General disclaimer:
The State Secretariat for Migration SEM can only provide information about entry into Switzerland. The rules governing entry to other countries are a matter for the authorities in those countries.
1. Travel documents
1.1 What travel documents do Swiss citizens require to enter Switzerland?
Swiss citizens have a right to enter Switzerland. In order to enter the country, you must prove or demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that you are a Swiss citizen. The following documents are accepted as proof of identity:
- passport or identity card;
- a photocopy of a valid passport or ID card;
- an expired travel document;
- an official document showing your identity and/or citizenship (e.g. a driving licence).
1.2 What travel documents do nationals of EU/EFTA member states require to enter Switzerland?
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Information on the EU/EFTA states is available here: |
In principle, everyone needs a valid travel document recognised by Switzerland. Depending on nationality, Switzerland accepts certain expired travel documents for crossing the Swiss border:
List: Overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality
→ See also question 1.6: Is it possible to enter Switzerland without a valid travel document?
1.3 What travel documents do third country nationals require to enter Switzerland?
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Third countries are states that do not belong to the European Union and/or the Schengen area. |
1.3.1 For a short-term stay without gainful employment (e.g. as a tourist or visitor)
The travel documents of third country nationals entering Switzerland for a short-term stay must:
- be valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area; and
- have been issued within the last 10 years.
In principle, everyone requires a valid travel document that is recognised by Switzerland:
List: Overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality
→ See also question 1.4: Is my travel document recognised?
1.3.2 Holders of a residence permit or category D visa from a Schengen state
You require a travel document that is valid at the time of entry and during your intended stay in Switzerland.
List of residence permits issued by Schengen member states (PDF, 954 kB, 07.10.2024)
1.4 Is my travel document recognised?
You can check whether your travel document is recognised for entry into Switzerland in the following table:
List of travel documents to which a visa may be affixed
Note:
- Search for the country that issued the document in the table. The last column indicates whether Switzerland (CH/LI) recognises the travel document.
- If the entry is marked green, it means that the document is recognised by Switzerland.
- Entries in red mean that the document is not recognised.
1.5 What documents do stateless persons require to enter Switzerland?
The following link (section 2.5) provides information on the entry provisions for stateless persons:
List: ID and visa provisions: particularities regardless of nationality (PDF, 192 kB, 31.03.2024)
Please contact the Swiss embassy responsible for the area in which you live if you have any questions:
Swiss representations abroad
1.6 Is it possible to enter Switzerland without a valid travel document?
1.6.1 Swiss nationals who do not have a valid travel document
Swiss citizens have a right to enter Switzerland. In order to enter the country, you must prove or demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that you are a Swiss citizen. The following documents are accepted as proof of identity:
- a photocopy of a valid passport or identity card;
- an expired travel document;
- an official document showing your identity and/or citizenship (e.g. a driving licence).
- for children: an extract from an official register (e.g. civil status register) and/or the original birth certificate.
1.6.2 EU/EFTA citizens who do not have a valid travel document
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Information on the EU/EFTA states is available here: |
EU or EFTA citizens wishing to enter Switzerland without a valid travel document will be admitted if they manage to prove or demonstrate their citizenship beyond reasonable doubt. Proof of citizenship may be furnished by any appropriate means. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) suggests carrying the following documents:
- a photocopy of a valid travel document;
- an expired travel document;
- an official document proving the identity and/or citizenship of the holder (e.g. driver’s licence);
- for children: an extract from an official register (e.g. civil status register) and/or the original birth certificate.
It is recommended you apply for a travel document as soon as possible.
Please note that certain airline companies may not transport passengers without valid travel documents. Please check with your airline what transport conditions apply.
1.6.3 Third country nationals who do not have a valid travel document
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Third countries are states that do not belong to the European Union and/or the Schengen area. |
Third-country nationals require a valid travel document recognised by Switzerland to enter Switzerland.
→ See question 1.4: Is my travel document recognised?
Exceptions apply to holders of a valid residence permit or a category D visa issued by Switzerland or a Schengen state for the purpose of transit to the issuing state.
