Find out about US entry requirements in good time. Check whether you meet the requirements for a visa-free entry. Otherwise, the visa requirement applies. Here you will find all the information you need.
Requirements for a visa-free entry to the USA
- You are a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver program and is not affected by any exceptions.
- Your passport meets the criteria required by the United States.
- You have an ESTA travel authorization and are not affected by any exceptions.
- You entered your API data correctly and in good time.
Member States of the Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver program currently includes 38 countries, including Switzerland. Citizens of these countries can enter the United States without a visa and can stay there for up to 90 days.
Exceptions: The Visa Waiver program does not apply to travelers who were in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on March 1, 2011 or later, or if you are a dual citizen of one of these countries.
All travelers who are covered by the Visa Waiver program must carry a biometric passport (with an e-chip) when traveling.
Andorra, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Czech Republic, Hungary
ESTA travel authorization
To enter the USA without a visa, you must have an ESTA electronic travel authorization. Without this document you will be denied entry. Apply for travel authorization online at least 72 hours before departure. It is valid for two years and multiple entries, provided that your passport does not expire within this period. Update your dates and travel destinations on the ESTA website at any time. These changes are chargeable and will be charged at $ 14 per entry.
Exceptions: ESTA travel permits that have already been issued lose their validity if you were in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on March 1, 2011 or later, or if you are a dual citizen of one of these countries.
API data acquisition
Airlines are required to provide all U.S. passengers with the data of all passengers on the day of departure. This is done with the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS). Among other things, your name, passport number and residence address in the USA are recorded. Correct and complete information will save you inconvenience at the destination airport. The easiest way to transmit your data online is in advance. If this is not possible, they are recorded at the check-in machine or when checking in at the counter.
Transport safety authority (TSA)
Anyone traveling to the United States is required to provide their data to the United States Department of Transportation Safety (TSA). These are compared with the so-called watch lists. The data is the full name, date of birth and gender (legal basis 49 U.S.C. Section 114 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and 49 C.F.R Part 1540 and 1560). Persons who do not provide this data can be denied transportation or access to the gate. Travelers with a redress number must provide this.
The TSA may match the information you provide with that of law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies or other authorities (in accordance with the published system of record notifications).
All information on the TSA's data protection guidelines, the system of recording notifications or the data protection compatibility assessment can be found at https://www.tsa.gov.
Source: https://www.swiss.com/ch/DE/ prepare / entry requirements / entry requirements-usa#