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Starting November 1, 2008, Switzerland will apply Schengen rules in
the issuance of visas.
This follows Switzerland’s signing of
agreements in Schengen/Dublin with the European Union, which entered
into force on March 1, 2008. Switzerland can thereby issue visas for
entry into the territory of other Schengen states. However, only
Swiss visas issued before November 1, 2008 will be valid for entry
into Switzerland.
Schengen rules will apply in the processing of
application for short-term stays not exceeding three months,
including transit visas, which are valid for the Schengen areas of
the Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Spain.
Issuance of long-stay visas of more than three
months will remain under the ambit of national procedures.
The latter rule shall
allow exclusive entry into the territory of the issuing state and
transit through another Schengen State. Holders of long-stay visas
shall subsequently obtain a permit to stay that will allow free
movement within the entire Schengen area.
The application of Schengen rules and
regulations arising from the implementation of the Schengen/Dublin
agreements will result in changes in procedures in visa issuance
that are presently in effect, particularly regarding the processing
of applications.
The public is advised to check the website of
the Swiss Federal Office of Migration which provides the necessary
information on the status of putting into operation the Schengen/Dublin
agreements: here
-- Katrice R. Jalbuena
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