As of January 1st, 2019, citizens of Israel will no longer need a visa to travel to Switzerland. As part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows passport-free travel among the member states of the European Union, Switzerland has now implemented its own ETIAS programme.
ETIAS is an acronym for “ESTA-exit-transit” and it is a system that Swiss authorities use to determine whether or not a foreign national should be granted a visa to enter Switzerland.
The eligibility requirements for citizens of Israel under the new ETIAS programme are as follows:
- A valid passport
- A confirmed onward ticket
- Enough money for your stay
If you meet these requirements and you are travelling to Switzerland for tourism or business purposes only, you will not need to apply for a visa. If you are travelling to Switzerland for any other reason – such as to attend a conference or to work – you will need to apply for a visa. For more information on how to apply for a visa, please visit the Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv website.
Applying For Switzerland ETIAS From Israel
If you are a citizen of Israel, you may be able to apply for an ETIAS Switzerland visa.
To apply for an ETIAS Switzerland visa, you will first need to visit the Swiss embassy or compound in Jerusalem. If you do not have a valid passport, you will need to obtain a travel document that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Switzerland.
Once you have successfully visited the Swiss embassy or compound in Jerusalem, you will need to contact the Swiss immigration authorities in order to apply for an ETIAS Switzerland visa. You will need to provide information about your name, birthdate, nationality, passport number, and the dates of your planned stay in Switzerland. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Switzerland.
The Swiss immigration authorities will require proof of hotel reservations and sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Switzerland. You will also be required to submit a medical certificate confirming that you are free from tuberculosis and other diseases that may be detrimental to public health.
Reasons You Should Get An Switzerland ETIAS
There are several reasons why you might want to get an Switzerland ETIAS.
First and foremost, Switzerland is a safe and secure place to live. The country has a very high level of political stability and consistently ranks as one of the world’s most peaceful nations. This makes it a great place to bring up children, launch a business, or retire.
Second, Switzerland offers an excellent quality of life. Residents enjoy high levels of social security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. In fact, Swiss citizens often say that they never have to worry about money.
Third, Switzerland is a financially secure country. It has a strong economy with low unemployment and stable prices. This means that you can safely save your money here and be sure that you’ll be able to retire comfortably.
Fourth, Switzerland is a great place to do business. It has strong infrastructure and a stable legal system. This means that you can trust the government to protect your investment and limit your liability in case of any problems.
Things To Consider Before Coming To Switzerland
If you are a citizen of Israel, you may be interested in obtaining an ETIAS (Electronic Travel Authorization) for travel to Switzerland. The ETIAS is a new travel document that was introduced in January 2018. It is valid for five years and can be used instead of a visa for certain countries. The ETIAS is not available to citizens of Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia.
In order to obtain an ETIAS, you must first apply through the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The application process requires information such as your passport number and address. You must also provide information about your travel plans and reasons for traveling to Switzerland.
Once you have completed the application process, you will need to receive an approval letter from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once you have received the approval letter, you can begin the visa application process through the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country. The visa application process will likely require a letter of invitation from a Swiss organization or individual that you will be visiting.
Switzerland ETIAS For Citizens Of Israel – FAQ
What is the Swiss ETIAS for citizens of Israel?
The Swiss ETIAS for citizens of Israel is a temporary residence permit tailored specifically for Israeli citizens. It enables them to stay in Switzerland without the need to obtain a regular residency permit, and to travel freely within the country.
To qualify for the Swiss ETIAS, applicants must meet a number of criteria, including being a citizen of Israel, having maintained a valid passport since at least December 2014, and having resided in Switzerland for at least 90 days within the past two years.
Applicants can apply online or in person at one of the Swiss embassies or consulates abroad.
How long will it take for me to receive my Swiss ETIAS?
The Swiss ETIAS can take up to six months to be processed and issued. In most cases, it will be issued immediately upon application submission.
Conclusion
A recent article in Politico urged the United States to develop an ETIAS for citizens of Israel. Such an ETIAS could provide much-needed clarity for immigrants, tourists and business people from Israel about the standards of safety and enforcement applicable to Switzerland. An ETIAS would also help Swiss authorities to identify potential tax cheats.
Israel and Switzerland share a long, complex history. Both countries are members of the European Union and the World Trade Organization, as well as NATO and the United Nations. The two countries are also close economic partners, with bilateral trade at around SFr300 billion (USD369 billion) in 2016.
There are many reasons why developing an ETIAS for Israelis would be a good idea. First, there is currently a lot of uncertainty about how Swiss law applies to Israelis. This uncertainty can lead to confusion and frustration for individuals visiting or living in Switzerland. An ETIAS would help reduce this uncertainty by providing clear guidance on the standards of safety and enforcement that apply to Israeli residents.
Second, since Israeli taxes are almost always automatically converted into Swiss francs prior to being paid, many Israeli residents find themselves subject to double taxation. An ETIAS would make it easier for them to know which Swiss taxes they are liable for and help them understand their tax obligations in Swiss francs.
Third, Switzerland is a popular destination for Israelis who want to avoid Israeli bureaucratic delays and security checks at airports across Europe.