US visa online for Swiss citizens
For Swiss citizens, travelling to the United States means applying for a visa or ESTA. This article guides you through the process, the documents required and the processing time.
Travelling to the United States is an exciting prospect for many Swiss citizens, but before you pack your bags, you need to find out whether you need a visa or an ESTA. ESTA, an electronic travel authorization system, is a quick option for short stays and tourism, while a traditional visa is required for longer stays or other reasons. This article explores in detail the steps involved in obtaining a visa or ESTA for the United States, as well as the associated documents and deadlines.
Do Swiss citizens need a USA visa or ESTA?
- Swiss citizens can travel to the USA with a visa or ESTA.
- The ESTA is an electronic travel authorization for tourist or business stays of less than 90 days.
- A visa is required for stays of more than 90 days or for reasons other than tourism.
- Applications for visas and ESTAs are made online via official platforms.
- Costs range from USD 21 for an ESTA to several hundred dollars for a visa.
How do I apply for a US visa or ESTA from Switzerland?
Applying for a visa or ESTA to travel to the United States from Switzerland is a straightforward process, but it varies depending on your situation. The process can be completed entirely online for the ESTA, whereas the classic visa application generally involves a visit to the embassy.
Applying for an ESTA for Swiss citizens
Applying for an ESTA is quick and easy. You need to fill in an online form on the official US government website. You will need to provide basic information, such as your name, contact details and details of your trip to the United States. You will also have to answer a series of security questions.
Here's how to apply:
- Go to the official ESTA website or to a service provider with assistance.
- Fill in the form with your personal and travel details.
- Answer the security questions.
- Pay the fee (USD 21 in 2025).
- Wait for approval (in general, the ESTA is approved within a few minutes, but it is recommended that you apply at least 72 hours before your departure).
Applying for a USA visa for Swiss citizens
If you need to apply for a USA visa, the process takes a little longer.
Here are the general steps to follow:
- Complete the DS-160 visa application form online.
- Create an account on the official US Embassywebsite.
- Pay the visa application fee, which varies according to the type of visa requested.
- Schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Bern.
- Present yourself at the interview with all the required documents (see below).
Documents required by Swiss citizens to apply for a US visa?
Swiss citizens must provide certain documents to apply for a visa or ESTA. Here is a list of the documents required for both types of application:
Documents for an ESTA application
- Valid biometric passport (it must be valid for at least 6 months after the planned date of entry into the United States).
- Travel address in the United States.
- Information about your flight or itinerary.
Documents required for a visa application
- Valid passport (as for ESTA, it must be valid for 6 months after your date of entry into the United States).
- Confirmation of your DS-160 application (printout of the confirmation page).
- Passport-size photograph complying with US embassy requirements.
- Proof of payment of the application fee.
- Proof of a scheduled interview with the embassy (if required).
- Additional documents, depending on the type of visa requested (e.g. letter of invitation for a B1/B2 visa).
Important note
For the visa application, you will also need to provide documents proving your link with Switzerland (e.g. proof of employment, bank statement) and your intention to return after your stay in the USA.
How much does a USA or ESTA visa cost for Swiss citizens?
ESTA application fees are relatively modest, whereas visa fees can be much higher. Here is an overview of the costs for each option:
ESTA price from Switzerland
The cost of the ESTA is USD 21. This fee is fixed and covers all administration costs. Once granted, the ESTA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
US visa prices from Switzerland
Visa fees vary according to the type of visa requested.
For example:
- B1/B2 visas (business and tourism) cost around USD 160.
- Student (F1) or work (H1B) visas can cost considerably more, between USD 160 and USD 190, but may also include additional fees depending on the visa category.
- Fees are payable online at the time of application or at the embassy at the time of interview.
Processing times for US tourist visas for Swiss citizens
Processing times for obtaining a visa or ESTA authorization depend on the type of application and the time of year. Here are the major points to bear in mind:
- ESTA processing times: ESTA applications are generally processed very quickly. Most applications are approved within a few minutes. However, it is recommended that you apply at least 72 hours before your departure to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
- Processing time for a visa: A B2 tourist visa can take between 7 and 10 working days to process. However, it may take longer during periods of high demand or if additional documents are required. If necessary, the US embassy can speed up the process, but this depends on your situation and the availability of interview slots.
- Tips to avoid delays: It is advisable to start the process well in advance to avoid any stress before your departure. If you are applying for a visa, make sure you have all your documents in order and prepare for the interview at the embassy to avoid delays.
