Switzerland

Embassies and consulates in Switzerland

embassies in Bern

Diplomatic missions from 109 countries are based in Switzerland, 202 missions in all (97 embassies, 40 consulates, 19 honorary consulates and 46 other offices). Most embassies, 82 of 97, are in the capital, Bern. Consulates are also found in Geneva, Zurich and Lugano.

Europe Schengen area

Switzerland

Capital
Bern
Population
9,092,436
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Calling code
+41
Languages
German, French, Italian
  • 202missions
  • 97embassies
  • 40consulates
  • 19honorary consulates
Visa-free: 120 destinations#6 in the world

Map

All missions in Switzerland

Other cities in Switzerland

Outside Bern, missions are found in Geneva (81), Zurich (19), Lugano (6), Basel (5), St. Gallen (2), Lausanne (1) and Chur (1); most of them are consulates general, consulates and honorary consulates.

By country

  1. Italy 8
  2. China 6
  3. Germany 6
  4. Belgium 5
  5. France 5
  6. Portugal 5
  7. Russia 5
  8. Czech Republic 4
Show all 109

Visa rules for Switzerland

How the world’s passports enter Switzerland198 in total

  • Visa-free93
  • Visa required105

Switzerland visa guide · 13 visa types

Visa rules

Switzerland is outside the European Union but part of the Schengen area. Of the 198 passports in the visa data, 93 can enter visa-free and 105 need a visa from an embassy or consulate for Switzerland. As a Schengen state, Switzerland counts every short stay towards the shared limit of 90 days in any 180.

Visa statistics

US visas issued to citizens of Switzerland

Visas issuedFY 2024FY 2025
Visitor (B)4,3843,422
Student (F, M)1,5281,362
Exchange (J)1,2091,151
Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…)1,3041,432
Transit and crew (C, D)1,005774
Diplomatic and official (A, G)602569
Fiancé(e) (K)128
Total10,0448,718
B visa refusal rate (adjusted)5.4%5.8%

In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 8,718 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Switzerland, the 86th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 39%, work and treaty visas 16% and student visas 16%. That is 13% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (10,044).

From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Switzerland received 2,573, 23% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.

For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 5.8% for citizens of Switzerland in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 5.4%).

Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made

United States visa for citizens of Switzerland

Switzerland’s own missions abroad

Switzerland’s embassies abroad (317)

Switzerland itself has 317 missions abroad, in 136 countries. Its largest networks are in the United States (26), France (13), Germany (11), Italy (11) and Australia (8).

Upcoming closures

Public holidays in Switzerland

  • Christmas Day

    Friday

  • New Year's Day

    Friday

  • Ascension Day

    Thursday

  • Swiss National Day

    Sunday

Good to know

Where the embassies are

Most embassies, 82 of 97, are in the capital, Bern. Italy has the most missions in Switzerland, 8, followed by China (6), Germany (6), Belgium (5) and France (5).

Travel advice for Switzerland

Foreign ministries’ advice on travel to Switzerland: the US State Department rates Switzerland at Level 1, exercise normal precautions (updated 13 August 2026), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to Switzerland (updated 11 August 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for Switzerland (updated 13 October 2026).

Frequently asked questions

Which country has the most consulates in Switzerland?

Italy, with 8 missions, followed by China (6).

Do I need a visa for Switzerland?

Of 198 passports, 93 can enter visa-free and 105 need a visa from an embassy or consulate for Switzerland; the visa rules page for your own passport has the answer for you.

When are embassies in Switzerland closed?

On Switzerland’s public holidays and on each mission’s own national day; the next public holiday is Christmas Day (Weihnachten) on Friday 25 December 2026.

Is Switzerland in the Schengen area?

Yes. Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, so a Schengen visa is valid there.