Basel Travel Forum

Hi, on 7th of september I am planning to take a plane from Barcelona to Istanbul which has a transfer at Basel. I am a non-EU citizen and i have Schengen visa.
My question is; Do i need an extra visa to Switzerland for airport transfer?
Thanks..

Normally, no. If you stay airside - i.e. in the transit lounge - you are not entering the country and therefore not subject to immigration procedures.

On the other hand, the Americans demand visas even from those who don't get off the plane if it lands at an American airport, e.g. at Honolulu on a flight from Fiji to Canada.

If you are uncertain, it is best to check with the Swiss authorities.

I have just looked at the website of the Swiss Foreign Ministry. It clearly states that you do not need a visa if you are in transit and do not leave the airport.

Thank you very much for your interest and particularly for the rapid reply :)
bye.

Hi there

Your are definitly OK without Swiss visa. Basel airport (more correct Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport) is actually located on French soil. As you arrive you have two ways to leave the airport: Either through the French gate (where you have to comply with French and EC regulation or through the Swiss gate where you are actually entering Switzerland via a road on French territory.

If you need or want to leave the transit area just make sure you end up on the "rigth side" of the fence.

Kind regards
Fenek