Do Swiss citizens need a visa to visit the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia?

Swiss citizens do not need a traditional visa but must obtain electronic travel authorizations: ESTA for the USA (valid 2 years, $21), ETA for UK (valid 2 years, £10), eTA for Canada (valid 5 years, CAD $7), and ETA for Australia (valid 1 year, AUD $20). These must be obtained online before travel and are typically approved within minutes to 72 hours.

Which countries require Swiss passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Swiss citizens require traditional visas for 15 countries including Afghanistan, Algeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo (Rep.), Eritrea, Ghana, Libya, Mali, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Sudan, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. Additionally, 23 countries offer e-visas (India, Russia, Azerbaijan, Cuba, Pakistan, etc.) and 17 offer electronic travel authorizations.

Can Swiss citizens live and work freely in EU countries after Brexit?

Yes. Switzerland is part of the EU/EFTA free movement agreement. Swiss citizens retain the right to live, work, and study in all 27 EU member states and EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) without work permits. However, registration with local authorities is required after 3 months. The UK now requires a visa for work but Swiss citizens can visit visa-free for up to 6 months with an ETA.

Is military service mandatory for Swiss passport holders and can I lose citizenship if I live abroad?

Military service is mandatory for Swiss men (women voluntary) between ages 18-30, requiring basic training plus annual refresher courses or civil service alternative. Swiss citizens living abroad permanently can apply for exemption but must pay a substitute tax (3% of income) until age 37. Dual citizens may fulfill service in their other country of citizenship. Swiss citizenship is not lost by living abroad.

Do I need a visa to visit China, Russia, or India with a Swiss passport?

China: Swiss citizens can visit visa-free for up to 15 days (as of 2024-2025 trial policy). Russia: e-visa available for specific regions or traditional visa required. India: e-visa required (apply online, typically $25-100 depending on duration, processed in 2-5 days). These policies change frequently, so verify current requirements before travel.

How long does it take to renew a Swiss passport and can I do it from abroad?

Swiss passport renewal takes 10-15 working days domestically when applying at cantonal/municipal offices. From abroad, apply through Swiss embassies/consulates; processing takes 4-8 weeks. Standard passport (10 years for adults) costs CHF 140, expedited service available for additional fees. You can apply up to 12 months before expiry. Biometric data collection is mandatory.

Can Swiss passport holders get visa-on-arrival in popular tourist destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, and UAE?

Thailand: Visa-free for 60 days. Indonesia: Visa-on-arrival for 30 days (extendable). UAE: Visa-free for 90 days within 180 days. Other visa-on-arrival destinations for Swiss citizens include Egypt (30 days), Jordan, Maldives, Nepal, Cambodia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Always verify current entry requirements as policies change.

What documents do I need to travel internationally with a Swiss passport?

Essential documents: valid Swiss passport (must have 6 months validity for most countries), return/onward tickets, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds. For specific destinations: ESTA/ETA confirmations, travel insurance (mandatory for Schengen visits by non-residents), vaccination certificates (yellow fever for certain African/South American countries), and any required e-visas. Keep digital and physical copies of all documents.

Are there any countries where Swiss passport holders face travel restrictions or safety concerns?

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) advises against all travel to Afghanistan, Libya, Mali (north), Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and parts of Ukraine. Visa-required countries with complex entry procedures include North Korea, Turkmenistan, and Eritrea. Some countries (Iran, Lebanon, Algeria) require visas and have heightened security concerns. Always check FDFA travel advice (travel.admin.ch) before booking.

Switzerland Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 188 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

The Switzerland passport ranks 4th globally in 2025 on the Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations worldwide. Swiss citizens enjoy exceptional travel freedom and mobility, making it one of the world's most powerful passports for international business and leisure travel. Switzerland has consistently maintained a top-10 ranking since 2006, reflecting the country's strong diplomatic relations and global reputation. The passport provides significant advantages for Swiss nationals seeking seamless access to major economies and tourist destinations across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond.

Global Rank

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

188

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Switzerland passport

141

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Swiss Citizens

Popular destinations where Switzerland passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Japan	Up to 90 days	JP
Singapore	Up to 90 days	SG
Thailand	Up to 30 days	TH
France	Up to 90 days	FR
United States	Up to 90 days	US

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Switzerland passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

141 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

30 countries

🔐 ETA Required

17 countries

💻 E-Visa

23 countries

❌ Visa Required

15 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Switzerland's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Maintained stable ranking from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Obtain residency in Switzerland through qualified investments, with potential pathways to citizenship.

RBI Program Available

Official Switzerland Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)

🔗

Swiss Passport and Identity Card Information

🔗

Travel and Living Abroad - FDFA

🔗

Travel Advice - FDFA

🔗

Visa Information - State Secretariat for Migration

Compare Switzerland Passport with Other Passports

See how Switzerland's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Switzerland (You are here)	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100
Finland	#5	187	95/100	80/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The Swiss passport ranks 4th globally in 2025 with access to 188 visa-free destinations. Swiss citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 218 destinations total, including countries like Japan, all EU/Schengen states, the UK, Singapore, Brazil, and Argentina. This makes it one of the world's most powerful travel documents.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Switzerland's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Switzerland Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 188 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 30 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Switzerland's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Maintained stable ranking from 2006 to 2025

Compare Switzerland Passport with Other Passports

See how Switzerland's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Switzerland (You are here)	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100
Finland	#5	187	95/100	80/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Switzerland passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Swiss Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Switzerland's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official Switzerland Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Switzerland Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the Swiss passport in 2025 and how many countries can I visit visa-free?

Do Swiss citizens need a visa to visit the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia?

Which countries require Swiss passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Swiss citizens live and work freely in EU countries after Brexit?

Is military service mandatory for Swiss passport holders and can I lose citizenship if I live abroad?

Do I need a visa to visit China, Russia, or India with a Swiss passport?

How long does it take to renew a Swiss passport and can I do it from abroad?

Can Swiss passport holders get visa-on-arrival in popular tourist destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, and UAE?

What documents do I need to travel internationally with a Swiss passport?

Are there any countries where Swiss passport holders face travel restrictions or safety concerns?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Switzerland passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Swiss Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Switzerland's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official Switzerland Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Switzerland Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the Swiss passport in 2025 and how many countries can I visit visa-free?

Do Swiss citizens need a visa to visit the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia?

Which countries require Swiss passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Swiss citizens live and work freely in EU countries after Brexit?

Is military service mandatory for Swiss passport holders and can I lose citizenship if I live abroad?

Do I need a visa to visit China, Russia, or India with a Swiss passport?

How long does it take to renew a Swiss passport and can I do it from abroad?

Can Swiss passport holders get visa-on-arrival in popular tourist destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, and UAE?

What documents do I need to travel internationally with a Swiss passport?

Are there any countries where Swiss passport holders face travel restrictions or safety concerns?

Explore More Passport Rankings