerland?
But coming here as a tourist is a simpler matter, though if you are a citizen of a a third country, you can’t just land here with only a suitcase and your passport in hand.
If you do, you may very well be admitted, but in some cases (which are up to the immigration officer’s discretion), you have to produce various documents before you can leave the airport and step onto Swiss soil.
What do you need to have?
Samuel Wyss, spokesperson for State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), told The Local that tourists from a third-country must have (and be ready to present if asked), the following paperwork (aside from a valid passport):
A return ticket
It must be valid for a maximum of 90 days. O else you must have a ticket for continuing your journey to a country outside the Schengen area, together with the visa required to enter the country of final destination (if it it’s not your home country).
Letter of invitation
If are staying with friends or family while you are here, you should be able to show a letter from the inviting party, together with their address and phone number.
Sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay in Switzerland
This can be demonstrated by showing cash, traveller’s cheques, credit cards or other collaterals – such as a bank guarantee. for example.
If you are wondering how much you need, authorities will require proof of at least 100 francs per day of your stay.
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Will you actually be asked to show the documents?
It may be that you have visited Switzerland previously and didn’t have to present anythig other than you passport.
That is often the case, but don’t rely on your prior experience.
It is better to have these documents and not have to show them, than the opposite.
If you are asked, but unable to provide this proof, you will likely not be admitted to Switzerland.
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How long can you remain in the country?
You can stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa.
You are not allowed to look for a job during this time, and your chances of finding one legally are zero.
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What if you overstay your welcome?
Not a good idea.
Swiss police don’t patrol the streets looking for foreigners who have been staying in the country for more than 90 days.
More often than not, these offenders come to the attention of authorities by chance: perhaps someone reports them, or they are ‘caught’ during a random identity check, or in other accidental ways, or your overstay could come to the attention of border police when they stamp your passport as you leave the country.
The extent of punishment depends on whether you are from EU / EFTA (milder fine) or a third country, with penalties being stricter for the latter category.
READ ALSO: What happens if you overstay your 90-day limit in Switzerland?