Note:
Certain airline companies may not transport passengers without valid travel documents. Please check with your airline what transport conditions apply.
1.6.4 Infants who do not have a valid travel document (EU/EFTA)
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Information on the EU/EFTA states is available here: |
Minors generally need a recognised and valid travel document.
→ See question 1.4: Is my travel document recognised?
Infants from an EU or EFTA member state may enter Switzerland provided:
- the infant is not older than six months;
- the infant has been officially registered (e.g. in a register of births, marriages and deaths);
- the infant is accompanied by one or both parents;
- one or both parents are EU or EFTA citizens;
- one or both parents present a passport or ID card together with an official document showing the child’s birth has been registered.
If no official register exists or if for lack of time no document could be obtained, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) advises parents of infants to carry with them their child’s original birth certificate.
Parents are advised to apply for their infant’s travel document as early as possible.
2. Visa
2.1 Do I require a visa?
Please check visa requirements by nationality under the following link:
List: Overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality
Information on special provisions regardless of nationality is available here:
List: ID and visa provisions: particularities regardless of nationality (PDF, 192 kB, 31.03.2024)
A Schengen visa is valid for Switzerland and all other Schengen member states unless stated otherwise on the visa.
2.2 What type of visa do I require?
A category C visa is issued for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It is valid for the entire Schengen area and is commonly known as a «Schengen visa».
Stays for the following purposes require a category C visa:
- tourism
- visiting family or friends
- participating in a sports or cultural event
- business
- attending school or to study
Note:
People intending to enter Switzerland in order to pursue gainful employment are required to hold both a valid Schengen visa and a work permit. Further information is available here:
Working in Switzerland
Category D visas are issued for stays exceeding 90 days. As this is a visa for a long-term stay in Switzerland, it is also referred to as a «national visa».
A category D visa is required if you wish to stay in Switzerland for one of the following reasons:
- gainful employment
- education or vocational training
- family reunification
2.3 Which representation is responsible for the visa application?
If only one Member State is the destination, the consulate of that Member State is responsible for the visa application. If the journey includes several destinations, the consulate of the main destination (usually the longest stay) is responsible.
2.4 Where and how do I apply for a category C visa for Switzerland?
Applications for a category C visa must be submitted online using the application form provided or directly to the Swiss representation responsible for your place of residence.
The application can be submitted six months before the intended trip. Ideally, it should be submitted at least two months before travelling.
Further information is available here:
Note:
People intending to enter Switzerland in order to pursue gainful employment are required to hold both a valid Schengen visa and a work permit. Further information is available here:
Working in Switzerland
2.5 Where and how do I apply for a category D visa for Switzerland?
You must apply for the category D visa in writing using the application form or directly at the Swiss representation abroad responsible for your place of residence.
You can find the visa application form here:
Visa application form for a category D visa
Please note that you require a permit to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days. For this purpose, the Swiss representation abroad will forward your visa application to the cantonal migration office for examination.
Please contact:
- the cantonal migration and labour market authorities for questions about residence in Switzerland and for information on permits:
Cantonal immigration and employment market authorities - the Swiss representation abroad responsible for your place of residence for questions about the visa application and the required documents:
Swiss representations abroad
2.6 How long does the visa procedure take?
Once a Swiss representation accepts an application for a category C visa (i.e. when you have submitted the visa application, travel document, photograph and other relevant documents, your fingerprints have been taken and the visa fee paid) the application is processed and a decision is generally taken within 15 days. In exceptional circumstances, the period for processing an application may take longer, for example up to 30 or 60 days.
Applications for a category D visa are processed by the cantons (a residence permit is required). The time the responsible authorities need to process such applications may vary according to canton and purpose of stay. As a rule, one to several months must be expected.
For detailed information, please contact the competent authorities:
Cantonal immigration and employment market authorities
→ See question 2.2: What type of visa do I require?
