Table of Contents
Swiss citizens are eligible for a 45-day visa exemption when traveling to Vietnam. For longer stays up to 90 days, an eVisa must be obtained prior to entry.
Do Swiss Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
For stays of up to 45 days, Swiss citizens do not require a visa. Switzerland is included in Vietnam's visa exemption program, allowing Swiss passport holders to enter the country for short-term tourism, business, or family visits without prior visa arrangements.
For stays exceeding 45 days, and up to a maximum of 90 days, travelers must apply for a Vietnam eVisa prior to departure. The application must be submitted exclusively through the official National Web Portal on Immigration.
The eVisa is officially recognized at 83 designated international entry ports across Vietnam, encompassing 17 airports, 27 land border crossings, and 39 seaports.
To qualify for the 45-day visa exemption, Swiss citizens must present a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam, containing a minimum of two blank pages.
Visa Categories for Swiss Travelers
The following entry options are available for Swiss passport holders in 2026:
| Option | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | Up to 45 days | Free | Short-term tourism and business |
| eVisa (Single Entry) | Up to 90 days | $25 USD | Extended tourism or business |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry) | Up to 90 days | $50 USD | Regional travel requiring re-entry |
Conditions for Visa-Free Entry
When entering Vietnam under the visa exemption, Swiss nationals must adhere to the following regulations:
- Possession of a Swiss passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date, with at least two blank pages.
- The maximum duration of stay is exactly 45 days per entry.
- The visa-free status cannot be extended from within Vietnam.
- Travelers may be required to provide proof of onward or return travel (e.g., a confirmed flight ticket).
- There is no mandatory waiting period between consecutive visa-free entries.
Individuals planning to remain in Vietnam beyond the 45-day limit must secure an eVisa or other appropriate visa category prior to arrival. Overstaying may result in administrative penalties.
Flight Routes: Switzerland to Vietnam
There are currently no direct, non-stop flights between Switzerland and Vietnam. Swiss travelers typically depart from Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) utilizing connecting services:
- Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH) — Connecting services to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Emirates via Dubai (DXB) — Connecting services to major Vietnamese airports.
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST) — Connecting options from Zurich and Geneva.
- Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN) — Routing through Southeast Asia.
Total travel duration generally ranges from 15 to 20 hours, depending on transit times.
Practical Information for Swiss Citizens
Pertinent logistical information for Swiss nationals traveling to Vietnam:
- Currency: The Swiss Franc (CHF) is not generally accepted for transactions in Vietnam. Travelers should exchange currency to Vietnamese Dong (VND) or carry United States Dollars (USD). Local ATMs are widely available for VND withdrawals.
- Time Zone: Vietnam observes Indochina Time (UTC+7), which is 6 hours ahead of Central European Time (CET) and 5 hours ahead of Central European Summer Time (CEST).
- Electrical Standards: Vietnam utilizes a 220V supply voltage. Type A, C, and F outlets are standard. Swiss Type C plugs are compatible with most local sockets without an adapter.
- Consular Assistance: The Embassy of Switzerland is located at the Hanoi Central Office Building, 15th Floor, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi (Telephone: +84 24 3934 6589). Please note that consular services (including visas and passports) for the entirety of Vietnam are managed exclusively by the Consulate General of Switzerland in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ensure all entry requirements are met prior to travel. Travelers staying beyond 45 days must apply online for an eVisa well in advance of their planned departure date.