Switzerland Visa RequirementsFor China passport holders
Chinese passport holders require a Schengen visa to visit Switzerland. The visa costs EUR 87, valid for up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. Switzerland is a premium destination for Chinese tourists, featuring the Swiss Alps, Jungfrau and Matterhorn mountain scenery, Lucerne, Geneva, Zurich, and the world's most scenic train journeys.
China passport holders require a visa to enter Switzerland.
Apply at VFS Global centers for Swiss Schengen visa applications in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, or at the Swiss Embassy. Documents: Schengen application form, valid passport, two passport photos, travel insurance (EUR 30,000), hotel and flight bookings, bank statements (3 months), employment proof, and EUR 87 fee. Processing: 10 to 15 calendar days. Apply 4 to 6 weeks ahead for ski season (December to March) and summer peak (July to August).
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
China to Switzerland: What You Need to Know
Switzerland processes Schengen visa applications for Chinese citizens via the Swiss Embassy in Beijing, Consulate-General in Shanghai and Guangzhou, and VFS Global centers. Switzerland is among the top aspirational European destinations for Chinese tourists, with luxury hotels, ski resorts (Zermatt, St. Moritz, Verbier), the Glacier Express and Bernina Express scenic trains, and high-end watchmaking heritage. Lucerne is the most visited Swiss city by Chinese tourist groups.
Practical Tips
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), not the euro. Switzerland is one of Europe's most expensive countries; budget CHF 200 to 300 per person per day. Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, plus free museum entry, and is excellent value for multi-day travel. Book the Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) cogwheel railway tickets online at jungfrau.ch. Lucerne's Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge are iconic photo spots. UnionPay is accepted at major Swiss hotels and retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Chinese citizens apply for a Swiss Schengen visa?
Apply at VFS Global centers for Swiss visa applications in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, or at the Swiss Embassy. Documents: Schengen application form, valid passport, two passport photos, travel insurance (EUR 30,000), hotel and flight bookings, bank statements (3 months), and EUR 87 fee. Processing: 10 to 15 calendar days. Apply 6 weeks ahead for ski season or summer peak.
What is the best scenic train journey in Switzerland?
The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz (approximately 8 hours) and the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano, Italy (approximately 4 hours, crossing a UNESCO World Heritage railway) are the two most iconic scenic train journeys. Both require advance seat reservations at rail.ch. The GoldenPass Line from Lucerne to Montreux is another spectacular route. All are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
What currency does Switzerland use?
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF). The euro is often accepted at tourist businesses and near the borders but change is given in CHF at unfavorable rates. Cards including UnionPay are accepted widely. Switzerland is very expensive: a mid-range restaurant meal costs CHF 25 to 50 per person, and a hotel in Lucerne averages CHF 200 to 400 per night.
Is Lucerne the best base for Chinese tourists in Switzerland?
Lucerne (Luzern) is the most popular Swiss city among Chinese tourist groups, and for good reason. It is compact and beautifully situated on Lake Lucerne, with the iconic Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and excellent lake cruise options. Day trips to Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi, and Interlaken are all within 1 to 2 hours. It is also centrally located between Zurich airport and the Swiss alpine resorts.