Entering the country
The local Swiss consulate or embassy in your country will be pleased to provide information about the terms and conditions of entry to Switzerland, as well as details about visas, passports or ID requirements. For longer stays in Switzerland, newcomers are recommended to bring with them the most important original documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, employment testimonials and academic certificates, medical prescriptions, entry permits etc.
Citizens of Western European countries can enter Switzerland upon presentation of a valid ID card. For entry from Eastern European countries and overseas, a valid passport is required. Tourist visas or working visas are issued by the Swiss consulates.
Switzerland has signed the Schengen agreement, which eliminates border controls between the member states. Citizens of all other countries must adhere to the usual formalities.
Importing household goods
Once the Swiss entry permit has been obtained furniture and other household items can be brought into the country either by airfreight through EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg or by road. It is advisable to report major shipments in advance. As a rule, offices at the major customs crossings are open from 7a.m. to 5.30 p.m. In general, the import of used goods is duty free. Necessary documents include all personal papers as well as the notice of departure from the country of origin, the entry permit, leases of flats or houses, and a complete list of the articles imported.
Importing private vehicles
Private cars must be declared at the border. In the case of older or more exotic vehicles, please check the terms of registration in advance. If the car is less than six months old, customs duty must be paid. All car papers and insurance documents, as well as the driving licence of drivers, should be carried in the car at all times. Vehicles can be registered with the MOT directly after entering Switzerland. Otherwise it is possible to drive with foreign number plates, driving license and vehicle documents for up to one year. Owners are automatically called to register their car before the deadline. Further information is provided by the Swiss Federal Customs Administration.
Importing problematic goods and pets
The import of problematic goods, such as exotic plants, is subject to special regulations. You will find more details in the leaflets issued by the Swiss Federal Customs Administration. For information concerning the importation of pets please consult the Veterinary Office.