Vietnam Embassy in Switzerland: 2026 Guide to Visas & Consular Services

Traveling from the land of the Alps to the wonders of Southeast Asia is easier than ever. Whether you need a simple tourist entry or complex legal document authentication, the Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Bern and Geneva are your primary points of contact.

1. Do Swiss Citizens Need a Visa in 2026?

Good News: As of mid-2025, Switzerland was added to Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption list.

• Under 45 Days: Swiss passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 45 days. You simply need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return/onward ticket.

• Over 45 Days: If you plan to stay longer (up to 90 days), you must apply for an E-visa before your departure.

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2. Vietnam Embassy & Consulate Information

Embassy of Vietnam in Bern

This is the main hub for visa stickers, passport renewals, and legalizations.

• Address: Schlösslistrasse 26, 3008 Bern, Switzerland.

• Phone: +41 (0)31 388 7872 / 7875

• Email: vietsuisse@bluewin.ch

• Website: https://vnembassy-bern.mofa.gov.vn

• Office Hours: Monday – Friday (09:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 17:00).

Consulate General of Vietnam in Geneva

Primarily handles diplomatic matters and some consular inquiries.

• Address: 18A, Chemin François-Lehmann, 1218 Grand-Saconnex, Geneva.

• Phone: +41 (0)22 798 9866

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3. Consular Services Offered

The Embassy in Bern provides several essential services for both Swiss nationals and Vietnamese expats:

• Passport Services: Issuance and renewal of Vietnamese passports.

• Legalization & Notarization: Authenticating Swiss documents (birth certificates, marriage licenses, business contracts) for use in Vietnam.

• 5-Year Visa Exemption: Available for overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) or those with Vietnamese spouses/parents.

• Birth & Marriage Registration: For Vietnamese citizens residing in Switzerland.

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4. Vietnam Visa Options for Swiss Residents

While many qualify for the 45-day exemption, other residents or long-term travelers can choose:

Method	Validity	Processing Time	Best For
Vietnam E-Visa (Online)	90 Days (Single/Multi)	3 – 5 Working Days	Tourism & Business
Embassy Visa	Flexible (1–12 Months)	5 – 7 Working Days	Work, Study, or Investment
Visa on Arrival	Flexible	2 – 4 Hours (Approval)	Emergency air travel only

Emergency “Super Rush” Service (2026)

If you are at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) airport and realized you need a visa for a stay longer than 45 days:

• Expedited E-visa: Can be processed in 4–8 hours via specialized agencies.

• Weekend Support: Since the Embassy is closed on Swiss and Vietnamese holidays, agencies are the only way to get a “Last Minute Approval Letter” on Saturdays/Sundays.

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💡 Essential Tips for Swiss Travelers

1. Visa Runs: If your 45-day exemption is ending, you can do a “visa run” to a neighboring country (like Laos or Cambodia) and re-enter Vietnam for another 45-day stay.

2. Currency: If applying for a visa at the airport (VOA), the stamping fee must be paid in USD cash ($25 for single entry). The Embassy in Bern usually accepts CHF.

3. Holidays: Watch out for Tet Holiday (February 2026) and Swiss National Day (August 1st). Consular sections will be closed, so plan your legalizations well in advance.