UK TOURISM, LEISURE & FAMILY VISIT VISA FOR RESIDENTS OF SWITZERLAND

The UK Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa is available to residents of Switzerland who wish to visit the UK for a short-term stay to see friends and family or for a holiday.

This UK Visit Visa falls under the Standard Visitor route, allowing visits up to 6 months. It does not provide a path to settlement in the UK.

The Standard Visitor route includes several sub-routes for different types of visit. If you are not travelling to the UK for the purpose of tourism, leisure or a family visit, you can find the most appropriate UK Visit Visa for your trip here (link opens in new tab).

Do Swiss (Or EU) Citizens Need a UK Visit Visa?

Under UK immigration law, Swiss (and EU) citizens are non-visa nationals. This means that most citizens of Switzerland (and the EU) who are visiting the UK for the purpose of tourism or to visit family and friends in the UK do not need to apply for a UK Visit Visa in advance of travelling. Swiss (and EU) nationals can simply enter the UK using the ePassport gates and will automatically receive 6 months permission to enter as a Visitor.

However, all Swiss (and EU) citizens visiting the UK for the purpose of tourism or to visit family or friends in the UK must still satisfy the UK Visitor Visa eligibility requirements (set out below) and may be asked to prove that these requirements are met at the UK Border.

If you are a citizen of Switzerland (or the EU) and you are planning to enter the UK for the purpose of tourism or to visit family or friends in the UK, you should ensure that you understand the eligibility requirements for a short stay visit and can prove that you satisfy these requirements if asked to do so.

When Should a Swiss (Or EU) Citizen Apply for a UK Visit Visa?

Although not required under UK immigration law, some Swiss (and EU) citizens may choose to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for tourism or to visit family and friends in order to reduce uncertainty and facilitate smoother entry into the UK.

The main reasons for Swiss (and EU) citizens to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for the purpose of tourism or to visit family and friends are as follows:

To Avoid Potential Issues at the UK Border: Applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can provide Swiss (and EU) citizens a level of certainty and reduce the risk of being denied entry upon arrival. Border officers have the discretion to refuse entry if they have doubts about your intentions or your ability to support yourself.

Previous Travel History Concerns: If you have previously had issues with UK immigration or have an irregular travel history, including having previously been refused entry into the UK or overstayed your permission for any reason, applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can help address any concerns proactively.

Having a Criminal Record: If you have a criminal record, applying for a UK Visit Visa in advance can help address any potential issues. As part of your UK Visit Visa application you can provide necessary documentation and explanations, ensuring that any concerns are dealt with before travel rather than at the UK border.

Complex Travel Plans: If your travel plans are complex, involving multiple countries or tight schedules, having a UK Visit Visa could help ensure that there are no unexpected complications.

Do Swiss (or EU) Citizens Need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)?

From 2 April 2025, Swiss citizens (and EU nationals) visiting the UK will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, even if they do not require a visa. This additional requirement applies to all short visits, including those for family visits, tourism, work-related training, business and permitted paid engagements.

Do Other Residents of Switzerland Need a UK Visit Visa?

If you are a visa national under UK immigration law residing in Switzerland, you must apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling.

A visa national is someone who needs a visa to enter the UK as a visitor due to their nationality. The Home Office provides a list of nationalities that require a Visit Visa before travel. Some exceptions allow certain visa nationals to seek entry on arrival.

Non-visa nationals residing in Switzerland can seek entry upon arrival without a Visit Visa but must still satisfy the entry requirements, including explaining the purpose of their visit and their arrangements for accommodation and return travel. Although not required, non-visa nationals may choose to apply for a UK Visit Visa before travelling to the UK for tourism or to visit family and friends in order to reduce uncertainty and facilitate smoother entry into the UK.

Eligibility Requirements for a UK Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa from Switzerland

To qualify for a Tourism, Leisure, or Family Visit Visa from Switzerland, you must meet the following criteria:

• Genuine Visit: You must genuinely be visiting for the UK for the purposes of tourism, leisure or to visit family or friends.

• No Prohibited Activities: You must not engage in activities that are not allowed under the visa.

• Financial Stability: You must have sufficient funds to cover your travel, maintenance, and accommodation without working or accessing public funds.

• Intent to Leave: You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit and within 6 months.

• Non-Residency: You should not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits.

• General Grounds for Refusal: Your application should not be subject to refusal based on general grounds.

Specific requirements may vary based on your circumstances. Consulting with an immigration lawyer from a trusted UK immigration law firm is recommended for personalised advice.

Permitted UK Visit Visa Activities for Swiss Residents

Holders of the UK Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa can:

• Visit friends and family in the UK

• Travel for a holiday

• Participate in educational exchanges or visits with schools

• Attend short courses (up to 30 days)

Additionally, as a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, other activities permitted under different sub-categories are allowed, including pre-arranged paid engagements completed within 30 days of arrival.

Intention to Leave the UK and Return to Switzerland

You must prove to the Home Office that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit. Factors considered include:

• Previous immigration history

• Financial circumstances and background

• Personal and economic ties to your home country

The Home Office may doubt your intentions if you have few ties to Switzerland or if discrepancies are found in your application.

UK Visit Visa Financial Requirement for Residents of Switzerland

You will need enough funds to cover your visit costs without working or using public funds. These funds should be in a permitted financial institution. A third party, with a genuine relationship with you, can cover your expenses if they comply with immigration laws.

No English Language Requirement for Swiss Residents

There is no English language requirement for this UK Visit Visa.

UK Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit Visa Validity

You can apply for a UK Visit Visa valid for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. Multiple entries are allowed within the validity period, but each visit must not exceed 6 months.

Right to Work on a UK Visit Visa

Holders of a UK Visit Visa cannot work in the UK. This includes employment, self-employment, business activities, work placements, and selling goods or services. However, remote work is allowed if it's not the main purpose of the visit. You can also come to the UK to seek employment or attend job interviews but must leave the UK to apply for the appropriate entry clearance if successful.

UK Visit Visa Application Fees in Switzerland

The application fees for a UK Visit Visa are:

• 6 months: £115

• 2 years: £432

• 5 years: £771

• 10 years: £963

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our experienced immigration lawyers assist individuals throughout Switzerland to secure UK Visit Visas for tourism, leisure, and family visits. We provide advice on visa applications, help prepare applications, and offer legal representation to challenge refusals.

Our team is dedicated to delivering clear, reliable advice to Swiss and non-Swiss residents of Switzerland on UK immigration requirements in a professional and friendly manner.

For expert UK Visit Visa advice and assistance, contact our British Visit Visa lawyers at +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.