USA visa: the documents you need if you live in Switzerland

In short

• Swiss passport (and many EU passports): no visa, but an ESTA for trips of up to 90 days. With eVisas.ch CHF 40.
• Passport from a visa-required country, for example India, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, Pakistan or Nigeria: you need a B1/B2 tourist visa. With eVisas.ch CHF 290, all included.
• The visa almost always means an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Bern.
• Even with a Swiss passport, no ESTA if you have been to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen or North Korea since 2011, or to Cuba since 2021. Then you need a visa.

Checklist: B1/B2 tourist visa

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USA

Documents you need

• Passport, usually valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your trip, with a blank page.
• Swiss residence permit card (B, C, L …): if you don't apply in your home country, you must show that you live in Switzerland.
• Passport photo to US rules (5 × 5 cm, white background, no glasses).
• Employer letter: your job, your salary, your holiday and that you return.
• Bank statements or payslips: they show you can pay for the trip.
• Purpose of the trip: for example an invitation from family or friends, or a travel plan.
• Ties to Switzerland: for example your rental contract, family here, your employment contract.
• Previous US visas and old passports, if you have them.

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The interview in Bern

Since 1 October 2025 almost all applicants must attend the interview in person, children and older people included. The only exception is for certain renewals of an expired B1/B2 visa.

In the interview the consular officer asks about the purpose of your trip and why you will return. Answer briefly and honestly. Waiting times for an appointment vary and can be several weeks. Plan early.

ESTA for Swiss passports

With a Swiss passport you travel to the USA with an ESTA for up to 90 days, for holidays or business. It is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. Important: you need an electronic passport (with a chip). If you have been to one of the countries listed above, only a visa works.

Tips

1. Start early: appointment, interview and getting your passport back take time. Our processing times are in the price table above.
2. Be honest: false answers on the form can lead to a permanent refusal.
3. How long you may stay is decided by the border officer when you enter the USA.
4. Not sure whether ESTA or visa? Message us on WhatsApp. We'll tell you for free.