Switzerland entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Switzerland in 2026. Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, so you'll apply for a Schengen visa, which also allows travel to other Schengen countries. Plan ahead — visa processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Swiss embassy or consulate | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Switzerland. Apply at the Swiss embassy or visa application center in your country of residence. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application no later than 6 months before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Switzerland. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Swiss law, but airlines may enforce a 3-month validity rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Swiss airports 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. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or an invitation letter from your host. Swiss border officers ask for this less often than return tickets, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Swiss immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds — roughly 100 CHF per day of stay. A recent bank statement or credit card showing available credit works. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Vietnamese passport holders must get a Schengen visa before traveling to Switzerland. Start the process at least 4-6 weeks ahead. Last-minute applications are risky.
Travel insurance is mandatory for the visa
You'll need to show proof of travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses when you apply. It's also smart to have it for your trip — Swiss healthcare is expensive.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your application at the Swiss embassy or consulate in Vietnam (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City). You'll need to book an appointment, fill the form, pay the fee (around €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for under 6), and attend in person to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Processing takes 15 calendar days on average, but can take up to 45 days in busy periods.
2
Arrive at a Swiss airport
When you land at Zurich, Geneva, or Basel, follow signs to 'Passport Control' for non-EU/EFTA citizens. Have your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay.
3
Exit Switzerland
When leaving, go through passport control again. Your exit will be recorded. Make sure you don't overstay the visa's validity period (usually up to 90 days within 180 days). Overstaying can result in fines or a ban from the Schengen Area.
Download Switzerland Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
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 date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For one-time entry; must leave Schengen area before visa expires.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with strong travel history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; ideal for frequent travellers.
Swiss National Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For work, study, or family reunification; requires prior approval from cantonal authorities.
work visa
Swiss Work Visa (B Permit)
1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Swiss employer. Requires work contract and proof of qualifications. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Swiss Student Visa (B Permit for Studies)
1 year, renewable annually
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a Swiss university. Requires proof of admission, sufficient funds, and health insurance. Part-time work allowed after 6 months.
investor visa
Swiss Investor Visa (B Permit for Investors)
1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For individuals making a significant economic investment in Switzerland (e.g., business creation). Requires business plan and proof of funds. No guaranteed approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children under 12. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry; validity depends on applicant's travel history. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Imposed for overstaying visa-free or visa period; may lead to ban. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Transit visa required
Vietnam passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Switzerland, even if staying airside. Apply at the Swiss embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit are exempt.
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state may transit without a separate visa.
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 diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Possible in high-altitude regions like the Alps; ascend gradually and stay hydrated.
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
Handles visa applications and residence permits; appointments required.
Zurich
Migration Office Canton Zurich
Berninastrasse 45, 8057 Zurich
Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:30–16:00
For extension and residence matters; bring all original documents.
Practical information for VN 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 = 0.79 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
If you're staying airside and not passing through passport control, you generally don't need a visa for transits under 24 hours. But if you need to enter Switzerland (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you'll need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days during peak season (summer, Christmas). Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Additional service fees may apply at the visa application center.
No, the Schengen visa is not extendable for tourism. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
Report the loss to the local police immediately and get a police report. Then contact the Vietnamese embassy in Bern for an emergency travel document. You'll need this to leave Switzerland.
Immigration officers can ask for proof of sufficient funds. Have bank statements or a credit card ready. A general guideline is about CHF 100 per day of your stay.
Yes, a Swiss Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Just enter through Switzerland first.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.