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Travel documents
The receipt of a residence permit (first issue or renewal) is not a valid title to enter Switzerland.
Visa information
Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.
Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain types of visa, depending on the purpose of the intended stay in Switzerland.
A Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days is requested for persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period: for example, in a context of tourism, a visit to relatives or friends, short-term language studies, participating in a conference or in sporting/cultural events, etc.
Do I need a Schengen visa?
Click here to check if you need a Schengen visa to enter Switzerland.
How and where can I request a Schengen visa?
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Currency
Electricity and plugs
Dialing codes
Germany: 0049
France: 0033
Italy: 0039
Japan: 0081
Netherlands: 0031
Austria: 0043
USA: 001
UK: 0044
Shopping
Times may vary slightly from store to store. Some stores in the lower Old Town, from the Clock Tower (Zytglogge) upwards, don’t open until 10:00 a.m. If you would like to visit a particular store, we recommend finding out its opening times in advance.
Monday – Wednesday 09:00 – 06:30
Thursday 09:00 – 08:00
Friday 09:00 – 06:30
Saturday 09:00 – 05:00
Sunday close
Bern’s main station is home to more than 80 stores that are open 365 days a year, from early till late. The large shopping centers in the city also have longer opening times.
Tips
Public transport
Tickets for Bern public transport can be bought at machines and in the LIBERO shop at Bern main station. No tickets are sold on buses and trams. In addition to the normal tickets, and the multiple journey tickets, Bernmobil also sells short journey tickets at a more affordable price. The ticket machines at the tram and bus stops show which routes the short journey ticket is valid for.
Overnight visitors don’t need to worry about tickets in Bern. From your first overnight stay in tourist accommodation in the city, you will receive a Bern Ticket for your whole stay. This lets you travel for free in zones 100/101 operated by LIBERO. The Bern Ticket also includes the Gurten funicular, the Marzilibahn funicular and the lift to Bern’s cathedral platform, as well as your journey to and from Bern Airport.
On the day you arrive in Bern, your reservation confirmation counts as a transfer ticket from the train station or Bern Airport to where you are staying. You will receive the Bern Ticket when you check in. It is only valid if fully filled in. If asked, please show your ticket to the ticket.
Tourist information
Bahnhofplatz 10a
3011 Bern
T +41 31 328 12 12
E info@bern.com
https://www.bern.com/en
Opening hours Tourist Information
Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 19:00
Sunday and generally feasts 09:00 – 18:00