AFS Switzerland travel rules

Travel rules

Many exchange students choose Switzerland because of its beautiful landscape and central location within Europe. It's understandable that they want to travel around Switzerland and to neighboring countries during their time here. However, the success of an exchange year doesn't depend on how many sights are visited.

To protect host students and host families, rules have been established regarding travel and family visits from the student's home country.

A. Individual travel with and without overnight stay in Switzerland (Individual domestic travel)

As long as you obtain your host family's permission and you do not miss any school or mandatory AFS events, you are free to travel within Switzerland. No travel waiver is needed.

B. Traveling with your host family, Host School or Club

1. Within Switzerland

Travel with a host family, school or club within Switzerland does not require a travel waiver.

2. Within and outside of the Schengen area

Travel with a host family, school or club outside of Switzerland requires a Travel Waiver. In addition, permission from your natural parents is required.

Important:

1. All trips abroad must be approved by AFS! You must submit your Travel waiver at least three weeks before departure.
2. You will need a visa in order to travel to certain countries! Your Swiss residence permit only allows for travel within the Schengen area. Students are responsible for arranging any visas required for travel before booking.

C. Individual travel outside of Switzerland

Important: all trips abroad must be approved by AFS! You must submit your Travel waiver at least three weeks before departure.

1. you are staying with friends (18+) or relatives (not parents, grandparents or siblings). A completed travel waiver, invitation letter and passport/Identity card copy from the visiting person MUST be enclosed with the application.

2. If you are accompanied by an adult (18+) who lives permanently in Switzerland, a travel waiver and a copy of the accompanying person's passport are required.

General rules for travel outside of Switzerland:

In order for such a trip to be approved, the following conditions must be met:

• You submit the Travel Waiver Application via email (hallo@afs.org) at least three weeks prior to your planned departure.
• The trip takes place during school holidays; you are not allowed to miss any school days or mandatory AFS events for travel.
• Your host family approve and sign the Travel Waiver.
• Your natural parents approve and sign the Travel Waiver (AFS Switzerland will coordinate with AFS in your home country to obtain permission from your natural parents)
• You do not travel with anyone from your immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents)

Additional requirements for individual travel

• You have been in Switzerland for at least 4 months and have not exceeded the maximum number of travel days (21 days allowed for individual travel abroad during the entire exchange).
• You stay with adult relatives or friends (≠hotel, youth hostel etc.) or you are accompanied by an adult resident of Switzerland over 18 years old (≠exchange students).

Travel visas

Please note that exchange students will only receive their biometric residence permit approximately one to two months after arrival. This permit allows for travel within the Schengen area without any problems. Exchange students from countries requiring a visa may only leave Switzerland with a multiple-entry visa before receiving their residence permit; otherwise, they will not be able to re-enter Switzerland. Therefore, please check the visa details carefully.

IMPORTANT: You will need a visa in order to travel to certain countries! Your Swiss residence permit only allows travel within the Schengen area. Students are responsible for arranging any visas required for travel before booking. Students should have received their visa before subbmitting the travel waiver.

Visits from home

Visits from relatives and friends often have a disruptive effect. For this reason, Nat family visits are strongly discouraged during the exchange program. Visits will only be approved under exceptional circumstances. Final approval of Natural family visits will be at the sole discretion of AFS Switzerland.

Visits from natural parents or relatives always require prior approval from the host family and AFS Switzerland.

Travelling outside of Switzerland with your immediate family (parents, siblings and grandparents), or friends is not permitted during the program.

Obtaining permission

How do I obtain a travel waiver and where do I submit it?

AFS travel waiver form

The travel waiver can be obtained from the welcome booklet

Fill in the form with your travel details, have the application form signed by your host family and send it to AFS Switzerland (sui.support@afs.org) at least 3 weeks before the date of your departure. If you are invited to stay with someone, you need to provide a written invitation as well as a copy of their passport/identity card. You must obtain permission from AFS Switzerland before booking any travel (including but not limited to: plane tickets, train tickers, etc.). AFS will then review your travel waiver and if approved, request the signatures of your sending parents. Additional confirmation is needed from you and your host family. You and your host family will receive confirmation emails requiring virtual signatures before travel permission is granted.

How long does it take until I have permission to travel?

AFS Switzerland will transfer your travel information to the AFS partner in your home country, so that they can obtain permission from your natural parents or guardians. This can take quite a while, so it is important that you hand in your application form as early as possible.

Any student who travels without permission or behaves inappropriately during an independent trip risks an early return!