Important Updates
Important Updates
July 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Congress Passes Budget Reconciliation Bill with Immigration Impact
July 3, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Ontario Implements Key Reforms to the Immigrant Nominee Program
July 3, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Québec Reopens Skilled Worker Program and Unveils Selection Criteria
July 3, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates: Temporary Pause on Issuing Freelance Visas
July 3, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Migration Advisory Committee to Assess Salary Thresholds, Temporary Shortage List Occupations
July 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Congress Passes Budget Reconciliation Bill with Immigration Impact
July 3, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Ontario Implements Key Reforms to the Immigrant Nominee Program
July 3, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Québec Reopens Skilled Worker Program and Unveils Selection Criteria
July 3, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates: Temporary Pause on Issuing Freelance Visas
July 3, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Migration Advisory Committee to Assess Salary Thresholds, Temporary Shortage List Occupations
July 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Congress Passes Budget Reconciliation Bill with Immigration Impact
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Planning to Attend Eurovision 2025? What Visitors Need to Know About Swiss Entry Rules

February 11, 2025

Planning to Attend Eurovision 2025? What Visitors Need to Know About Swiss Entry Rules

Country / Territory

  • SwitzerlandSwitzerland

Related contacts

Timo Heck

Timo Heck

Partner

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4481

Photo of Konstantin Schmid

Konstantin Lukas Schmid

Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 44 267 44 98

Related industries

  • Media and Communications

Related insights

  • Behind the Scenes at Eurovision: Ensuring Performers and Crew Are Work-Ready

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Timo Heck

Timo Heck

Partner

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4481

Photo of Konstantin Schmid

Konstantin Lukas Schmid

Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 44 267 44 98

Related industries

  • Media and Communications

Related insights

  • Behind the Scenes at Eurovision: Ensuring Performers and Crew Are Work-Ready

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Timo Heck

Timo Heck

Partner

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4481

Photo of Konstantin Schmid

Konstantin Lukas Schmid

Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 44 267 44 98

Related industries

  • Media and Communications

Related insights

  • Behind the Scenes at Eurovision: Ensuring Performers and Crew Are Work-Ready

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Alessandra Rüede

The countdown to the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, set to take place from May 13 to 17, is officially underway. With less than three months until the opening ceremony, participating artists are refining their performances, while Basel is making extensive preparations to ensure the event’s success on both a logistical and cultural level.

Visitors planning to attend the Eurovision Song Contest may need to consider specific entry requirements when traveling to Switzerland.

Entry regulations are primarily determined by nationality. As Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, travelers must have either a valid Schengen visa, a valid Schengen residence permit, or, if from a visa-exempt country, may enter without additional requirements.

Regardless of nationality, a tourist stay in Switzerland is governed by the Schengen rules and is therefore limited to a maximum of 90 days within a rolling period of 180 days, provided the individual has the full Schengen allowance available. For a stay beyond these 90 days, a residence permit is required. In principle, this residence permit must be applied for before entering Switzerland

Non-EU/EFTA nationals

If you are a non-EU/EFTA national, you may be required to obtain a Schengen visa in your country of residence in order to enter Switzerland or the Schengen area as a tourist. You can find out whether you need a visa according to your nationality by checking the latest countries list.

However, all persons who hold a valid residence permit from a Schengen state or a valid category D visa for a longer-term stay from a Schengen state (national visa deemed equivalent to a residence permit) are exempt from the visa requirement.

If you need a visa, you must apply via the Swiss representation or the representation of another Schengen member state competent for your place of residence. Whether this will be a Swiss representation or one of another member state will depend on your travel itinerary. If Switzerland is responsible for issuing your Schengen visa, further information on visa processes and the responsible representation can be found on the Swiss government’s Online Visa System.

Duration of stay and Schengen rule

Irrespective of the visa requirement, the Schengen rules apply to all non-EU/EFTA nationals who are not in possession of a Schengen residence permit or a valid category D long-stay visa from a Schengen state. A tourist stay is allowed to for a stay up to 90 days in a 180-day rolling period.

Non-EU/EFTA nationals who are in possession of a Schengen residence permit or a valid visa for a long-term stay in category D of another Schengen state must respect the maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen zone apart from the country that issued their permit.

EU/EFTA nationals

If you are a national of an EU/EEA country, you can enter Switzerland at any time and without any additional formalities using your national identity card or passport.

Although no additional entry requirements apply to EU/EEA nationals, it is important to keep in mind that a tourist stay is nevertheless limited to a maximum of 90 days at a time. For stays longer than 90 days, a residence permit must be applied for.

Need to know more?

For those planning to visit Switzerland for the Eurovision Song Contest in May, it is important to be aware of the applicable entry requirements. Non-EU/EEA nationals should note that the 90-day Schengen allowance is calculated within a rolling 180-day period. To avoid any issues, it may be advisable to start tracking Schengen days in advance.

For further information on Swiss immigration requirements, please contact Manager Konstantin Schmid at [email protected] and Immigration Consultant Alessandra Rüede at [email protected] on the Fragomen Swiss Immigration team. 

This blog was published on 11 February 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • SwitzerlandSwitzerland

Related contacts

Timo Heck

Timo Heck

Partner

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4481

Photo of Konstantin Schmid

Konstantin Lukas Schmid

Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 44 267 44 98

Related industries

  • Media and Communications

Related insights

  • Behind the Scenes at Eurovision: Ensuring Performers and Crew Are Work-Ready

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Timo Heck

Timo Heck

Partner

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4481

Photo of Konstantin Schmid

Konstantin Lukas Schmid

Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 44 267 44 98

Related industries

  • Media and Communications

Related insights

  • Behind the Scenes at Eurovision: Ensuring Performers and Crew Are Work-Ready

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Timo Heck

Timo Heck

Partner

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4481

Photo of Konstantin Schmid

Konstantin Lukas Schmid

Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 44 267 44 98

Related industries

  • Media and Communications

Related insights

  • Behind the Scenes at Eurovision: Ensuring Performers and Crew Are Work-Ready

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Podcast

David Kipp über Migration von Indien nach Deutschland

David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Learn more

Blog post

EB-5: What You Should Know—And Why It Might Be Worth It

Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Learn more

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the Saudi Real Estate Market: What Expats Need to Know

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: 25 Years Ago New Immigrants to Canada Told Us Their Dreams. We Checked In to See How They’ve Fared

Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Podcast

David Kipp über Migration von Indien nach Deutschland

David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Learn more

Blog post

EB-5: What You Should Know—And Why It Might Be Worth It

Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Learn more

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the Saudi Real Estate Market: What Expats Need to Know

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: 25 Years Ago New Immigrants to Canada Told Us Their Dreams. We Checked In to See How They’ve Fared

Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.