United States of America

Appointments for B1 (Business) or B2 (Tourism) visa applications are currently available no earlier than the May 2026.

The embassy no longer offers appointments for applicants without residence in Switzerland (including holders of G permits).

Planned tightening of data collection for entry with ESTA:

Starting in March 2026, the United States plans to significantly tighten entry requirements, particularly for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries (such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) who enter using the ESTA electronic travel authorization.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intends to collect significantly more personal information in the future. These changes are expected to come fully into effect by mid-2026:

Social media accounts: Disclosure of profiles from the past 5 years (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).

Contact information: Mobile phone numbers and email addresses from the past 10 years.

Personal details: More detailed information about family members.

Land entry: A valid ESTA or visa is now also required for entry by land via Canada or Mexico.

-> Traveling with a visa instead of an ESTA will make entry easier.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes ("Visitor" travel purpose) without a visa.
Authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, with ESTA approved, and without a visa, are people with the following, biometric passports (e-passport):
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary ,Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Malta, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan & United Kingdom.
Important: Travelers who have visited one of the following countries, since 1^st march 2011, are no longer eligible to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program:
Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia or Syria
In this case, a visa must be requested.

Applying for a visa for the USA requires various preparations and system entries. We have created an application form for you, making the process and access to the required information much easier.

We take care of your data collection, advance the consulate fees and arrange your appointment at the US Embassy in Bern. For the online form you need a scan of your passport and a photo in color, compel in the format 5x5cm. Please note that you must not wear glasses or headgear on the photo. For non-Swiss or non-Swiss citizens, a copy of your residence title (L, B, C, G) for Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein is also required.

As soon as we have submitted your application to the Embassy and the preparations have been completed, we will provide you with the necessary information on the required documents, the documents we have prepared, the payment receipt and confirmation of the date for your interview at the American Embassy.

ESTA collection time:
1 - 3 working days

Visa application period:
Receipt of dates and documents for the interview:
2 - 3 working days after receipt of the application, if complete

Appointment availability of the embassy:
Up to 1 month waiting time after receipt of your visa application

Duration to obtain visa / passport after your appointment:
3 - 20 working days

There is no opportunity for an express visa or an emergency appointment, except in the case of an urgent business travel, a medical emergency, death or funeral.