Immigration Information for Switzerland
For most participants – including U.S. Citizens – a student visa is not required for this program.
Please reference the information below for details regarding immigration requirements and other important considerations.
Immigration Requirements Based on Nationality
Immigration policies and restrictions will depend on your nationality (the country that issued your passport book):
Passport | Immigration Policies and Restrictions |
|---|---|
| USA | If you hold a valid U.S. passport you are allowed to stay in Switzerland and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa, under a visitor status. |
| European Union countries, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland | If you hold a valid passport from an EU country or Schengen member state, you are allowed to stay in Switzerland or the Schengen Area indefinitely without a visa. To reenter the U.S. after your program, you must travel with appropriate U.S. documentation (e.g., U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or long-term U.S. visa) valid for at least three months beyond your return date. |
| All other nationalities | Depending on the country that issued your passport, you may be required to apply for a Schengen Visitor Visa. Check if you need a visa by emailing IP-Visas@fsu.edu. Please be advised that you will need to be in possession of your Permanent Resident Card, or U.S. visa, to allow re-entry into the United States following your program. |
Passport Validity
- Your passport must:
- Have at least two blank visa pages.
- Remain valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
- If you need to obtain a new passport for your program, consider using our on-campus passport services.
International Travel Restrictions
- Students under a visa-free visitor status – including U.S. Citizens – are permitted to travel up to 90 days within 180 days in Switzerland and the Schengen area.
- If you plan to travel to the Schengen area in the three months before or after your program, it is your responsibility to ensure your stay does not exceed the 90-day limit.
- To avoid accidentally overstaying, we recommend using the ninety180 online Schengen Area travel calculator to keep track of your travel days.
Traveling to the Schengen Area
The European Union is implementing new border systems designed to modernize how travelers enter and exit the Schengen Area. This section provides an overview of these changes and what students may encounter when traveling during their study abroad program. Students are encouraged to review these updates before traveling and consult the EU's official website for the most current information.
Exit System (EES)
As of April 2026, European Union and/or Schengen Area countries have fully implemented the Entry/Exit System (EES) at their external borders. This system replaces manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals.
Key Points:
- Under this system, your entries and exits will be recorded electronically, and the system will automatically calculate the duration of your stay under the 90-within-180 rule.
- Border officials may collect biometric data (fingerprints and/or a facial scan) the first time you enter the Schengen Area under EES.
- Expect longer waits at border crossings. As the EU refines the new EES system, travelers entering and exiting the Schengen Area should expect longer lines at immigration. To mitigate any travel disruptions, arrive at the airport early and allow plenty of time to make your connecting flight, if applicable.
European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS)
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a proposed travel authorization for visitors from visa-exempt countries entering most Schengen Area countries.
ETIAS was previously expected to be implemented during the last quarter of 2026. However, there is currently no confirmed implementation timeline, and students participating in 2027 programs should not expect to be affected by this requirement at this time.
No action is required. Should ETIAS become relevant before or during your study abroad program, International Programs will notify students through the IP portal and provide instructions regarding any necessary travel authorization requirements.
