Swiss Visa Information
Visa Information for Students
What is a visa?
A visa is a passport stamp or document that authorizes the passport holder to enter a country for a specific purpose and particular period of time. Every country has different visa policies and arrangements with every other country. Different types of visas are available for different purposes; common types include tourist visas, student visas, or business visas. Different visas last for different durations of time. Visas are issued through the embassy or consulate of the appropriate host country. The process is extensive and can take up to eight weeks (or more) to receive your visa. To avoid early expiration, the consulate will issue your visa no more than 90 days prior to your program's departure.
Do I need a visa?
Academic Year, Fall Only and Spring Only Programs:
- If you are a U.S. passport holder, you must obtain a visa before arrival in Hauteville.
- If you are a non-U.S. passport holder, you may be required to obtain a visa. To learn if you need a visa, locate your home country on this list and look to the fourth column ("Visa required for stays of more than 90 days"). More information about how to obtain a visa will be sent to you by the IP Office.
Summer Programs:
- If you are a U.S. passport holder, you do not need to obtain a visa before arrival in Hautville, as you will remain in the country for fewer than 90 days.
- If you are a non-U.S. passport holder, you may be required to obtain a visa. To learn if you need a visa, locate your home country on this list and look to the third column ("Visa required for stays of up to 90 days"). More information about how to obtain a visa will be sent to you by the IP Office.
How do I obtain a visa?
Learn how to obtain a visa by attending the mandatory visa workshop for your term:
Academic Year 2024-2025 and Fall Only 2024
Visa Workshop: Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, 8:30 AM -10 AM
An invitation will be sent out to students enrolled in the program term(s) as the workshop date approaches.