Switzerland entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders can visit Switzerland for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to all 27 Schengen countries, including Switzerland. From 2026, an ETIAS authorisation will be required before travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Switzerland. Switzerland does not enforce a 6-month validity rule beyond your departure date, but your airline might — check with them before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Swiss border officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen zone. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at passport control in Zurich and Geneva. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at Swiss airports sometimes ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Swiss immigration may ask to see bank statements or cash to confirm you have enough money for your stay. A daily budget of around 100 CHF per person is a safe benchmark — have a recent statement or credit card ready. | Recommended |
90-day limit applies to all Schengen countries
Your 90 days in Switzerland count toward the same 90-day limit for the entire Schengen area. If you've already spent time in France, Italy, or any other Schengen country, that time counts against your 90 days.
ETIAS coming in 2026
From mid-2026, New Zealand passport holders will need an ETIAS travel authorisation (€7, valid 3 years) before flying to Switzerland or any Schengen country. It's not a visa — just an online pre-screening. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Swiss border
At Zurich, Geneva, or Basel airports, join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date.
2
Schengen area exit
When leaving Switzerland (or any Schengen country), there is no exit stamp. Your departure is tracked electronically. Keep your boarding pass as proof you left on time.
Download Switzerland Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Swiss embassy/consulate.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with proven need)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
National Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Swiss Work Visa (B Permit)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Swiss employer. Requires labor market test and proof of qualifications. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Swiss Student Visa (B Permit for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized Swiss educational institution. Must prove sufficient funds and health insurance. Part-time work allowed after 6 months.
Apply retirement visa
Swiss Retirement Visa (B Permit for Retirees)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient financial means (no need to work). Must have comprehensive health insurance and proof of accommodation. Not a standard visa; granted at cantonal discretion.
investor visa
Swiss Investor Visa (B Permit for Investors)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For individuals making a significant economic investment in Switzerland (e.g., creating jobs, substantial capital). Requires detailed business plan and cantonal approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; valid for up to 90 days. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; same fee as single entry. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; fines vary and may include deportation. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds for stay30%
No return or onward ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 Switzerland
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Swiss airports, even if leaving the airside transit area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsZurich Airport (ZRH) · Geneva Airport (GVA) · EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL)
Health & vaccines for Switzerland
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitis (TBE)Consider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer; vaccination recommended for hikers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Possible in high Alpine regions (above 2,500m); ascend gradually.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Bern
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Quellenweg 6, 3003 Bern
Mon–Fri 08:30–11:30, 13:30–16:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Zurich
Migration Office Canton Zurich
Berninastrasse 45, 8057 Zurich
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:30–16:30
For extensions and permit issues; bring all relevant documents.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalBern
LanguageGerman, French, Italian, Romansh
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to one year.
Money
CurrencySwiss Franc (CHF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.78 CHF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,JType C (two round pins) and Type J (three round pins, Swiss standard)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Switzerland.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can work remotely for a non-Swiss employer without a visa for up to 90 days. You cannot work for a Swiss company or take a local job. If you plan to work for a Swiss employer, you need a work permit.
No, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended for tourism. You must leave the Schengen area for at least 90 days before returning. Overstaying can result in fines up to CHF 5,000, deportation, or a ban from Schengen for up to 5 years.
If you stay longer than 90 days (which requires a visa or permit), you must register at the local residents' registration office (Einwohnerkontrolle) within 14 days. For stays under 90 days, no registration is needed.
Overstaying is a serious violation. You may be fined up to CHF 5,000, deported, and banned from re-entering the Schengen area for up to 5 years. Always track your days carefully.
Technically, Schengen rules require 3 months validity beyond your planned departure, but Swiss border officials often enforce 6 months. To avoid problems, renew your passport before traveling.
No, New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa for Swiss airports. You can stay in the international transit area without passing through immigration.
Report the loss immediately to the local police and get a police report. Then contact the New Zealand Embassy in Berlin (which covers Switzerland) or the nearest consulate in Zurich or Geneva for an emergency travel document. Processing takes 1-3 business days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.