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.
Key facts for 2026
If you travel on this passport: visa-free for up to 45 days per entry (exemption valid 15 August 2025 – 14 August 2028). For longer stays, apply for the 90-day e-visa.
- E-visa: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry. Government fee US$25 (single) or US$50 (multiple); service fees are separate. About 3 working days on evisa.gov.vn.
- Faster processing: urgent: 2 working days · emergency: 4–8 working hours (optional paid service).
- Visa on arrival: air arrivals only, with an approval letter arranged before you fly. The stamping fee (US$25 single / US$50 multiple) is paid in cash at the airport.
- Phu Quoc: 30 days visa-free for every nationality if you enter at Phu Quoc and stay on the island.
Updated November 2026 · Independent guide, not a government website. → Visa exemption list
Table of Contents
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.
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
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.
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 | 4–8 working 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.
💡 Essential Tips for Swiss Travelers
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.
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.
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.
