Do you need a passport for Switzerland? Entry rules at a glance
Switzerland is a classic travel destination for many Germans: Whether for hiking in the Alps, a city trip to Zurich or Geneva, or simply shopping across the border, the neighboring country beckons year-round. But before they set off, many ask themselves a simple question: Do you actually need a passport to enter Switzerland—or is a German identity card sufficient? The answer is surprisingly flexible. Here you'll find an overview of the current entry regulations for Switzerland.
As a German citizen, you have a lot of flexibility when entering Switzerland: You can enter with either a passport or an identity card . Provisional passports , provisional identity cards , and children's passports are also recognized by the Swiss authorities.
This makes Switzerland one of the few non-EU countries where you can easily enter with almost all standard German identity documents. This is especially convenient for spontaneous short trips, as you don't necessarily need to apply for a passport.
Switzerland makes an exception that surprises many travelers: passports, temporary passports, identity cards, and children's passports may be expired for up to one year upon entry. This regulation is based on a Council of Europe agreement to which Switzerland is also a party.
However, there is one limitation in practice: Not all border officials and authorities are familiar with this special regulation. Therefore, entry with an expired document may result in queries or delays. Especially when traveling with airlines, you may be refused entry at check-in if your ID is no longer valid.
This grace period does not apply to temporary identity cards . This document can only be used within its stated validity period and must not have expired.
Therefore, it's advisable to always carry a valid document with you when traveling to Switzerland – even if it's officially permitted. This way, you'll be on the safe side and avoid unnecessary discussions.
In addition to regular ID cards, you can also travel to Switzerland with temporary documents . This applies to both temporary passports and temporary identity cards .
- Provisional passport: Accepted at the border and is particularly suitable if your regular passport expired shortly before your trip or could not be renewed in time.
- Provisional identity card: Can also be used for entry, but only for as long as it is valid. Use after expiration – as is possible for up to one year with a regular identity card or passport – is not permitted.
The option to enter the country with temporary documents is an advantage, especially for spontaneous trips. However, you should keep in mind that these documents are usually only issued for a very short period of time. Those who travel to Switzerland regularly or plan longer stays are better protected with a regular passport or identity card.
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For German travelers, entering Switzerland is particularly straightforward: no visa is required. You can stay in the country visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period – whether you're traveling as a tourist, visiting friends, or for business purposes.
Visa exemption also applies to certain other groups of people:
- Holders of German residence permits can enter the country visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid travel document.
- The same applies to holders of German travel documents for refugees, stateless persons or foreigners , provided that they are resident in Germany.
For longer stays of more than 90 days, however, different rules apply. Anyone wishing to work, study, or live permanently in Switzerland must comply with the regulations of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and, if necessary, apply for a residence permit.
There are no special hurdles for minors traveling to Switzerland. Each child requires their own valid identification document ; an entry in their parents' passport is not sufficient.
Valid documents for children:
- passport
- identity card
- Provisional passport or provisional identity card
The special rule also applies to children: regular documents may be expired by up to one year. In practice, however, it is recommended to use the most recent documents possible to avoid disputes at the border or during check-in with airlines.
While a consent form isn't required, it can be useful if children are traveling with only one parent or alone. This allows for any queries from the authorities to be quickly clarified.
What do travelers need to know right now? You can find all the important news for your vacation at reisereporter .
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