Consular Services for Foreign Residents of Switzerland

Consular offices provide services for citizens in need, including replacement of lost or stolen passports and help and advice in difficult situations...

All foreign Embassies exist to represent their nation to their host country nationals, providing information and services on trade, tourism and culture in the home state. All Embassies have a Consular Section which exists to provide information and services to its own nationals visiting or living in the host country.

Most country consulates in Switzerland and France request that citizens report their arrival so that their names can be added to a citizens' register.

For Embassy and Consular information for Americans, Britons and Australians living in France, see Citizens Guides for French Residents.

US Citizens

The Embassy of the United States of America in Switzerland has a website with up-to-date information for American citizens living in Switzerland and can provide information on living and doing business in Switzerland. The Embassy can assist with passport, visas and notary services.

• Embassy of the United States of America, Bern
  At: Sulgeneckstrasse 19, CH-3007 Bern
  Tel (routine calls accepted from 14:00-17:00): +41 (0)31 357 70 11 
  Tel (after hours Emergency Service only): +41 (0)31 357 77 77
  Fax: +41 (0)31 357 72 80
  Open: Monday to Friday, 09:00-12:30 and 1:30-5:30
  Counter service: Monday to Friday, 09:00-11:30
  e-mail
  

The US citizen's service - Consular agency - can assist with passport renewals and the registration of intended residence; registration of births, marriages and deaths; judicial assistance information, information for travellers and more.

The US citizen's service - Consular agency - can assist with passport renewals and the registration of intended residence; registration of births, marriages and deaths; judicial assistance information, information for travellers and more.

• United States of America Consular Agency, Geneva
  At: 7, rue Francois Versonnex, CH-1207 Geneva
  Mailing Address: c/o U.S. Mission, 11 rte. de Pregny, 1292 Chambésy/GE
  Tel: +41 (0)22 840 51 60
  Fax: +41 (0)22 840 51 62
  Open: Monday to Friday, 10:00-13:00
  e-mail

The Swiss Embassy in the United States is a rich resource of relevant information for Americans planning a visit to Switzerland. It also gives information on legal matters, getting married in Switzerland and more.

• For the Embassy of Switzerland in the United States website: Click here

Voting in US Elections

US citizens living overseas are eligible to vote by absentee ballot in the General Presidential Elections. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) has complete information and online registration and absentee ballot request forms for the Federal Post Card Application (OFPCA). They provide a toll free number for citizens outside of the US to call for information.

• Toll Free number to call from within France: 0800 917 304
• Toll Free number to call from within Switzerland: 0800 564 294

UK Citizens

The British embassy in Berne is responsible for services such as advising British travellers to issuing visas, and promoting trade and investment opportunities. Parking is available at the Embassy, though only through prior arrangement.

• British Embassy, Berne
  At: Thunstrasse 50, 3005 Berne
  Tel: +41 (0)31 359 77 00
  Fax: +41 (0)31 359 77 01
  Tel (after hours Emergency Service only): +41 (0)79 607 25 70
  Open: Monday to Friday, 08:30-12:30 and 13:30-17:00
  

The British Embassy is wheelchair accessible, though the lift may not accommodate all wheelchairs.

The UK government's GOV.UK website provides information online for Britons considering moving abroad and for those already there. It includes tax, health and education advice as well as a section on what to do when returning to the UK.

• For the GOV.UK website: Click here
• For the UK in Switzerland website: Click here

Note: UK embassies, high commissions and consulates no longer issue passports. This is now done centrally by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), an agency of the UK Home Office. Applications for renewal take at least four weeks from the form's arrival with the IPS by post, but may take longer if further information is necessary. The IPS advises UK nationals not to book travel until they have received their renewed passport.

• To apply for a UK passport while overseas: Click here

Australian Citizens

It is estimated that almost 5,000 Australians live in Switzerland. The Australian government provides information online for those living overseas (Australians Travelling) and for those returning to the country after time away (Returning to Australia).

The Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate General is based in Geneva.

The Consulate General can provide the following assistance and advice: registration of Australian citizens in Switzerland, registration of births, legal processes, visa and immigration, voting overseas, marriage in Switzerland and consular and visa services on behalf of Papua New Guinea. Appointments are suggested for all Consular services.

• Australian Permanent Mission and Consulate General, Geneva
  At: 2, Chemin des Fins 2, Case Postale 172, 1211 Geneva 19
  Tel: +41 (0)22 799 91 00
  Fax: +41 (0) 22 799 9178
  Open: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 (09:00-12:00 for passports)
  e-mail

The Southern Cross Group is a global organisation that exists to "Promote Mobility in the Global Community", and to communicate with expatriated Australians throughout the world. Their work includes lobbying for changes in laws that improve or simplify the life of Australians abroad. The website has detailed information on the legal and practical aspects of: citizenship, voting, visas, health insurance, taxation and more.

• For the Southern Cross Group website: Click here
• For information on the Southern Cross Group in France: Click here