Schengen Visa validity

Short summary – read this first

Sesha is a traveler from Germany who initially sought clarification on whether an additional visa is needed for visiting Switzerland with a Schengen visa. After confirming that neither he nor his parents need a visa, he shared his successful trip to Switzerland, highlighting key experiences.

Key takeaways:
  • You do not need an additional visa for Switzerland as a German resident with a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days.
  • If your parents hold a Schengen Tourist visa, they can travel to Switzerland without needing an extra visa as long as the visa is valid.
  • Consider using the Swiss Travel Pass for convenient travel options across the country.
  • Don't miss the cogwheel train to Mt. Pilatus and the stunning Jungfraujoch during your trip.
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InfoAI-generated summary
  • Anonymous
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    8 July 2013 at 8:46:42 #806115

    Hello Arno and Annika,

    I was informed by a friend of mine about requirement of a separate visa to visit Swiss, even if we have Schengen visa. But according to my understanding this was the case a few years ago and now Swiss is also included in the Schengen area. Therefore no additional visa is required, even for tourist schengen visa. Please correct me if I am wrong.

    Regards,
    Sesha…

  • Annika
    Moderator
    7328 posts
    Reply 1 of 7 • 10 July 2013 at 10:01:59 #839072

    Hi Sesha. You’re a German resident, right? In that case: no, according to the Federal Office for Migration you don’t need an additional visa for a stay up to 90 days. Details can be checked in the official overview of travel documents per country.

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    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 2 of 7 • 10 July 2013 at 16:06:30 #839073

    Hi Annika,

    Thank you for the reply. Yes me being a German resident, I do not require visa to enter Swiss. But does the same rule apply for my parents who are currently visiting me in Germany and have a Schengen Tourist visa from German Consulate for 90 days. Kindly clarify.

    Regards,
    Sesha.

    Arno
    Moderator
    15730 posts
    Reply 3 of 7 • 11 July 2013 at 0:38:17 #839074

    He Sesha,

    I think it’s no problem although I heard different rules about this (like that you have to ask for visiting other countries when applying for the visa). To be absolutely sure I would advice to ask the German consulate as they know exactly what kind of visa they issue.

    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 4 of 7 • 11 July 2013 at 2:51:06 #839075

    Hi Arno,
    Thanks for the reply. The following is an excerpt from German Consulate website.
    “Persons granted a short-stay visa with no territorial restrictions (category “C” visa) by a Schengen country may, for the duration of the visa’s validity, stay and travel freely in the territory of any other Schengen country. Holders of such visas may also cross the Schengen area’s internal borders without undergoing identity checks. Air passengers with transit visas (category “A” visa) are entitled only to enter the international transit area at airports but not the Schengen area itself.” Switzerland has been included in the Schengen region since 2009.

    Hope this helps others who may have the same doubt.

    Regards,
    Sesha.

    Arno
    Moderator
    15730 posts
    Reply 5 of 7 • 11 July 2013 at 16:28:15 #839076

    That’s interesting, thanks for sharing this Sesha!

    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 6 of 7 • 22 July 2013 at 4:04:51 #839077

    Hi Annika and Arno,
    Just finished my Swiss trip. Had a perfect trip, thanks to your help. It helped me to a great extent in finding the right pass and the scheduling of visit to different mountains. The cogwheel train to Mt.Pilatus is a experience not to be missed. Jungfraujoch is simply mesmerising. The only place which did not impress me was Mt. Rigi, but may be because I expected too much. Definitely will visit again and cover the remaining sights. Will look forward for your help then.
    Thank you once again.
    Regards,
    Sesha.

    Arno
    Moderator
    15730 posts
    Reply 7 of 7 • 22 July 2013 at 9:40:22 #839078

    Hi Sesha,

    Very good to hear that! Glad we could help and that you enjoyed your visit. Thank you for reporting back here, and hope to speak to you when preparing for your next trip!

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