Whether third-country nationals residing in Switzerland need a visa to cross the border into an EU country, or are allowed to enter at all, mainly depends on the following two criteria: What category is the foreigner's residence permit and does the country being entered belong to the Schengen area?
The Schengen area is an association of currently 26 European countries between which internal border controls have been abolished with the purpose of strengthening the European economy through the free movement of persons. The treaty is based on the Schengen Agreement, which was signed and put into force on June 14, 1985.
The Schengen area includes Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland as well as all EU member states. The Schengen area does not include Bulgaria, Ireland, Croatia, Romania, Cyprus and the United Kingdom.
Entering a country within the Schengen area
As a citizen of a Schengen state, Swiss citizens benefit from visa-free entry into all countries of the Schengen area, provided the duration of stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180day period and the purpose of the stay is not professional activity. Several stays may be made within the 180-day period as long as the maximum total length of 90 days is not exceeded. The first day of the stay is considered to be the date of entry, the last day of the stay is considered to be the date of departure.
Regarding visa-free entry into Schengen countries, third-country nationals residing in Switzerland regardless of their nationality are treated the same as Swiss citizens, provided they have a valid foreigner's residence permit of one of the following categories:
- Short-term residence permit L
- Residence permit B
- Residence Permit C
- Residence permit with gainful employment Ci
For entry and stay a valid passport and a foreigner's residence permit are required. If the foreigner's residence permit is in the process of being renewed, a return visa can be obtained from the cantonal migration authorities. This also applies when traveling outside the Schengen area.
Entering a country outside the Schengen area
When traveling to Bulgaria, Ireland, Croatia, Romania, Cyprus or the United Kingdom, which have not signed the Schengen Agreement, we recommend that third-country nationals residing in Switzerland enquire about the entry formalities at the Swiss representation of these countries.
Temporarily admitted persons and asylum seekers
Holders of an F, N or S foreigner's residence permit (provisionally admitted persons, asylum seekers and persons in need of protection) may not cross Swiss borders. In justified exceptional cases, the State Secretariat for Migration SEM can issue a permit and the necessary travel documents.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the Immigration Team.
The author thanks Andrea Elvedi for her valuable collaboration in writing this blog post.
Author: Urs Haegi
