Chinese visas for Swiss Passport Holders: A Comprehensive Guide

China and Switzerland have recently implemented a mutual visa-free agreement, allowing Swiss citizens to enter China without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This development has significantly simplified travel between the two countries, but it's essential to understand the nuances of this policy and when a visa is still required.

Visa-Free Travel for Swiss Citizens to China

In January 2023, China and Switzerland announced a new mutual visa-free agreement. Swiss citizens can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or family, or transit purposes.

Swiss travelers can now enjoy a visa-free trip to China for up to 30 days. However, those visiting for tourism, business, visiting friends or family, or transit purposes for stays longer than 30 days, Swiss citizens will still need to apply for a visa before their trip.

You can stay for a maximum of 30 days: it’s critical that you don’t overstay your visa.

Returning visa-free visitors is not expected to result in denials, but stays of 30 days or less are recommended for these regions.

It's important to note that if your travel plans include visits to Hong Kong or Macau, separate visas may be required for these regions.

China Tourist Visa Requirements for Swiss Citizens

For stays exceeding 30 days or for purposes not covered by the visa-free agreement, Swiss passport holders need to obtain a China Tourist Visa. Here's what you need to know:

• Required documents:

  • Valid Swiss passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Completed visa application form
  • Recent passport-sized photograph
  • Proof of accommodation in China
  • Round-trip flight itinerary

• Visa processing time: 18 business days on average

• Visa validity: Up to 10 years for multiple-entry visas

• Maximum stay: Typically 30, 60, or 90 days per entry, depending on the visa type

iVisa Pro Tip: Many travelers recommend applying for a multiple-entry visa even if you only plan one trip, as it provides flexibility for future visits without reapplying.

Find out more about visiting China as a Swiss citizen

Business Travel and Other Visa Types for Swiss Citizens

While the visa-free agreement covers short-term business trips, Swiss citizens planning longer business stays or other specific activities in China may need to apply for different visa types:

• Business Visa (M): For commercial and trade activities
• Work Visa (Z): For employment in China
• Student Visa (X): For study or internship programs

Pro Tip: Customer feedback suggests that having a detailed invitation letter from a Chinese company can significantly expedite the business visa application process.

Pro Tip: Even if you're eligible for visa-free travel, we recommend carrying a printed itinerary and return ticket. Customer feedback suggests this can expedite the entry process.

China Tourist Visa for Swiss Nationals: A Deeper Dive

For Swiss citizens planning stays longer than 30 days or for purposes not covered by the visa-free agreement, a China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is required. Here's what you need to know:

• Validity: Usually 3 months to 10 years
• Maximum stay: Typically 30, 60, or 90 days per entry
• Required documents:
  • Valid Swiss passport (at least 6 months validity)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Recent passport-sized photograph
  • Proof of accommodation in China
  • Round-trip flight itinerary
  • Bank statements (last 3 months)

Pro Tip: Apply for a multiple-entry visa even if you only plan one trip. It provides flexibility for future visits without reapplying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I extend my stay in China beyond the 30-day visa-free period? No, you can't extend a visa-free stay. If you plan to stay longer, apply for a proper visa before your trip.

2. Do I need a visa for Hong Kong or Macau if I'm traveling visa-free to mainland China? Yes, separate entry requirements apply for Hong Kong and Macau. Check their specific policies before travel.

3. How long does it take to process a China Tourist Visa for Swiss citizens? Processing times vary, but typically, your visa will be processed within 18 business days.

4. Can I apply for a China visa online? No. China doesn't offer a fully online visa application, you’ll have to go to your local embassy.

5. Is it possible to work in China with a tourist visa? No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal. If you plan to work in China, you must apply for the appropriate work visa.

Embassy Location

For consular assistance, Swiss citizens can contact the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bern:

Address: Kalcheggweg 28, 3006 Bern Phone: +41 31 352 73 33