Planning To Attend Eurovision 2025? What Visitors Need To Know About Swiss Entry Rules

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Dec 21, 2023
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The countdown to the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland—set for 13 to 17 May—is well underway. As artists fine-tune their performances and Basel prepares to welcome thousands of fans, visitors must ensure they meet the correct entry requirements to avoid any last-minute travel issues.



Switzerland and the Schengen Area​


Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, which governs the entry rules for most visitors. Depending on your nationality, you may:


  • Enter visa-free if your country is on the Schengen visa-exempt list.
  • Need a Schengen visa (category C) if you are from a visa-required country.
  • Use a valid Schengen residence permit or category D long-stay visa from another Schengen state to enter without applying for a new visa.


Key Rules on Duration of Stay​


Regardless of nationality, tourist stays are limited to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen area.


  • For stays beyond 90 days, you must apply for a Swiss residence permit in advance.
  • The 90-day limit applies across all Schengen countries combined—not just Switzerland.


Entry for Non-EU/EFTA Nationals​


  • Visa requirement: Many non-EU/EFTA nationals must obtain a Schengen visa in their country of residence. Applications should be made through the competent consulate—either a Swiss representation or, in some cases, another Schengen member state, depending on your travel itinerary.
  • Visa exemptions: If you already hold a valid Schengen residence permit or a category D visa from another Schengen country, you do not need to apply for an additional visa.
  • Stay limits: Even with a permit from another Schengen state, you must comply with the 90/180-day Schengen rule for time spent outside the country that issued your permit.


Entry for EU/EFTA Nationals​


  • Nationals of EU and EFTA countries (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) may enter Switzerland freely with a valid passport or national ID card.
  • No additional visa requirements apply, but stays are still limited to 90 days at a time unless a residence permit is obtained.


Practical Tips for Eurovision Visitors​


  • Check your nationality’s requirements on the Swiss government’s official visa portal before booking travel.
  • Apply early if a visa is needed—processing times vary depending on your country of residence.
  • Carry documentation such as accommodation bookings, return tickets, and event confirmations, as border officials may ask for proof of purpose of stay.
  • Mind the Schengen clock: If you have already spent time in other Schengen countries earlier in 2025, ensure you still have enough days left under the 90/180-day rule.


Key Takeaway​


Eurovision 2025 promises an unforgettable week of music, culture, and celebration in Basel. By understanding and preparing for the Swiss entry requirements, visitors can avoid immigration hurdles and focus on enjoying the event.
 
Can’t believe Eurovision’s in Basel this year!!! 🎶💃 Already sorting travel plans, but the Schengen day limit thing is confusing 😅 — does that 90/180-day rule mean if I went to Italy in March, those days count too?
 
Yeah, I’m wondering the same. I’ll be visiting Germany before heading to Switzerland — so technically, does that time eat into my Swiss allowance? Anyone got a clear breakdown of how they count those Schengen days?
 
ellie.quinn said:
Can’t believe Eurovision’s in Basel this year!!! 🎶💃 Already sorting travel plans, but the Schengen day limit thing is confusing 😅 — does that 90/180-day rule mean if I went to Italy in March, those days count too?
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nickdev said:
Yeah, I’m wondering the same. I’ll be visiting Germany before heading to Switzerland — so technically, does that time eat into my Swiss allowance? Anyone got a clear breakdown of how they count those Schengen days?
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Yes, the 90-day cap applies to the entire Schengen area. So your combined days in Germany, Italy, France, etc., all count toward the 90-day total. Switzerland enforces this strictly — overstays can result in entry bans.
 
Ayy nice! Basel’s gonna be 🔥 during Eurovision! If you’re from outside the EU/EFTA, don’t leave your visa plans to the last minute. Some consulates take 3–4 weeks easy.
 
LOL I once got grilled at Zurich airport for not having a return ticket 😂. Even with a visa, they check everything. Don’t risk it — print your hotel booking and show confirmations for the event.
 
If you’re traveling on a residence permit from another Schengen country, remember you still need to track your out-of-country days. Swiss border police have digital access to EES data now — they know when you entered and left.
 
The rules make sense logically. Schengen operates as one border system, so 90 days in any participating state = 90 in total. It’s designed to balance free movement with security consistency.
 
I went last year in Liverpool and can’t wait for Basel 😍. Just sorted my Swiss visa — surprisingly smooth! Pro tip: apply early, and double-check your passport expiry. Saw a couple denied for being a month short 😬.
 
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