2.7 I have questions about the appointment with the Swiss representation abroad / about submitting and completing the documents
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) cannot provide any information on this matter. Please contact the Swiss consulate responsible for the place in which the person applying for a visa lives.
Usually you can find the information you require on the embassy or consulate website.
→ See: Swiss representations abroad
2.8 Do I need travel insurance?
If you are applying for a Schengen visa, you must prove that you have medical insurance for the entire length of your stay with a coverage of up to EUR 30,000 for costs arising as a result of:
- repatriation for medical reasons;
- emergency medical assistance;
- emergency hospital care;
- death expenses, including repatriation costs of the body or remains.
If you are planning several stays in Switzerland, you should be able to show that you have adequate insurance for the duration of your first stay. You should then sign the declaration on the visa application form that you are aware of the requirement to have adequate medical insurance for any further visits.
The insurance must be taken out by the visa applicant with an insurance company authorised by the consulate that processes the visa application. A list of authorised companies is available on the consulate’s website or directly from the consulate.
The insurance can also be taken out with a company in Switzerland by a third person (i.e. the person who signed the declaration of sponsorship) in the name of the visa applicant.
2.9 I have a Schengen residence permit – do I require a visa for Switzerland?
Holders of residence permits from a Schengen member state are permitted to enter Switzerland without a visa. You can spend a maximum of 90 days in Switzerland within the last 180 days.
You are authorised to enter Switzerland without a visa if you have one of the following residence permits:
Liist of residence permits issued by the Schengen member states (PDF, 954 kB, 07.10.2024)
2.10 For which countries is my category C visa valid?
Unless otherwise noted, Schengen visas are generally valid for all member states of the Schengen Agreement, including Switzerland. Occasionally, the validity of a category C visa is limited to certain countries and is noted on the visa.
A category C visa is only accepted for entry together with a recognised and valid travel document.
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Information on Schengen states: |
2.11 Do I require a visa for airport transit?
Information on the visa for an airport transit can be found under section 2.1 in the following document:
List: ID and visa provisions: particularities regardless of nationality (PDF, 192 kB, 31.03.2024)
Note:
Transit (or airport transit) is when a person is travelling from outside the Schengen area to another country outside the Schengen area and changes planes at a Swiss airport. The person may not leave the airport's international transit zone. There is no entry into Switzerland.
2.12 How can I appeal against a visa refusal?
To appeal against the refusal of a visa, you must contact the competent Swiss representation abroad.
The notification of the refusal is communicated by means of a standard visa refusal form. The appeal must be made in writing (German, French or Italian) with a statement of grounds.
The appeal must be made within 30 days of receipt of the refusal. The person concerned or an authorised representative (e.g. a host in Switzerland) can submit the objection here:
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Quellenweg 6
3003 Bern-Wabern
If you do not have an authorised proxy, you can submit the appeal to a Swiss representation abroad.
The SEM will confirm receipt of your appeal and request you to pay an advance on costs of CHF 200 (Art. 63 APA) within 30 days.
2.13 Can I travel with a valid visa in an expired or cancelled passport?
Third-country nationals may be admitted to Switzerland if they present the following documents upon entry:
- an expired or annulled passport containing a valid visa; and
- a valid and recognised passport (without visa).
However, you may be refused entry for other reasons.
3. Entry requirements
3.1 What requirements must third-country nationals meet in order to enter Switzerland?
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Third countries are states that do not belong to the European Union and/or the Schengen area. |
In addition to a valid and recognised travel document (→ see questions 1.3 and 1.4), the following requirements apply:
3.1.1 Requirements for third-country nationals who do not require a visa
→ See question 2.1: Do I require a visa?
- You must prove the purpose and circumstances of your stay in Switzerland and/or in the other countries you are visiting;
- You must have sufficient financial resources to cover the entire duration of your intended stay and for the return trip to your country of origin or for transit to a third country, or you must be able to obtain the necessary financial resources by some other lawful means;
→ See question 3.2 - You must not be the subject of an alert issued in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for the purposes of refusing entry;
- You must not pose a threat to Swiss security, public order, public health or the international relations of any of the Schengen states;
- You must not be subject to an expulsion order or any measure banning you from entering Switzerland.
