Switzerland to Allow Australians Visa-Free Entry for Short Stays That Involve Working

Starting on the 1st of January 2022, Australians can look forward to not needing a visa for short stays that involve working or stays exceeding 90 days in Switzerland. The announcement was made in Bern-Wabern on the 16th of November 2021.

Although Australia has a high passport ranking and Australians can enjoy travel to more than 180 visa-free countries, currently, holders of Australian passports still need to apply for a visa if they want to work while in Switzerland for a short stay or if they stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days.

However, things will change on the first day of 2022 when Australians no longer have to go through the visa process, regardless of the purpose of visit in Switzerland. This follows the discussions that took place on the 1st of October 2021, when amendments were made by the Federal Council on the Ordinance on Entry and Granting Visas.

Although visa-free entry is given to Australians, it must be noted that prevailing entry conditions as set forth by Schengen and Swiss regulations, such as proof of financial means during the entire period in Switzerland, still apply.

In addition, permits are still a must for Australian passport holders who want to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days or if they intend to work in the country. Permits must be obtained from the relevant authority in the place where they intend to work or stay before they enter Switzerland.

On the other hand, Australia will add Switzerland to the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for the Australian Work and Holiday programme starting also on the 1st of January 2022.

This means that Swiss young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 can work while holidaying in Australia for 12 months. Other countries that benefit from the said programme are Argentina, China, Greece, Israel, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, and Vietnam, to name a few.