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. Traveling with your host family, Host School or Club

1. Within the Schengen area

Travel with a host family, school or club within the Schengen area does not require approval from AFS. In this case, simply inform AFS of your plans (travel dates), provide an emergency contact and provide how you can be reached in an emergency.

2. Outside the Schengen area

For travelling outside the Schengen area, you need permission from your natural parents. Send us your travel information, including details about your companions, travel dates and destination, via email to hallo@afs.ch - We will then coordinate with AFS in your home country to secure your parents' approval. Once the approval is obtained, we will notify you promptly. 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.

B. Individual travel with and without overnight stay in Switzerland

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

C. Day trip visits to neighboring countries

As long as you obtain your host family's permission and you do not miss any school, you are free to visit a neighboring country of Switzerland on a day trip. Switzerland is bordered by: France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy. No travel waiver is needed.

D. Individual travel outside of Switzerland

Important: all overnight trips abroad must be approved by AFS! You must submit your Travel waiver at least two 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:

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

• Your host family agrees to the trip.
• 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).
• The trip takes place during school holidays (you are not allowed to miss any school days for travel).
• You do not travel with anyone from your immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents)
• You either stay with relatives or friends or you are accompanied by an adult resident of Switzerland.
• The Travel Waiver form is completed and sent to AFS Switzerland: hallo@afs.ch, at least 3 weeks before your departure.
• Your parents agree (AFS Switzerland will contact the partner country and obtain the consent of your parents).

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, AFS advises against visits from your home country during the exchange program. Visits from natural parents, relatives or friends always require prior approval from the host family and AFS Switzerland.

Travelling outside Switzerland with visitors from your home country is not permitted during the program.

IMPORTANT: Your Swiss residence permit allows for travel within the Schengen Area. (For more information on Schengen, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Area.) For other countries, you may need to apply for a visa beforehand. It is your responsibility to aquire any and all required visas prior to travelling.

Make sure you have your passport and your residence permit with you whenever you leave the country.

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 (hallo@afs.ch) 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, hotels, 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.

You receive permission if the following conditions are fulfilled:

• Your host family approves of your travel plans
• Your trip takes place after the first four months of your stay
• The trip takes place during your school holidays (you are not allowed to miss any school days for travel)
• You have informed AFS Switzerland of your travel plans using an official AFS travel waiver application form at least 3 weeks before the date of departure
• Your natural parents agree and have given their written consent by signing an official AFS travel waiver
• You do not travel with your immediate family (parents, siblings and grandparents)
• You stay with relatives or friends (≠hotel, youth hostel etc.) or you are accompanied by a person who's a resident of Switzerland and over 18 years old (≠exchange students)
• When all these points are in order, AFS Switzerland will give you the green light for your trip

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