We recommend that you also carry the following documents with you:
- A return ticket valid for a maximum of 90 days or a ticket for continuing your journey to a country outside the Schengen area together with the visa required to enter the country of final destination;
- Letter of invitation to stay with private individuals or family members (no formal requirements, a copy is sufficient);
→ See question 8.1 - Confirmation of a reservation at a hotel (a copy is sufficient);
- If you are on a business trip, a letter from the company that has invited you, confirming the dates of your stay (a copy is sufficient).
→ See question 8.1
3.1.2 Requirements for third-country nationals who require a visa
→ See question 2.1: Do I require a visa?
- You are in possession of a valid category C visa, a valid category D visa or a valid residence permit from a Schengen state:
List of residence permits issued by the Schengen member states (PDF, 954 kB, 07.10.2024) - You must explain the purpose and conditions of your stay in Switzerland and/or in the state(s) you intend to visit;
- You must have sufficient financial resources to cover the entire duration of your intended stay and for the return trip to your country of origin or for transit to a third country, or you must be able to obtain the necessary financial resources by some other lawful means;
- You have medical insurance;
- You must not be the subject of an alert issued in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for the purposes of refusing entry;
- You must not pose a threat to Swiss security, public order, public health or the international relations of any of the Schengen states;
- You must not be subject to an expulsion order or any measure banning you from entering Switzerland.
Note:
If you plan to enter the Schengen area via a country other than Switzerland you are advised to find out about the entry conditions for the Schengen area from the representation of the relevant country.
3.2 What is meant by «sufficient financial means for a stay in the Schengen area»?
Third country nationals may be questioned by the border authorities about the purpose of their visit as well as their financial means. They may be turned away if they do not have sufficient financial means and are unable to provide details of where they will be staying and the purpose of their visit.
Sufficient financial resources can be demonstrated by showing cash, traveller's cheques, credit cards or other collaterals (e.g. bank guarantee).
Third-country nationals who remain in Switzerland at their own expense must be able to demonstrate their financial resources amounting to at least CHF 100 per day of their stay. Students with a valid student permit are required to demonstrate funds of CHF 30 per day.
Note:
Persons who do not have sufficient financial means may enter Switzerland with a letter of invitation from a host.
→ See questions 8.1 and 8.2
3.3 My residence permit has expired - can I still travel?
Third-country nationals who do not require a visa can stay in Switzerland for 90 days after their residence permit has expired.
Third-country nationals who require a visa must always be in possession of a valid residence permit or visa in order to travel to Switzerland.
→ See question 2.4: Where and how do I apply for a category C visa for Switzerland?
If you have not yet been issued a residence permit or it is currently being renewed, the following applies:
3.3.1 Swiss residence permit
The State Secretariat for Migration recommends that you apply for a so-called "return visa" before leaving Switzerland. Contact the migration authorities in your canton of residence:
Cantonal migration and labour market authorities
For travelling within the Schengen area:
→ See question 4.3: Can I stay in the Schengen area after my residence permit has expired?
3.3.2 Residence permit from a Schengen state
In case your residence permit is being renewed and you wish to enter Switzerland, the State Secretariat for Migration recommends that you apply to the competent authority of the country that issued the residence permit for a return visa before travelling to Switzerland.
Please note that provisional residence permits issued for the duration of the examination of an initial application for a residence permit or an asylum application, as well as supporting documents for renewal applications, are generally not considered equivalent (unless they are expressly included on the List of residence permits issued by Schengen member states (PDF, 954 kB, 07.10.2024) and thus you cannot enter Switzerland with them.
If you are abroad and wish to re-enter the Schengen area, please contact the foreign authority responsible for your place of residence.
4. Duration of stay
4.1 How long are third-country nationals allowed to stay in Switzerland?
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Third countries are states that do not belong to the European Union and/or the Schengen area. |
In principle, third-country nationals can enter the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visas with a shorter duration of stay are also issued for third-country nationals requiring a visa. The duration of the stay is noted on the visa in these cases.
