What visa or permit to we need to travel to Switzerland in 2026? Is there a website that we need to visit.. forms to fill out.. do we have to make an appointment at an embassy? I've seen several different references and I'm looking for what has to be done to enter Switzerland on my Rick Steves tour... Help is appreciated..
Posted by
Chicago
3976 posts
If you’re coming from the US, you just need your passport.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1821 posts
Where are you coming from? If from the US, the requirements wont be won’t be any different than the Ireland tour it looks like you took, a current US passport.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6960 posts
Passport only if travelling from a visa exempt country. This, currently, includes the US. However when ETIAS becomes active in late 2026, it will be required, in advance of travel. Do a search for ETIAS - there have been many previous threads on the subject.
Posted by
Freedonia
18380 posts
That's IF ETIAS becomes active. It's been postponed over three years and we still don't have a start date.
If you are taking the RS tour this year, don't worry about it.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you everyone for the replies. Appreciate your help.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32594 posts
It would help to know which country you're travelling from (ie: which country issued your Passport)? I'm assuming you're from the U.S., so this information may be helpful.....
https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/planning/guidance/europe.html
It's possible you'll encounter the EES system, so will follow the procedures listed in the above link. If you'll also be travelling to the U.K., you'll have to obtain an Electronic Travel Permit prior to arriving there.
Posted by
Freedonia
18380 posts
It's good to point out that even if you encouterr EES, there is nothing to be done ahead of time. You get registered upon arrival.
Posted by
Chicago
3976 posts
You can also keep track of what travel documents are required for your tour by logging into your tour account online. If you look under Tours FAQ, you will see the following:
What travel documents are required?
Everyone who joins a tour is required to bring a valid passport and
provide passport information to Customer Support as soon as possible
before departure. The State Department recommends that your passport
must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date and have
a minimum of two blank visa pages. In addition to a passport,
travelers visiting England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland need
to apply for the United Kingdom's Electronic Travel Authorization
(learn more about UK’s ETA). You're responsible for obtaining all
required travel documents prior to your tour. If you're not a US
citizen you'll need to contact your government to determine specific
passport and visa requirements for traveling in Europe.