United States entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders need a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business. As of 2026, there is no visa-free access — you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. embassy in Bern before traveling.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a visa to enter the United States. Apply at the US Department of State website — the process takes weeks, so start early. You'll attend an in-person interview at the US embassy in Bern.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may check for at least 6 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready — they may deny entry without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your US host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. US immigration rarely checks, but it helps if questioned about your trip's purpose. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Swiss passport holders cannot use ESTA or any visa waiver program for the U.S. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa in advance. Plan at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date.
Interview location
All visa interviews for Swiss residents are conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Bern. There are no other consulates in Switzerland. Address: Sulgeneckstrasse 19, 3007 Bern.
What happens at the border
1
Complete DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website and fill out the DS-160. Have your passport, travel dates, and a digital photo ready. Save the confirmation barcode page — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 application fee via the embassy's payment portal or at a designated bank in Switzerland. Print the payment receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, enter your DS-160 barcode number, and pick an available slot at the U.S. Embassy in Bern. Wait times vary — book as early as possible.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip purpose, ties to Switzerland, and plans. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa issuance. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive instructions to pick up your passport or have it delivered.
6
Travel to the U.S.
Carry your passport with the visa sticker. At U.S. border control, present your passport and be ready to answer questions about your stay. The officer will stamp your passport with an admission period (usually up to 6 months).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (CHF 145)
Allows business and tourism; must apply at US embassy in Bern.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (CHF 145)
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits within validity.
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity2 years or until passport expiry
Cost$21 USD (CHF 19)
For short stays; not extendable; must apply online before travel.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 renewal)
$460 USD filing fee + legal fees
For skilled professionals with a job offer from a US employer. Requires bachelor's degree or equivalent. Annual cap and lottery system apply.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$350 USD SEVIS fee + $160 visa fee
For full-time students enrolled in accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas)
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Leads to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Apply exchange visitor
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Varies by program (typically 1–2 years)
$220 USD SEVIS fee + $160 visa fee
For participants in approved exchange programs (au pair, intern, researcher, etc.). Requires sponsorship by a designated organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Standard nonimmigrant visa application fee for most applicants. | $160 USD (equivalent CHF 145) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Swiss passport holders. | $160 USD (equivalent CHF 145) |
| Stay extension (Form I-539)Fee for extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (equivalent CHF 335) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying can result in 3- or 10-year re-entry bans; no daily fine. | $0 USD (no fixed fine, but overstay may lead to bars) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through US airports, provided they have a valid ESTA or visa for onward travel. However, all travelers must clear US customs and immigration at the first port of entry, even for transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- ESTA or valid US visa required for transit
- Canadian citizens exempt
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus present in most states; risk is highest from July to October.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; safe food handling is recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles I-539 extension applications by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For inquiries only; all applications must be filed online or by mail.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of 2026, Swiss passport holders must obtain a B-1/B-2 visa before traveling to the U.S. for tourism or business. There is no visa waiver or ESTA option for Swiss citizens.
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to visa issuance — typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on interview availability at the U.S. Embassy in Bern. Check current wait times on the embassy's appointment calendar.
The non-refundable application fee for a B-1/B-2 visa is $185 (approximately 165 CHF as of 2026). This does not include any additional service fees for courier or photo services.
No, the B-1/B-2 visa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiration date stamped on your I-94 arrival record. Overstaying can result in bans from future travel.
Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, a recent passport photo, and supporting documents like employment letter, bank statements, travel itinerary, and proof of ties to Switzerland (e.g., property deeds, family certificates).
If denied, the consular officer will explain the reason (e.g., insufficient ties to Switzerland). You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for denial. There is no appeal process.
Yes, even for transit (e.g., changing flights in New York or Los Angeles), you need a valid U.S. visa unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program — which does not apply to Swiss citizens. A C-1 transit visa is an option if you're just passing through.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.