Switzerland
United States
United States visa for Swiss citizens
Entry requirement
Swiss citizens need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for the United States, obtained online before travel, for stays of up to 90 days.
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Where to apply
- 2 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index
Which United States visa?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Fee
- US$40.62
All visa types for the United States
For the ETA, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62, and applications are made on esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Longest stay on the ETA: Up to 90 days per visit.
Where to apply in Switzerland
- Embassy of the United States in Bern
Sulgeneckstrasse 19, 3007 Bern
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US visas issued to citizens of Switzerland
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 4,384 | 3,422 |
| Student (F, M) | 1,528 | 1,362 |
| Exchange (J) | 1,209 | 1,151 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 1,304 | 1,432 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 1,005 | 774 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 602 | 569 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 12 | 8 |
| Total | 10,044 | 8,718 |
| 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%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Switzerland anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Switzerland.
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
US citizens travelling to Switzerland
United StatesSwitzerland Visa-free, 90 days Switzerland visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from Switzerland to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). Each ministry writes for its own citizens.
Good to know
How long Swiss citizens can stay in the United States
Swiss citizens may stay in the United States for up to 90 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to the United States.
How Swiss citizens apply
Swiss citizens apply for the ETA for the United States online on its official government portal before departure; it is linked to the passport they travel with.
The United States’ neighbours for Swiss citizens
Mexico admits Swiss citizens visa-free.
US citizens travelling to Switzerland
Switzerland admits US citizens without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Swiss citizens need a visa for the United States?
Swiss citizens need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for the United States, obtained online before travel, for stays of up to 90 days.
How long can Swiss citizens stay in the United States?
Swiss citizens can stay in the United States for up to 90 days with an ETA.
How much does the United States ETA cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62 for the ETA.
Do US citizens need a visa for Switzerland?
Switzerland admits US citizens without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Can Swiss citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Swiss citizens need an ETA for the United States.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.