Lucerne Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (family passports are no longer accepted). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the travel, including contact information. This is not legally required but strongly recommended to avoid issues at immigration. The letter should include travel dates, destinations, accompanying adult's information, and be signed by both parents if applicable. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. For unaccompanied minors, airlines have specific procedures and requirements.

Dogs, cats, and ferrets can enter Switzerland from EU countries with: valid pet passport, microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785 standard), rabies vaccination at least 21 days old but not expired, and tapeworm treatment for dogs (1-5 days before entry). From non-EU countries, pets need: microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody titer test (at least 30 days after vaccination, 3 months before travel), and health certificate from official veterinarian. Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial purposes. Certain dog breeds may face restrictions in some Swiss cantons. Birds, rodents, and rabbits have different requirements. Check Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) for complete details.

Tourist visas and visa-free stays cannot be extended beyond 90 days in 180 days. For longer stays, you must apply for appropriate permits before arrival: work permits (requires job offer from Swiss employer), student permits (requires acceptance to Swiss educational institution), family reunification permits, or residence permits. These applications are complex and must be initiated through Swiss authorities in your home country or through your sponsor in Switzerland. Switzerland has different permit types (B, C, L) depending on duration and purpose. EU/EFTA citizens have simplified procedures under freedom of movement agreements but still require registration for stays over 90 days.

Business visitors on visa-free or visa stays can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiations but cannot engage in paid work or provide services for Swiss clients. For business visits, carry invitation letters from Swiss companies, proof of employer relationship, and evidence that you'll be paid by your home-country employer. Providing services or paid work requires a work permit, even for short assignments. Trade fair exhibitors may need special documentation. Business travelers should be clear about activities when questioned at immigration to avoid issues.

Students planning to study in Switzerland need a student visa (for stays over 90 days) or residence permit. Requirements include: acceptance letter from Swiss educational institution, proof of financial means (approximately CHF 21,000 per year), health insurance, and accommodation confirmation. Apply at Swiss embassy/consulate in home country at least 8-12 weeks before intended travel. Researchers and academics need similar documentation plus proof of research position or fellowship. Short-term academic visits under 90 days may not require special visas but should carry supporting documentation.

If transiting through Switzerland without leaving the international airport zone, most nationalities don't need a visa. However, some nationalities require an Airport Transit Visa even for connections. If you need to collect baggage, change airports, or leave the international zone, regular entry requirements apply. For Schengen connections, you'll clear immigration at your first Schengen entry point. Keep all boarding passes and have onward tickets readily available. Transit times should allow adequate connection time (typically minimum 90 minutes for Zurich Airport).