02 November 2020
Please Note: Embassy Bern Emergency Visa Services
The United States Department of State recognizes the immense importance of international travel and commerce to the United States. Our country’s openness is a source of national strength and it is in our direct interest to maintain our free and unfettered engagement with the world.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has required unprecedented actions to protect the United States and its citizens. Visas and entry to the United States for persons who have been in a Schengen country within fourteen days of intended entry are suspended by Presidential Proclamation (PP 9993). Presidential Proclamation 9993 remains in force. In addition, PP 10052, suspends the entry of nonimmigrants traveling on work visas in the H, L, and certain J visa categories as well as most immigrant visas. When these suspensions are lifted, we will resume routine visa services if local conditions allow. Unfortunately, there is no information at this time as to when these measures will be lifted.
The Proclamations and their exceptions can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news.html
The U.S. Embassy in Bern is not taking routine visa appointments. We can accommodate appointments for those with qualifying urgent travel needs. To see if you may qualify for an emergency appointment and to request an emergency visa appointment, please refer to the instructions here: https://ustraveldocs.com/ch/ch-niv-expeditedappointment.asp
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
See our Directory of Visa Categories on usvisas.state.gov to determine which visa category might be appropriate for your purpose of travel to the United States.
What is a Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States.
(Note: U.S. citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit.).
Contact Us
To contact a customer service representative, please visit the GSS Contact Us page for full information or use contact information below:
- Email: To reach a customer service representative via email, please write to support-Switzerland@ustraveldocs.com.
- Telephone: Please contact a customer service representative using one of these telephone numbers:
- Callers in Switzerland: Call +41(0)315800033 or +41(0)435084000.
- Callers in the United States: Call 1-703-520-2561.
Skype: To use Skype to speak to a customer service representative during regular hours of operation, add a new contact to your Skype account with the Skype name ustraveldocs-Switzerland.
Warning: Please make sure to verify the Skype ID of the US Visa Service Desk before adding it. Our helpline Skype ID is ustraveldocs-Switzerland. We are aware of instances where imposters who use similar Skype names and have purported to be related to the US Visa Service Desk, and have advised applicants to pay the fees via Western Union or Moneygram. Please note that our visa processing partner does not support such payment options. We strongly advise you to verify payment instructions on our partner’s Bank and Payment options page before paying your MRV Fee.
Customer Service Statement
The Department of State manages the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States. We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged.
We promise to you, the visa applicant, that:
- We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa.
- We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
- We will remember that, to you, a visa interview may be a new or intimidating experience and that you may be nervous.
- We will use the limited time available for the interview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions.
- We will use our available resources to fairly assist all applicants to get appointments to allow travel in time for business, study, and other important obligations.
- We will post detailed and accurate information on visa requirements and application procedures on every Embassy and Consulate website.
- We will provide information on non-immigrant appointment waiting times at every Embassy and Consulate posted on http://travel.state.gov.
- We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you.
Furthermore, if you are a:
- Student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes.
- Medical and humanitarian emergency traveler, we will expedite processing for those dealing with life threatening emergencies.
- Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.
At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to:
- Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible.
- Complete your application fully and accurately.
- Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans.
- Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.
