For Ukrainians seeking refuge or travel opportunities, Switzerland offers a welcoming environment with specific regulations and support programs. Understanding the entry requirements and available resources is crucial for a smooth journey. This guide provides comprehensive information on how Ukrainians can travel to Switzerland, including visa requirements, necessary documents, and essential tips for a safe and comfortable trip.
Visa Requirements for Ukrainians Entering Switzerland
Ukrainian citizens holding a biometric passport benefit from a visa-free regime, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. However, if you intend to stay longer, applying for a residence permit or temporary protection status is necessary.
💡 Temporary Protection Status: As a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Switzerland provides temporary protection to Ukrainian citizens. This program has been extended by the European Council until March 2026, offering stability and security to those seeking refuge. You can find detailed information on the temporary protection program for Ukrainians in Switzerland on resources like the Visit Ukraine website.
Essential Documents for Entry
To ensure a seamless entry into Switzerland, Ukrainian citizens should prepare the following documents:
- Valid Biometric Passport: Essential for visa-free entry.
- Health Insurance Policy: A policy with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 is required for the duration of your stay. Consider purchasing a health insurance policy that specifically covers your needs in Switzerland.
- For travelers by car: A Green Card policy.
If traveling with children, each child must have their own biometric passport. If a child is traveling with relatives or friends, a notarized permission to leave from one of the parents is required. The consent of the other parent is not required if the child is traveling with one of the parents during martial law in Ukraine.
Traveling by Car: Green Card Insurance
If you plan to drive from Ukraine to Switzerland, securing a Green Card insurance policy is mandatory. Without it, your vehicle will not be allowed to cross the border. Obtaining a Green Card is a quick process: simply follow the link, provide the required information, and complete the payment.
To apply for insurance, you will need:
- Ukrainian passport
- International passport
- Vehicle registration certificate
Bringing Pets to Switzerland
Traveling with pets is possible, provided you have the necessary documentation:
- Pet identification chip
- Valid veterinary passport with all required vaccinations, including rabies (administered at least 21 days before travel)
- Health certificate issued by a veterinarian
Health Insurance Requirements
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all travelers to Switzerland. It ensures access to necessary medical care in case of any unforeseen health issues during your stay. You can easily obtain health insurance through the Visit Ukraine website, where you can compare detailed conditions and choose a plan that suits your needs.
Staying in Switzerland: Duration and Requirements
Under the visa-free regime, Ukrainians can stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days without needing a residence permit. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for temporary protection or a residence permit through the appropriate Swiss authorities.
Checklist: Documents to Prepare for Travel to Switzerland
- Biometric passport
- Health insurance policy
- Proof of sufficient funds for the trip (approximately 45 euros per day per person)
- Green Card (if traveling by car)
Navigating Entry and Documentation Challenges
If you encounter any issues with entry or documentation, Visit Ukraine offers legal services for Ukrainians. Their experts can assist with the complexities of entry procedures and paperwork.
Available legal support options include:
- Written consultation: Obtain clear and precise answers to your specific questions.
- Introductory consultation (30 minutes): A quick assessment of your situation and initial steps.
- Basic consultation (60 minutes): A detailed review of your situation with tailored advice.
- Legal support: Comprehensive support from departure to obtaining a residence permit.
For more information and to order legal advice, follow this link.
Traveling to Switzerland: Routes and Transportation
Given the closure of Ukrainian airspace, planning your route to Switzerland requires careful consideration. The most common options involve traveling by land to neighboring European countries and then proceeding by flight or bus.
- Traveling by Land to Neighboring European Countries
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Romania:
- Bus: Regular buses from Kyiv, Odesa, and Lviv to Bucharest or Suceava (11-14 hours, from 1200 UAH).
- Train: Direct train from Kyiv to Bucharest or Suceava (18-22 hours, from 1400 UAH).
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Hungary:
- Bus: Services from Ukraine to Budapest (15-20 hours, from 1600 UAH).
- Train: Direct trains from Kyiv to Budapest (approximately 18 hours, from 1500 UAH).
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Poland:
- Bus: Regular buses from Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa to Warsaw or Krakow (9-16 hours, from 1200 UAH).
- Train: Direct trains from Kyiv to Przemyśl or Warsaw (from 1300 UAH).
-
Moldova:
- Bus: Buses from Kyiv, Odesa, and other cities to Chisinau (8-13 hours, from 600 UAH).
- Train: Direct train from Odesa to Chisinau (5-6 hours, from 500 UAH).
-
Slovakia:
- Bus: Routes from Kyiv, Lviv, and Mukachevo to Kosice or Bratislava (approximately 24 hours, from 2000 UAH).
- Train: Trains from Mukachevo to Kosice (4 hours, from 366 UAH).
