Switzerland passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Switzerland

Embassy / VFSNonimmigrant Visa (B1/B2)

Citizens of Switzerland need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Nonimmigrant Visa (B1/B2)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Government fee	$160
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Proof of funds	Evidence of sufficient funds to cover trip costs is typically required.

How to apply

1
Complete DS-160 form online
Submit the online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160) and print the confirmation page.
2
Pay visa application fee
Pay the MRV fee via the designated payment system (e.g., online or bank deposit).
3
Schedule visa interview appointment
Log into the appointment system (ais.usvisa-info.com) to book a slot at the U.S. Embassy in Bern.
4
Attend biometrics appointment
Provide fingerprints and photo at the embassy or consulate before the interview.
5
Attend visa interview
Appear in person at the embassy with all required documents for the interview with a consular officer.
6
Wait for visa processing
Processing times vary; you may need to leave your passport for visa issuance.
7
Collect passport with visa
Receive your passport with the visa either by mail or by picking it up at a designated location.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
DS-160 confirmation page
Form submitted online before appointment.
Passport-style photo
Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements.

Travel

Travel itinerary or flight reservation
Optional
Optional but helpful to demonstrate planned dates.
Hotel reservation or invitation letter
Optional
Proof of accommodation during stay.

Financial

Visa fee receipt
Proof of payment of the MRV fee.
Bank statements or pay slips
Optional
Shows sufficient funds for the trip.

Employment

Employment letter or proof of studies
Optional
Confirms applicant's status and ties to home country.

Supporting

Appointment confirmation letter
Printed from the appointment system.
Proof of ties to Switzerland
Evidence of employment, property, or family ties to show return intent.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Not specified

Bank statements
Pay slips
Tax returns

Provide evidence that you can cover all travel and living expenses for the duration of your stay.

Good to know

Visa issuance is at the discretion of the consular officer.
ESTA is not applicable for routine tourism from Switzerland; a nonimmigrant visa is required for visits over 90 days or other purposes.
Appointments may have long wait times; apply well in advance of travel.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to home country

Demonstrate strong evidence of employment, property, and family connections in Switzerland.

Misrepresentation or incomplete application

Answer all DS-160 questions truthfully and provide complete supporting documents.

Criminal history or previous visa violations

Disclose any relevant issues honestly; consult an attorney if needed.

FAQ

Do citizens of Switzerland need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Switzerland need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Nonimmigrant Visa (B1/B2).

How long can citizens of Switzerland stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Switzerland?

Government fee: $160.

What documents do citizens of Switzerland need for the United States?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); DS-160 confirmation page; Appointment confirmation letter; Visa fee receipt; Passport-style photo; Proof of ties to Switzerland; and 4 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/

Sources

ais.usvisa-info.com

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