AFS Switzerland

AFS Switzerland travel rules: Difference between revisions

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To protect host students and host families, '''rules have been established regarding travel''' and family visits from the student's home country.
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 (18+), Host School or Club ===
=== A. Traveling with your host family, Host School or Club ===


==== 1. Within the Schengen area ====
==== 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) and how you can be contacted in an emergency.
'''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 ====
==== 2. Outside the Schengen area ====
For travel outside the Schengen area, consent from the student's biological parents is required. Please fil out a travel waiver form and send us an email to sui.support@afs.org with the travel information (with whom, where and when). Once we process your travel waiver, will then obtain consent from the biological parents through AFS in your home country.
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 ===
=== B. Individual travel with and without overnight stay in Switzerland ===
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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.  
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.  


=== D. Individual trips with overnight stays abroad ===
=== D. Individual travel outside of Switzerland ===
'''Important: overnight trips abroad must be approved by AFS!''' '''You must submit your application at least two weeks before departure.'''  
'''Important: all overnight trips abroad must be approved by AFS!''' '''You must submit your Travel waiver at least two weeks before departure.'''  


1. Your host child is staying with friends (18+) or relatives ('''not parents, grandparents or siblings'''). A completed '''travel waiver''', '''invitation letter''' and '''passport copy''' from the visiting person MUST be enclosed with the application.
1. you are staying with friends (18+) or relatives ('''not parents, grandparents or siblings'''). A completed '''travel waiver''', '''invitation letter''' and '''passport 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.  
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:
==== General rules: ====
[[index.php?title=File:Travel_waiver_process.png|link=https://info.myafs.ch/File:Travel_waiver_process.png|thumb|Travel waiver process]]
In order for such a trip to be approved, the following points must be met:


The required '''Travel Waiver form''' can be downloaded from the Global Family Tool (see attachment below, available for download) or can be found here.
* 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.
* You are not allowed to travel independently for more than 21 days during your exchange program.
* The “Travel Waiver” form is completed and sent to AFS Switzerland: '''hallo@afs.ch''', '''at least 2 weeks before your departure.'''
* Your parents agree (AFS Switzerland will contact the partner country and obtain the consent of your parents).


In order for such a trip to be approved, the following points must be met:
== 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.'''


* You as the host family agree to the trip.
== Visits from home ==
* You have been in Switzerland for at least 4 months and has not exceeded the maximum number of travel days (21 days allowed for individual travel abroad during the entire exchange).
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.'''
* The trip takes place during school holidays.
* The “Travel Waiver” form* was sent to AFS Switzerland, '''hallo@afs.ch''', '''at least 2 weeks before the trip.'''
* Your biological parents agree (AFS Switzerland will contact the partner country and obtain the consent of the biological parents).


<nowiki>*</nowiki> The '''travel waiver form''' is available for download in the attachment below. You can use the PDF fill-in mode. Also included is a leaflet "How to get permission" as a resource for the host child.
'''Travelling outside Switzerland with visitors from your home country is not permitted during the program.'''


=== Travel visas ===
'''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.
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:''' '''Your host child will need a visa in order to travel to certain countries!''' The Swiss residence permit only allows travel within the Schengen area. '''Students are responsible for arranging any visas required for travel before booking.'''
Make sure you have your passport and your residence permit with you whenever you leave the country.


== How to get permission ==
== Obtaining permission ==

Revision as of 16:39, 3 July 2025

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.

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.

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 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:

link=https://info.myafs.ch/File:Travel_waiver_process.png|thumb|Travel waiver process In order for such a trip to be approved, the following points 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.
  • You are not allowed to travel independently for more than 21 days during your exchange program.
  • The “Travel Waiver” form is completed and sent to AFS Switzerland: hallo@afs.ch, at least 2 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.

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

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