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Austria:
- Bus: Routes from Kyiv, Lviv, and Mukachevo to Vienna (approximately 25 hours, from 2000 UAH).
- Train: Direct trains from Kyiv-Vienna and Chop-Vienna (8-23 hours, from 2000 UAH). From Vienna, a direct train to Zurich is available (8 hours, from 2000 UAH).
You can purchase tickets (train/bus/plane) from and to Ukraine, as well as between cities around the world, through the convenient Visit Ukraine booking system.
- Flights from Europe to Switzerland
After arriving in a neighboring country, you can fly to Switzerland from:
-
Poland:
- Warsaw: Direct flights to Geneva, Zurich (from 5000 UAH, 2-3 hours).
- Krakow: Flights to Basel and connecting flights to Geneva and Zurich (from 3200 UAH, 2-4 hours).
- Wroclaw: Direct flight to Zurich (from 13000 UAH, 1 hour 35 minutes).
-
Hungary:
- Budapest: Direct flights to Geneva and Basel (from 3000 UAH, approximately 2 hours).
-
Romania:
- Bucharest: Direct flights to Geneva, Zurich, and Basel (from 3000 UAH, 2-3 hours).
-
Moldova:
- Chisinau: Flights with stopovers to Geneva, Zurich, and Basel (from 6000 UAH, 5-7 hours).
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Slovakia:
- Bratislava: Connecting flights to Basel and Geneva (from 8000 UAH, 5-7 hours).
-
Austria:
- Vienna: Direct flights to Geneva, Basel, Zurich (from 7000 UAH, 1-2 hours).
- Alternative Bus Routes
Consider these bus routes through neighboring countries:
- Lviv – Krakow (Poland) – Prague (Czech Republic) – Mannheim (Germany) – Basel (approximately 36-40 hours, from 8000 UAH).
- Kyiv – Lviv – Krakow (Poland) – Prague (Czech Republic) – Munich (Germany) – Zurich (approximately 45-50 hours, from 9000 UAH).
- Traveling by Car
Driving offers flexibility and the chance to see more of Europe.
- Route: Kyiv – Lviv – Krakow (Poland) – Prague (Czech Republic) – Munich (Germany) – Zurich (Switzerland).
- Distance: Approximately 2000 km.
- Travel Time: 20-30 hours of net driving time.
- Costs: 300-400 euros, including fuel and tolls.
Traveling with Children in 2025
Ukraine has simplified rules for children traveling abroad during martial law. Children under 16 can cross the border accompanied by one parent without notarized consent from the other parent. If traveling with relatives, a written statement from one parent, certified by the guardianship authority, is required. Children aged 16 and older can travel independently.
Essential Documents for Children
- Biometric passport: For visa-free entry.
- Birth certificate: If no passport is available (note: restrictions may apply).
- Travel permit: If traveling with relatives, a certified written statement from a parent is needed.
- Health insurance: Coverage of at least 30,000 euros, valid in Switzerland.
- Purpose of travel documents: Accommodation reservations, invitations, tickets, etc.
Packing List for Traveling with Children
- Documents: Originals and copies of all required documents, medical insurance.
- Essentials: Change of clothes, hygiene products, medicines, snacks, water.
- Entertainment: Toys, books, or gadgets.
Legal Considerations for Traveling with Children
- If a child is traveling with one parent, notarized consent from the other parent is not required.
- Swiss border authorities may request document translations into German, French, Italian, or English.
Visit Ukraine lawyers can provide guidance on border crossing nuances and required documentation.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Children
- Keep documents accessible.
- Use public transportation.
- Take advantage of the Swiss Family Card for free travel for children under 16.
- Ensure health insurance coverage, given Switzerland’s expensive healthcare system.
Useful Contacts in Switzerland
Embassy of Ukraine in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
- Address: Feldeggweg 5, CH-3005 Bern
- Phone: +41 31 352 23 16
- Hotline: +41 76 701 10 88
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://switzerland.mfa.gov.ua/
Emergency Numbers
- Ambulance and police: 112
- Medical and ambulance services: 144
- Fire stations: 118
Citizens of Ukraine are permitted to travel in transit through Switzerland.
Swiss Customs Regulations
You can import the following without paying customs duties:
- Personal items: Clothing, toiletries, cameras, laptops.
- Alcohol: Up to 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine (under 15% alcohol) – for persons over 17.
- Tobacco: Up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of pipe tobacco – for persons over 17.
- Gifts: Up to 100 francs.
- Food: For 1 day.
Prohibited items include drugs, fake Swiss watches, certain medicines without prescriptions, and products made from endangered species.
There are no restrictions on currency import to Switzerland.
