If some of you are aware of this information already, then look away now. If not, then read on.
In a previous issue of PINOYexpats, it was mentioned that those foreign residents in the UK (permanent or temporary) can travel to Switzerland without having to secure a visa. Well, that’s changed now. From 12 December 2008, Switzerland has joined the Schengen agreement. Therefore, if you intend to travel to Switzerland now, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa if you are holding a passport for a country that is required to have a Schengen visa. To know if you need to apply for one, check out Swiss Visa VFS Global FAQs (under Do I need a visa?).
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It lists the Philippines as no need for a visa if you have an Official Passport. What is an Official Passport?
I always knew that we need visa everytime we enter Switzerland and now the whole of Schengen.
Good thing I can carry another passport soon
a Canadian…
I did not know that! Thanks for the info.
Junnie, my understanding of ‘Official Passport’ is the passport issued for diplomats. Before I got my British passport, I could still travel to Switzerland prior to 12 Dec 2008 because I was a permanent resident in the UK. After 12 Dec, I would need to get a Schengen visa IF I was still holding a Philippine passport. Of course that no longer poses an issue for me as I have a British passport.