Is my UK passport valid for Switzerland?

Passports & Visas British citizens don't need a visa to enter Switzerland but must have a valid passport.

Do you need 6 months on your passport to travel to Switzerland?

Passport validity requirements

have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)

Can I enter Switzerland with a British passport?

Entry: UK citizens do not require an entry visa for Switzerland for either short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the whole Schengen Area) or for long stays (over 90 days).

Can I travel with less than 6 months on my passport?

USA passports do not have a 6 month validity requirement . So they can enter until the last day their passport is valid .

What are the new rules for British passports in 2025?

Can i Work in Switzerland with A UK passport ?|work in Switzerland

How to check if your passport is valid for travel?

issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the 'date of issue') valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the country (check the 'expiry date')

Do I need to change my passport to a blue one?

There have been several changes to British passports after Brexit when the UK left the EU in 2020. These include the following: UK passports are now blue (they used to be maroon) but you can still use an older passport if it's in date.

Can I still use my red passport in 2025?

Red passports are still allowed to be used in 2025 if they remain valid for travel, so you'll need to check the expiry date and the rules regarding how much time you should have left on your passport to travel to your chosen destination.

How long does a UK passport need to be valid for EU entry requirements?

If you are a national from a country outside the EU wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a valid passport and possibly a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU and it must have been issued within the last 10 years.

How strict is the 6 month passport rule?

The 'Six-Month Rule' stipulates that your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of your entry or departure to or from the international destination. If your passport expiration date is sooner than six months from your date of arrival, you may not be admitted.

What is required to enter Switzerland?

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page. You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.

When in 2025 will ETIAS start?

On March 5, 2025, the European Council announced that the ETIAS is likely to be launched in the 'last quarter of 2026'.

How long does it take to renew a passport in the UK?

Processing times in the UK

You'll usually get your passport within 3 weeks. It may take longer than 3 weeks if we need more information, or we need to interview you. We'll tell you this within 3 weeks. There are different turnaround times if you're applying from another country.

How to calculate 6 months passport validity?

What do I need to drive from the UK to Switzerland?

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Switzerland. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

What are the new EU passport rules?

The EU is introducing a new Entry/Exit system on 12 October 2025. This means you'll get your fingerprints and photo taken when first entering or leaving the Schengen area. Queues at borders may be longer when these changes begin.

Can I travel with my British passport less than 6 months?

UK Passport Expiry Rules Explained (2025)

In most cases, you will need at least six months remaining from your date of travel, though some destinations in Europe only require three months.

Is Switzerland in Schengen?

Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are in the Schengen area but are not EU member states.

Is Etias active yet?

ETIAS - Home. ETIAS is the new travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries. ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026.

How can I check if my UK passport is still valid?

Check your passport is valid for the dates you're travelling

You can check if your passport will be valid for your trip on GOV.UK. You'll need to search for the country you're going to and click on 'entry requirements'. Apply for your passport as early as you can - it can take several weeks to process in busy times.

What is the new 10 year passport rule?

Passports issued after 2018 are valid for exactly 10 years. But if your passport was issued before September 2018, it might be valid for up to 10 years and nine months. This is because, before 2018, the passport office would add up to nine extra months from your old passport to your new one.

How much does it cost to renew your passport in the UK?

It costs £94.50 to renew or replace your passport if you apply online or £107 if you fill in a paper form. You must be aged 16 or over (or turning 16 in the next 3 weeks) to get an adult passport.

Why is my new British passport black?

This article explores the new UK passport introduced post‑Brexit, officially designed in navy blue, a nod to the traditional, pre‑1988 passport style. Although the government maintains it's blue, many people perceive it as almost black due to its very dark shade.

What are the new rules for passports in 2025?

The three month rule: It must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave. For example, if you're entering Spain on 18 April 2025 and returning to the UK on 21 April 2025, your passport needs to have been issued after 18 April 2015 and be valid until 21 July 2025.

Which passport is the strongest?