Switzerland: Now A Schengen State!
In a development that will facilitate travel in Europe, the Swiss-EU Schengen agreement becomes operational last December 12, 2008. According to this agreement, Switzerland will start issuing Schengen visas—valid not only in Switzerland, but also in other Schengen countries. In addition, those with valid visas issued by other Schengen states will be permitted to enter Switzerland without an additional Swiss visa. This arrangement is the result of the bilateral Schengen agreement signed by Switzerland and the EU in October 2004.
Schengen visas will be issued for all persons who are normally subject to visa requirements for entering Switzerland. In addition, citizens of countries that are subject to visa requirements and who hold U.S. green cards will now also be required to apply for Schengen visas. Swiss official representations in the United States will adopt Schengen procedures on December 12, 2008 when issuing visas for trips to Switzerland.”
The entry of Switzerland into the Schengen network was approved on November 27, 2008 by the council of the European Union (EU); however, discussions for increased cooperation between the two parties— notably in the field of migration, visas and internal security—began in 2002. Under the Schengen agreement, systematic identity controls at the common (internal) borders between Schengen states have been eliminated, whereas controls are intensified at Schengen external borders. A number of measures will also improve international justice and police cooperation in the fight against crime.
HA! Finally!!!! I was skeptical hearing this news the first time I saw it on the news. All I can say, welcome to the club!
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Jacy Reply:
December 18th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
it turned out to my disadvantage though, sis. Before, Permanent Residents of the US don’t need a visa to Switzerland. now that it has become a part of Schengen, we need to play by the rules. I need to apply a visa.
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i cant tell how much i m happy right now ..really its very good newes ..xxxx
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Jacy Reply:
December 18th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
that would make your trip much better huh? more places to visit! yay!
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ssebanenya ronald Reply:
January 5th, 2009 at 8:01 am
need to visit switzerland
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Jacy Reply:
January 6th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
when you do, take some time to visit the other neighboring countries.
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oh wow, I didn’t know about this… thank you so much for sharing! I’ll have to look into this, since I don’t know how that will impact me when I next visit my relatives in Switzerland!
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Jacy Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 1:30 am
Is your status here in the US a permanent resident or a green card holder? If so, you will now need to apply for a Schengen visa. Unlike before that we are allowed to enter Switzerland visa-free for a 90 days stay.
If you are already a citizen, you still won’t need a visa for the first 90 days stay.
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With visa or no visa, I’ll tour Switzerland… in my dreams. Ayay yay!
Btw, I have a tag for you Jacy. Please come and get it.
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Jacy Reply:
December 19th, 2008 at 1:31 am
I haven’t gone to Switzerland also, Tita Beng. if God permits, we should travel together!
i’ll grab your tag later, i need to go get some sleep. love you!
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Wow! this is a good news. But, unfortunately for me, my 6-month vacation will start from November-April. I will be working in the campground from May-October.
By the time of my vacation, it will be winter time in Switzerland hehehe
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Jacy Reply:
December 21st, 2008 at 2:07 am
It would have been better before, Haze. coz before it became part of the Schengen Region, we (permanent residents or greencard holders) don’t need a visa to enter Switzerland and stay for a maximum of 90 days. now, we have to apply a Schengen Visa to enter the place.
Switzerland is one of those winter vacation destination too! Especially if you are into winter sports. My friend from the Netherlands would go to the Swiss Alps to snowboard. Since I don’t know how to do it, the sight of the Alps would be enough for me if I get to visit the pace on winter time.
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ay mao ba? Before, it is ok to go to Switzerland even if you have a Philippine passport but a permanent resident in the USA? I am not aware of that girl… I thought you need a tourist visa jud anywhere in Europe
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Jacy Reply:
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:14 pm
yes before Haze. but now we need a Schengen Visa na.
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Very informative post. Keep it up. And thanks for such a great site.
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Jacy Reply:
March 6th, 2009 at 12:19 am
thanks, unique! i appreciate your time visiting my site.
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ohhhhhhhhhhh its really a good news in between aggrement between swiss government and schengen states i appreciated to swiss govt by taking this steps. its really a good decision taken by swiss govt congratulationnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
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i have a couple of questions regarding the schengen visa. i am going to the europe on business in 2 weeks. i have a philippine passport and US residency. i have my UK visa already and my application & passport is currently with the swiss consulate. they said i can pick it up in 2 weeks, yes cutting it close right? my itinerary at the time of the application was to go to switzerland only; for a 1/2 day client visit. it has now changed to possibly also going to paris first for another client visit, maybe 1 day or overnight. my 1st question is am i able to go paris though that information was not on my application to the swiss consulate? paris may actually be the first port of entry into to the region. my 2nd question is it possible that the swiss will only give me a 1 day schengen visa since i had originally only intended to be in switzerland for 1/2 a day? hope this isn’t too confusing. thanks for your help and very informative site.
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