ESTA VISA ONLINE FOR CITIZENS OF SWITZERLAND
Swiss citizens can visit the United States for up to 90 days by applying for ESTA visa online. The system, which is entirely online, enables citizens of Switzerland to obtain a travel authorization for travel to the USA related to tourism, business, medical purposes and short-term study programs. By obtaining a US travel authorization, a Swiss traveler do not need a visa to enter the United States. If you hold a passport from Switzerland, you can apply for your US travel authorization today. If your US travel authorization is not approved, you will have to apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa at your nearest U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Embassy is located in Bern, Switzerland.
When the ESTA system was introduced in 2008, it made it easier for Swiss nationals to enter the United States, and it became a mandatory in 2009. Travelers may apply today, and the processing request may take up to 72 hours. Travelers using the online system are recommended to apply at least 72 hours before departure. Travelers are also required to travel with a signatory carrier. Swiss International Airlines is well known in Switzerland, and is a signatory carrier.
Switzerland joined the Visa Waiver Program in October 1989, together with 5 other countries. From October 2014 to October 2015, 445,366 Swiss nationals traveled to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
Signatory Carriers for visiting the USA under the VWP
Signatory Carriers (Airlines):
- Belair Airlines AG
- COMLUX Aviation, A.G.
- Edelweiss Air
- Execujet (Europe- Switz)
- Jet Aviation Business
- Jets AG (Swiss)
- PrivatAir GmbH
- Swiss Air Ambulance Ltd.
- Swiss Global Air Lines AG
- Swiss International Airlines
- Swiss Jet
- Swiss World Airways, S.A.
Useful information:
The US Embassy in Switzerland:
- Website: https://ch.usembassy.gov/
- The US Embassy in Switzerland is located in Bern.
- Both Swiss and American Citizens can utilize the services offered at the US Embassy in Bern.
Passports from Switzerland:
- Swiss passport holders are encouraged to have a valid passport for at least six (6) months prior to departure. In addition, Swiss passports are required to be machine-readable (e-passport). You may apply for ESTA if you hold a Swiss passport and it is machine-readable.