Duration and validity of the USA or ESTA visa for Swiss citizens
Swiss citizens wishing to travel to the United States need to determine whether a conventional visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is required. The duration and validity of these documents vary depending on the type of stay, whether it is for holiday, business or other reasons. In what follows, we will explore the different durations and validity of the ESTA and visa for Swiss citizens.
Number of entries into the USA from Switzerland
One of the essential points to understand when obtaining a visa or ESTA authorization is the number of entries authorised into the United States.
- ESTA: The ESTA, an electronic travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program, allows Swiss citizens to travel to the United States for stays of less than 90 days. It is valid for multiple entries for a period of two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means that you can enter the United States several times, provided that the total duration of each stay does not exceed 90 days.
- USA visas: On the other hand, for traditional visas such as B2 tourist visas, the rules on the number of entries vary. Some visas allow multiple entries (multiple-entry visas), while others, such as single-entry visas, limit entry to a single stay. Multiple-entry visas may be valid for between 1 and 10 years, depending on the type of visa and the specific conditions.
How long can I stay in the US as a Swiss citizen?
The maximum length of stay depends on the type of visa or ESTA you obtain for your trip to the United States.
- ESTA: With ESTA, you are authorised to stay in the United States for a maximum of 90 days, whether on holiday, on business, or a combination of the two.
- This may seem a short time, but it offers great flexibility for short trips. The ESTA cannot be extended and does not allow you to stay longer in the United States.
- USA visa: The length of your stay on a traditional visa depends on the type of visa you have obtained. For example, a B2 tourist visa generally allows you to stay in the United States for up to 6 months. You can apply to extend your stay, but this is at the discretion of the American authorities. A B1 business visa may also allow you to stay for 6 months, but each case is considered on its own merits.
Renewing your USA visa
Whether you hold an ESTA or a traditional visa, it is essential to understand the rules governing the renewal of these documents.
- ESTA renewal: The ESTA is valid for 2 years.
- After this period, you will need to make a new application if you wish to travel to the United States again. If your passport expires before the end of the ESTA validity period, you will need to make a new application, even if you still have time left on your current authorization.
- Renewing your USA visa: USA visas, such as the B2 visa for tourists, can be renewed. However, the renewal process can be more complex than the ESTA process. If your visa has expired or is about to expire, you will usually need to submit a new application, sometimes with additional documents. The steps involved in renewing a visa may vary depending on the type of visa and how long it is valid. In some cases, you may be exempted from a renewal interview, but this depends on the specific conditions.
US visa rejected for Swiss citizens
US visas can be rejected for a variety of reasons, even for Swiss citizens. Visa refusal is not systematic and depends on many factors, including the type of visa applied for and the applicant's personal circumstances. The American authorities examine each application in detail to ensure that travellers comply with the conditions for entry into the United States.
Common reasons for US visa refusal
- Incomplete or fraudulent documents: If you do not provide all the required documents or if you submit inaccurate or fraudulent information, your application may be rejected.
- Security reasons: If the US authorities have security concerns, including criminal history, this may result in your application being rejected.
- Non-compliance with visa requirements: Sometimes a Swiss citizen may not meet the visa requirements, such as a traveller who is unable to demonstrate that they intend to return to Switzerland after their stay.
- Lack of proof of solvency: If the consulate considers that you cannot support yourself financially during your stay, this may also result in a refusal.
What should I do if my visa is rejected?
If your USA visa is rejected, it is possible to request a review of your file or to submit a new application, correcting any mistakes or submitting additional documents. Sometimes an appeal can be made if you feel that the decision was wrongly taken. An ESTA refusal, on the other hand, can also be contested, but this requires specific steps to be taken with the US authorities.
Check if your question has already been answered in the list below
- Valid passport: A valid biometric passport is required for all travellers. It must be valid for at least 6 months after your expected date of arrival in the United States.
- Return ticket: The US authorities may require you to prove that you intend to return to Switzerland after your stay, so a return ticket or a ticket to another country is recommended.
- Proof of solvency: You may need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. This may include bank statements or proof of employment.
- Specific documents for certain types of visa: For example, if you are on a business trip, you may need to provide a letter of invitation from your US company. If you are a student, you will need to present your letter of admission.
- ESTA for Swiss children: If the child is travelling as part of a tourist trip of less than 90 days, he or she can benefit from an ESTA application.
- Information must be provided for each member of the family, including children, in the online application form. The process for children is similar to that for adults.
- Visa for Swiss children: If the child plans to stay in the United States for more than 90 days, or for reasons other than tourism, a visa is required. Parents or guardians must also accompany the child for the visa application and interview at the embassy if necessary.
