Does Visiting Germany From Switzerland Require A Visa?

Starting from May 2025, individuals who do not require a visa to enter Germany will need to apply for ETIAS to enter the country. If you are not a national of any of the 62 countries that have established a visa-free regime with the European Union, then you will need a visa to enter Switzerland.

In general, third-country nationals require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany, but an exemption applies to EU nationals. EU citizens do not need a visa to visit, live, or work in Germany, only to register at the local German registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). A visa might be required depending on the traveler’s nationality and the purpose of visit. More information can be obtained at any Schengen Member states’ embassy.

Swiss nationals do not require a visa for entry or a work permit, but should apply for a declaratory residence permit from the German immigration authority responsible for their place of residence if they are staying for more than 90 days in accordance with § 28 AufenthV. Swiss nationals do not require a visa for entry or a work permit, but must apply for a declarationary residence permit from the German immigration authority responsible for their place of residence if they are staying for more than 90 days.

Currently, citizens of 62 countries can enter Germany visa-free for tourism/visiting and business purposes for periods shorter than 90 days within the country. Residence permits may be applied for after entering Germany without a visa. Travel advice for Germany, Swiss representation in Germany, and requirements for entry/visas for Germany are available.

Can I travel from Germany to Switzerland without visa?

Swiss citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) can enter Switzerland without a visa if they have a valid identity document and a valid migration authorization from the canton’s migration authority. For stays over 90 days, they must announce themselves at their residence municipality within 14 days and apply for a residency permit. For non-EU citizens, entry conditions vary based on nationality, reasons for stay (tourism, visit, employment, studies, family reunification), and duration of stay (short or long).

Which country can travel to Germany without visa?

Non-EU citizens require a valid passport to enter Germany, and information sheets for those staying less than 90 days can be found at their respective German embassies. For those staying longer than 90 days, a visa from a German Consulate is required, typically issued for business travelers or students with foreign scholarships. Countries like Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Great Britain, Guatemala, Honduras, Hongkong, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, Croatia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macao, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, Republic of Slowakia, Slovenia, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, and Cyprus do not require a tourist visa. If visiting Berlin as a tourist and combining it with other European countries, it is recommended to apply for the required visas before departing.

Can I use my Swiss Schengen visa to enter another country?

A Schengen visa is typically valid for all countries within the Schengen zone. However, applicants are required to submit their applications at the consulate of their intended primary destination, in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Schengen Agreement (see FAQ no. 5).

Do you need visa from Switzerland to Germany?

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland have freedom of movement and unrestricted access to the German labour market without a visa or residence permit. This applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland (EFTA countries). Third-country nationals from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the USA can enter Germany for employment without a visa, but must apply for a residence permit in Germany before taking up employment.

Citizens of these countries can apply directly to their local foreigners authority, but it is advisable to apply for the relevant visa before entering the country. Third-country nationals must submit a visa application to their local German embassy or consulate before travelling to Germany.

How do I go to Germany from Switzerland?

The best way to travel from Switzerland to Germany is by flying, which takes 2 hours and costs between $120 and $320. Trains via Berlin Hbf are also available for $160 – $290 and take 9 hours and 43 minutes. Buses are also available for $75 – $120 and take 15 hours and 7 minutes. Berlin is a city rich in history, with attractions like the Berlin Wall, East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, Holocaust Memorial, Sachsenhausen concentration camp memorial, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and the eclectic art scene.

Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine that helps travelers find all transport options for their trip from Switzerland to Germany. It displays up-to-date schedules, route maps, journey times, and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, allowing users to make informed decisions about their best option. Online bookings for selected operators make reservations easy and straightforward.

Who needs a visa for Germany?

A residence visa is a prerequisite for individuals intending to remain in Germany for a period exceeding 90 days for the purposes of work, study, or permanent relocation.

Can I visit Switzerland with a German Schengen visa?

As a member of the Schengen Area, Switzerland has implemented a policy whereby a Schengen member state visa is sufficient for entry into Switzerland or any other Schengen country, with a maximum stay of 90 days. Consequently, no additional tourist visa is required.

Is there passport control between Germany and Switzerland?

Since Switzerland’s accession to the Schengen Area in 2008, there have been no permanent passport controls along the border between Germany and Switzerland. However, customs controls are still in operation since Switzerland is not part of the European Customs Union. The border between the two countries extends to 362 kilometers, mostly following Lake Constance and the High Rhine. Exceptions include the Swiss canton of Schaffhausen, the Rafzerfeld and hamlet of Nohl of the canton of Zürich, Bettingen and Riehen municipalities, part of the city of Basel in the canton of Basel-City, and the old town of the German city of Konstanz.

Much of the border is within the sphere of the Zurich metropolitan area, and there is substantial traffic for commuting and shopping across the border. S-Bahn services run through Swiss and German territory, while the Swiss municipality of Kreuzlingen forms part of the conurbation of Konstanz. The Trinational Eurodistrict of Basel includes territory in both France and Germany, with Basel S-Bahn services operating across the Swiss-German border. As of 2023, there are 64, 934 cross-border commuters between Germany and Switzerland.

Is there border control between Switzerland and Germany?

Since Switzerland’s accession to the Schengen Area in 2008, there have been no permanent passport controls along the border between Germany and Switzerland. However, customs controls are still in operation since Switzerland is not part of the European Customs Union. The border between the two countries extends to 362 kilometers, mostly following Lake Constance and the High Rhine. Exceptions include the Swiss canton of Schaffhausen, the Rafzerfeld and hamlet of Nohl of the canton of Zürich, Bettingen and Riehen municipalities, part of the city of Basel in the canton of Basel-City, and the old town of the German city of Konstanz.

Much of the border is within the sphere of the Zurich metropolitan area, and there is substantial traffic for commuting and shopping across the border. S-Bahn services run through Swiss and German territory, while the Swiss municipality of Kreuzlingen forms part of the conurbation of Konstanz. The Trinational Eurodistrict of Basel includes territory in both France and Germany, with Basel S-Bahn services operating across the Swiss-German border. As of 2023, there are 64, 934 cross-border commuters between Germany and Switzerland.

Do I need a visa for Switzerland?

A U. S. citizen entering Switzerland as a tourist for a period of three months is required to have a passport that is valid for at least 90 days after the date of departure from the Schengen Area. Those seeking information on residence and student visas are directed to the Swiss Embassy in Washington, DC, or one of the Swiss Consulate Generals in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. While Switzerland does not mandate vaccinations for tourists, certain measures may be in place to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Do I need a passport to travel from Switzerland to Germany?

The European Agreement on the Regulation of the Movement of Persons between Member States of the Council of Europe allows travelers with an expired Swiss passport to travel to Germany for up to 5 years. However, valid Swiss ID cards are required. If traveling by plane, airlines may not accept expired ID documents. Third-country nationals generally require a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany, but this does not apply to EU/EEA states or other states that have waived visa requirements for short stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period under the Visa Regulation.