Foreign nationals require valid travel documents recognised by the Swiss authorities in order to enter Switzerland. In certain cases, a visa is also required.

Detailed information on obtaining a visa and on the provisions governing entry into Switzerland may be found on the website of the Swiss Federal Office of Immigration, Integration and Emigration (Bundesamt für Zuwanderung, Integration und Auswanderung) under the auspices of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (Eidgenössisches Justiz- und Polizeidepartement).

The BASELWORLD Visitor Service assists show visitors in obtaining a visa by providing a written letter of invitation (this does not count as an admission ticket). Please use the application form below.

New: Schengen visa simplifies entry to Switzerland
Since December 12, 2008, Schengen visas have been accepted for entry into Switzerland. The Schengen visa replaces the Swiss visa for short stays (a maximum of three months within any six months). This means that it is possible to travel to Switzerland and the other Schengen countries on a single visa. Germany and France, which border on Switzerland near Basel, are also in the Schengen area.