how long can a swiss citizen stay in the us
As a Swiss citizen, you are eligible to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows you to stay in the US for a specific period without a visa. Here are the general guidelines:
- Maximum stay: Under the VWP, you can stay in the US for up to 90 days. This period cannot be extended, and you must leave the US before the end of the 90th day.
- Arrival and departure dates: Your stay is calculated from the date of your arrival in the US, as indicated on your electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval or the admission stamp in your passport. Your departure date must be within 90 days of your arrival date.
- Purpose of visit: Your stay in the US must be for business, tourism, or transit purposes only. If you plan to work, study, or engage in other activities that are not allowed under the VWP, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
- Requirements: To be eligible for the VWP, you must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid Swiss passport, applying for an ESTA approval at least 72 hours prior to your trip, and meeting certain health and security requirements.
If you need to stay in the US for more than 90 days or for purposes other than business, tourism, or transit, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a non-immigrant visa (e.g., F-1 for students, H-1B for specialized workers, or L-1 for intracompany transferees).
Please note that immigration laws and regulations can change, so it’s always best to check the official government websites for the most up-to-date information:
- US Department of State: travel.state.gov
- US Customs and Border Protection: cbp.gov
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services: uscis.gov
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.