Entering and leaving Switzerland –border control explained

Find out about entry and departure requirements, as well as automated passport control.

Entry and departure requirement Switzerland

Switzerland

The entry requirement for Switzerland vary greatly depending on your country of origin. Detailed information can be obtained from the State Secretariat for Migration SEM.

Minors travelling without parents or with only one parent

Information from the Police

At Zurich Airport border control, the protection of minors is a priority. The following recommendations apply for minors who:

  • are travelling without parents,
  • are accompanied by only one parent
  • are accompanied by persons who are not their parents or who do not have parental responsibility.

The Canton of Zurich police force recommends that minors carry with them on their journey their birth certificate and a declaration of consent signed by the parents or persons with parental responsibility to avoid any possible suspicion of child abduction, for example. There is no set layout for the declaration of consent, but it should contain the following information as a minimum:

  • Name, address and telephone number of the parents or persons who have parental responsibility
  • Date of travel, destination and duration of stay
  • Reason for travel
  • Signature of the parents or persons who have parental responsibility

CH, EU and Swiss settlement or residence permit (C and B)

Departure – Automated passport control e-Gates

At Zurich Airport, automated passport control helps you get to your gate faster. Simply scan your passport and go through the gate yourself. You may use automated passport control if you:

  • are at least 18 years old
  • have a biometric passport/e-passport (not an ID card)
  • are a citizen of Switzerland or an EU/EEA country
  • or persons with a Swiss settlement or residence permit (C and B)

If these do not apply to you, or if you would prefer to be dealt with by a member of staff, you can still use the staffed counters at passport control.

How it works

  1. Open your biometric passport and place it on the scanner, then enter the gate.
  2. Look straight into the camera. Your facial image is compared with the electronic image in your e-passport, and your passport details are checked.
  3. Once the check has been successfully completed, the exit door opens and you can leave the gate.

If further clarifications are necessary, you will be checked again by a member of staff. After passing through automated passport control, your biometric data are immediately deleted.

Third-country nationals (non-EU/EFTA)

All third-country nationals will be registered in the EU-wide Entry/Exit System. This is a requirement of the European Commission and is taking place at all external EU/EFTA borders. Registration in the Entry/Exit System and verification of the details must take place on site on arrival and cannot be carried out in advance. A facial image capture is mandatory for all age groups. Fingerprints are also required from the age of 12.

Entry – self-service systems

The self-service system lets you enter your data yourself, which will significantly reduce your waiting time.

You can use the self-service systems if:

  • You have a biometric passport
  • You do not hold an EU/EFTA passport, a settlement permit or a residence permit

If you do not meet these conditions or would prefer to have your data recorded in person, you can still use the "All Passports" counter.
How it works:

  1. Select your language
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions
  3. Add additional family members if needed
  4. Once you've completed the process, proceed to the staffed counters

For further information, please refer to:

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