Switzerland has moved into line with European Union changes to Schengen visa applications that will raise the costs for adults and children aged between six and 12.
Although Switzerland is not a member state of the EU it is part of the Schengen zone, forcing it to adopt the new procedures, which are aimed at making other countries repatriate failed asylum seekers.
From February 2, 2020, the cost of obtaining a visa for the Schengen zone to visit Switzerland will rise from €60 to €80 (CHF65 to CHF92) for adults. The fee for minors aged between six and 12 will rise by €5 to €40.
But the changes also promise to make it more efficient and faster to obtain a visa. It will be possible to submit applications six months before taking a trip instead of the current three months. There will also be an option to fill in applications electronically.
Multiple-entry visas with a longer validity period will be issued for a period of up to five years rather than the current one-year limitation. This will ease the administrative burden for regular travellers, the Swiss government statedExternal link.
Countries outside the Schengen zone will be monitored by the European Commission on how readily they accept the readmission of their citizens who have been rejected as asylum seekers. Those countries that fail to meet expectation could face higher fees and longer waits for Schengen visas in future.
More
More
Permits and visas
This content was published on
Students wishing to study in Switzerland must obtain the proper permits from the authorities to stay in the country. Here’s how the process works.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Switzerland announces candidacy to chair OSCE in 2026
This content was published on
Switzerland is officially in the running to chair the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026, the foreign ministry announced on Thursday.
Switzerland assumes protecting power mandate for Ecuador in Venezuela
This content was published on
At Quito's request, Switzerland will represent Ecuador's interests in Venezuela, the Swiss foreign ministry announced on Thursday.
Swiss researchers find security flaws in AI models
This content was published on
Artificial intelligence (AI) models can be manipulated despite existing safeguards. With targeted attacks, scientists in Lausanne have been able to trick these systems into generating dangerous or ethically dubious content.
Two Swiss nationals indicted for supporting Islamic State
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has filed charges against two Swiss nationals, aged 22 and 28, who are accused of supporting the banned terrorist group Islamic State.
This content was published on
The Swiss parliament has finalised the 2025 federal budget, with the army receiving more money at the expense of foreign aid.
Switzerland expresses sympathy after earthquake hits South Pacific
This content was published on
"Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu who are struggling with the consequences of this devastating earthquake," the Swiss embassy in Australia said.
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural sector is to benefit from greater federal support between 2026 and 2029, after a vote by the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
Switzerland waives post-Brexit visa requirement for British nationals
This content was published on
The Swiss government has dropped the requirement that British nationals obtain a visa to enter Switzerland for a lengthy stay after Brexit.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.