Is Switzerland in the EU or Schengen?

Schengen, not the EU. Switzerland has applied the Schengen rules since 2008 through an agreement with the EU, but it has never joined the EU and is not in the EEA either.

Does time in Switzerland count toward my Schengen 90 days?

Yes. Days in Switzerland count toward the 90/180 limit just like days in any other Schengen country. There is no separate Swiss allowance for visa-free visitors.

Is there passport control between Switzerland and France?

Not routinely, because both are in Schengen. You may still meet customs officers, since Switzerland is outside the EU customs union, so keep your passport with you.

Guide

Is Switzerland in the Schengen Area?

Yes — Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area even though it is not an EU member. Days in Switzerland count toward your 90 days in any 180, exactly like days in France or Germany.

In the Schengen Area: Yes

In the EU: No

Days count toward 90/180: Yes

Facts checked 5 October 2026. Entry rules change and differ by passport. Confirm them with the official source linked in each section, or your own government's travel advice, before you travel.

Do days in Switzerland count toward the 90/180 rule?

Yes. Switzerland joined Schengen through an agreement with the EU and has applied it since 2008. It is one of four non-EU members, with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

What still differs is customs: Switzerland is outside the EU customs union, so you may see customs checks at the border even though there is no routine passport check.

Source: European Commission: the Schengen Area

Entering Switzerland

Visa-free visitors follow the normal Schengen rules. Most arrive by air in Zurich or Geneva, or overland from a neighbouring Schengen country without a passport check.

New Zealand has an old bilateral agreement with Switzerland; see the bilateral agreements guide before relying on it.

Sources: Schengen Borders Code, Article 6; Swiss Embassy in New Zealand: entry formalities

How EES applies

The Entry/Exit System has been fully operational at every external Schengen border since 10 April 2026. On your first entry it records your passport, fingerprints and a facial image; after that, every entry and exit is logged and your 90/180 days are counted automatically.

Switzerland operates EES at its airports, which are its external Schengen borders. ETIAS will apply in Switzerland too once it starts.

Sources: European Commission: EES fully operational (10 April 2026); EU: EES FAQ; EU: what is ETIAS

Check your own Schengen days

Whatever the answer for Switzerland, your 90 days are counted across all 29 Schengen countries together, and each day looks back 180 days. Add your stays to see how many days you have used and the last day you can stay.

Count your days before you go

Add past stays and a planned trip. Stay180 shows days used in the last 180 and your leave-by date. Free, no account needed.

Open the Schengen calculator Plan a trip

Common questions

Is Switzerland in the EU or Schengen?: Schengen, not the EU. Switzerland has applied the Schengen rules since 2008 through an agreement with the EU, but it has never joined the EU and is not in the EEA either.
Does time in Switzerland count toward my Schengen 90 days?: Yes. Days in Switzerland count toward the 90/180 limit just like days in any other Schengen country. There is no separate Swiss allowance for visa-free visitors.
Is there passport control between Switzerland and France?: Not routinely, because both are in Schengen. You may still meet customs officers, since Switzerland is outside the EU customs union, so keep your passport with you.