→ See question 2.1: Do I require a visa?
Note:
Third-country nationals require a permit for stays lasting longer than 90 days within a 180-day period:
Residence
4.2 How is the length of stay calculated?
The days of entry and departure are included in the total duration of the stay.
The length of stay calculator helps you to calculate the lawful length of stay:
Length of stay calculator
Note:
Further information on the duration of sty is available here:
Requirements for entering Switzerland
4.3 Can I stay in the Schengen area after my residence permit has expired?
Persons requiring a visa may submit a visa application to the diplomatic representation of the Schengen state in which they mainly intend to stay no later than 15 days before their residence permit expires. If your main destination is Switzerland, you can extend your stay by contacting the cantonal immigration office:
Cantonal immigration and employment market authorities
If you do not require a visa for Switzerland, you can stay in the country for a further 90 (continuous) days. When travelling to another Schengen member state, you should ask the competent authorities of that member state whether and under what conditions you are permitted to stay in that country.
5. Entry ban / Expulsion
5.1 How can I find out if I am subject to an entry ban?
You can find out if you are the subject of an entry ban by contacting the:
State Secretariat for Migration
Admission and Residence Division
Quellenweg 6
3003 Bern-Wabern
Tel.: +41 (0)58 465 11 11
Fax: +41 (0)31 325 93 79
5.2 Can I enter the country if I have been expelled?
If you are subject to an expulsion order under criminal law, you may not enter or stay in Switzerland for the duration of the expulsion order.
An expulsion order for Switzerland cannot be cancelled or suspended.
6. Family reunification / Working in Switzerland
6.1 I am looking for information on family reunification
6.1.1 Persons who are not in an asylum procedure
You can obtain information on family reunification from the cantonal migration office responsible for your place of residence:
Cantonal immigration and employment market authorities
Further information on family reunification is available here:
FAQ Residence and Integration Criteria (available in German, French and Italian)
6.1.2 Asylum seekers
Information on family asylum or family reunification is available here:
Special procedure
Applications should be submitted in writing to the State Secretariat for Migration.
6.2 Can I work in Switzerland?
Information on access to the Swiss labour market is available here:
Employment
7. Minors / School children
7.1 Are there travel concessions for school children?
7.1.1 School children residing in Switzerland
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Information on the EU/EFTA states is available here: |
Pupils who do not have a travel document or a Swiss residence permit may travel within the EU/EFTA area without a visa for school trips, provided they are on a special list.
The pupils listed are required to travel as a member of a group and need to be accompanied by at least one teacher.
The names of schoolchildren holding a residence permit type N, F or S may also be included on the list.
If a pupil does not hold a valid travel document, the list is accepted in lieu of a travel document, provided it includes a photo of the child.
The list and further information can be obtained from the competent cantonal immigration authorities:
Cantonal immigration and employment market authorities
For travel to Ireland and Cyprus, the respective embassies can provide information on whether the country in question recognises the school list issued by Switzerland.
7.1.2 School children resident in the EU/EFTA area
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Information on the EU/EFTA states is available here: |
School children from third countries resident in an EU or EFTA member state may enter Switzerland without a visa if a separate list with the names of the school children, issued by the competent authorities of the respective EU or EFTA member state, is presented.
The list of school children is recognised as a valid replacement travel document by Switzerland provided it contains a passport photo of the pupils in question.
7.2 Are minors allowed to enter Switzerland unaccompanied, or accompanied by persons other than their parents?
In principle, entry is possible for unaccompanied minors or minors who are not travelling with a parent, provided they fulfil the regular entry requirements.
→ see question 3
However, for security reasons (e.g. suspicion of child abduction), the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) recommends that minors carry a declaration of consent from their parents or the person with parental authority.
The declaration of consent should include the personal details and telephone number of the person with parental authority. It can also include the date of the trip, destination, duration and reason for travelling.
