Embassy of the United States Bern, Switzerland

What is a biometric passport? An e-passport?

A biometric passport is a passport that has a digital photo instead of one that is glued on. An e-passport has a micro-chip that can be read by special equipment to confirm the data printed on the passport.

How long can I stay in the United States?

If you travel to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, you may remain for up to 90 days. This period cannot be extended. If you travel to the United States on a visitor (B-2) visa, the period of time you will be allowed will be determined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the port of entry. Initially they can grant a stay of six months which can be extended for a further six months at their discretion. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection has sole jurisdiction over such matters.

My passport has expired or been damaged. However, I still have a valid U.S. visa in the passport. What should I do?

If the photo page on your passport has been damaged (e.g. has become detached, or looks like it may become detached, from the rest of the passport), please apply for a new visa in a new passport, submitting both the damaged and new passport in support of your application.

We cannot place a visa in a passport with a photo page that is even partially detached. If your passport has this problem, please apply for a new passport before submitting your visa application.

If the passport has expired, and you still have a valid visa, you may travel with two passports, i.e. your old passport with the visa, and your new passport, or apply for a new visa in your new passport. Please note that you cannot transfer a visa to another passport.

I have a visa in my old passport. Can I just transfer it over?

It is not possible to transfer a visa from one passport to another without making a new visa application.

My passport containing a valid visa has expired. I've obtained a new passport. Do I need a new visa?

If the passport in which your visa has been endorsed has expired, the visa in the old passport still can be used, provided that you also carry a valid passport of the same nationality. Note: If, when canceling your old passport, the passport authority has clipped the corners of the passport, and, in so doing, has damaged the visa in any way, that visa is no longer valid and cannot be used for travel to the United States.

When will my visa be ready?

Processing of applications normally takes 3-4 working days from the date they are received. However, during the busy Christmas and summer seasons normal processing time may be as long as 14 days. Longer processing time may also be required in the following situations: (1) in cases where the applicant has failed to submit all the required elements of an application; (2) in cases where the Embassy requires additional information from the applicant; and (3) in cases where the Embassy has to conduct additional administrative processing.

We recommend prospective travelers submit their applications well in advance. Applicants should refrain from calling the Embassy merely to inquire about the status of their application until the full processing time has expired. We also strongly recommend that applicants not purchase airplane tickets or make nonrefundable travel arrangements until they have actually received their visa; visa applicants should never assume their application will be automatically approved.

I applied for a visa but my application was refused. Can I get my money back?

The application fee is for the processing costs and is therefore not refundable.

Is there a possibility that I may need to pay an additional fee if the visa is issued?

Yes. The United States charges visa issuance (reciprocity) fees to citizens of certain countries in addition to the application fee. This fee, if applicable, must be paid before a visa can be issued. The fee must be paid in cash (US$ or Euro) at the Consular Section. The reason for this is that those countries charge U.S. citizens additional fees. To determine whether your nationality is subject to an issuance (reciprocity) fee, please check the chart at http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_3272.html

May I apply for a US visa when I’m just visiting Switzerland?

Applicants for visas to the United States should generally apply at the American Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. Non-immigrant visa applicants who are resident in Switzerland must demonstrate compelling social, economic, and professional ties to Switzerland in order to qualify for most visas to the US. Temporary visitors to Switzerland may apply for a visa, but it is more difficult to qualify for a visa outside the country of permanent residence.

Does a visa guarantee that I can enter the United States?

A valid visa permits you to apply for admission to the United States when you arrive at the airport (or other port of entry) in the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) at port of entry makes the final decision as to whether you may be admitted to the United States. It also decides how long you may stay in the United States.

Can I take my medicine to the United States?

If you take medicines containing habit-forming drugs or narcotics (e.g. cough medicine, diuretics, heart drugs, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, depressants, stimulants, etc.) you should: have all drugs, medicine and similar products properly identified; carry only the quantity that might normally be used by an individual having a health problem requiring such drugs or medicine; have either a prescription or written statement from your personal physician that the medicine is being used under a doctor's direction and is necessary for your physical well-being while traveling.

Can I drive while in the United States?

Bearers of Swiss drivers' licenses may drive in the U.S. for a short period of time on their valid Swiss driver's license. (Exact length depends on the individual state.) When renting a car, some rental agencies may insist on seeing an international driver's license.

Those taking up temporary residence must obtain driving licenses from the appropriate State Authority upon their arrival at their destination. The Embassy does not have any information concerning the laws of the various States on requirements for issuance of driving licenses.

For more information about obtaining a U.S. driving license, please see http://www.dmv-department-of-motor-vehicles.com.

I have a visa, do I also need a return ticket?

If you hold a visa of any classification, including a B-1/B-2 visa, you are not required to hold a return ticket; you may enter the United States on a one way ticket. All travelers should carry with them for presentation to U.S. officials, if required, evidence of funds sufficient for their visit and, with the exception of H and L visa holders, evidence that they have a residence abroad to which they intend returning at the end of their stay. Examples of such evidence include: traveler's checks; return tickets; copy of latest bank statement; letter from parents saying they will support you; evidence of current employment; evidence of enrollment at an academic institution.

Does a five-year visa mean that I can stay in the United States for five years?

No. A visa only allows you to present yourself at a U.S. border or port of entry for inspection. The Immigrations Officer determines the amount of time you can stay in the United States once you have been granted entry. A five-year, multiple-entry visa means that you are allowed to travel to the United States as many times as you like during the five-year validity period, staying no longer than the time indicated by the Immigrations Officer.

I had a visa before. Do I automatically qualify for a renewal?

When your visa has expired and you wish to apply for another visa, please be prepared to demonstrate strong family, social, and economic ties to your country of residence at the time of your interview. Having been previously issued a visa does not guarantee that you will automatically qualify for another visa, i.e. there is no “renewal” or “renovation” of a non-immigrant visa to the United States. Just as each application for a visa is different, each time you apply for a visa you must satisfy the interviewing officer that you are entitled to the type of visa for which you are applying and that you will depart the United States at the end of your authorized temporary stay.

I received my visa but there is a mistake on my visa. What should I do?

To avoid delay in travel, please check the information printed on the visa upon receipt to confirm that it is correct. Biographic information on the visa should match the information found on the passport biographic page. If you notice a misprint on your visa, please send an e-mail to the following address bernniv@state.gov . We will determine the legitimacy of the correction request and provide you further instructions.

Is my "indefinite" visa still valid?

Indefinite visas are no longer valid for travel to the U.S. Bearers of indefinite visas who wish to travel to the U.S. should apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

My passport with a U.S. visa was stolen. Why should I report it to the Embassy/Consulate?

You are highly encouraged to report the theft/loss of your passport with a valid U.S. visa to the Embassy/Consulate. Please send an e-mail to the following address bernniv@state.gov with necessary information.This will help protect you against identity theft and the illegal use of your identity.