The declaration of consent must be written in one of the official Swiss languages (German, French or Italian) or in English. SEM does not have a special form for this purpose, nor are there any requirements what form such a note should take.
8. For hosts in Switzerland
8.1 What are the requirements for inviting someone (either on a private or business visit) to Switzerland?
The authorities may ask third-country nationals travelling to Switzerland to visit family/friends or for business reasons to present a letter of invitation during the visa procedure or upon entry. The invitation letter must be issued by the host in Switzerland.
Information on the invitation letter is available here:
Information on the invitation letter (PDF, 119 kB, 13.07.2020)
8.2 What is a declaration of sponsorship?
A declaration of sponsorship is an official document proving that third-country nationals have sufficient financial means to stay in Switzerland. By signing the declaration of sponsorship, the (solvent) signatory person resident or domiciled in Switzerland undertakes to assume the costs of illness, accident, return travel and living expenses incurred during the guest's stay in the Schengen area.
The declaration of sponsorship must cover costs for people travelling alone and for groups or families of not more than ten persons of up to CHF 30,000.
Further information on the declaration of sponsorship and how to obtain it can be found here:
Information on declaration of Sponsorship (PDF, 155 kB, 06.12.2013)
9. Visa for transporting passengers or goods to Switzerland
9. Visa for transporting passengers or goods to Switzerland
A distinction should be made between a notification or work permit requirement and a visa requirement.
Notification or work permit requirement:
- There is no requirement to give notification or to hold a work permit for occasional passenger transport journeys to Switzerland (tourist trips) or goods transport journeys made by truck to Switzerland in the following two cases:
- If the journey is made by a company registered in the EU or EFTA based on the Overland Transport Agreement between Switzerland and EU. Drivers who are third-country nationals can also make journeys to Switzerland for companies registered in the EU or EFTA under the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) provided they are authorised to work in the regular employment market of an EU or EFTA state.
- If the journey is made by a company registered in one of the following third countries: Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Morocco, North Macedonia, Moldova, Russia, Serbia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Belarus. Switzerland has concluded an agreement with these countries on the cross-border movement of persons and goods by road.
- Occasional passenger transport journeys (tourist trips) and goods transport to Switzerland made by a company registered in another third country (e.g. Montenegro) may be made but require authorisation if they take longer than eight days. The driver also requires a work permit.
Applications for work permits must be submitted by the employer to the competent cantonal immigration and employment market authorities. You can find information on the application documents to be submitted here: Application documents.
- Regular passenger transport journeys (scheduled services) to Switzerland always require authorisation irrespective of the driver's nationality or the place where the company is registered. Scheduled services require authorisation (web page available in German, French and Italian) from the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), while the drivers require a work permit under the law on foreign nationals. Applications for authorisation for the scheduled service must be submitted directly to the FOT (web page available in German, French and Italian).
Applications for work permits must be submitted by the employer to the competent cantonal immigration and employment market authorities. You can find information on the application documents to be submitted here: Application.
Further information on authorisation requirements for the regular and irregular transport of passengers and goods can be found in the joint SEM-SECO circular dated 28 February 2017 (PDF, 613 kB, 28.02.2017).
Visa requirement:
As goods and passenger transport journeys, with the exception of transit journeys, are always regarded as gainful employment under the law on foreign nationals, the visa provisions on entering Switzerland for the purpose of working apply. Please check the visa requirements for the relevant nationality. In contrast to the authorisation requirement, it is the nationality of the driver and not the place where the company is registered that is decisive when determining whether the visa requirement applies.
For example, heavy goods vehicle drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia or North Macedonia require a visa to enter Switzerland, regardless of how long they plan to stay. Please contact your nearest Swiss representation to apply for the visa.
Transit journeys
The international transport of passengers or goods through Switzerland (transit) is not regarded as gainful employment. The company concerned does not normally require authorisation and, depending on his or her nationality, the driver does not require a visa.
For example, a Serbian driver who transports tourists or goods from Serbia through Switzerland to France does not require a visa.
Last modification 16.09.2024
