Information individuals
The section contains information on topics such as import, export and transit to Switzerland, including travel documents, road tolls, purchases, allowances, value limits, relocation, vehicle imports, animals, plants, restrictions, declaration of goods and opening hours of customs offices. Information is also provided on special regulations, prohibitions and authorisations for the import of goods and the opening hours of border crossings.
Most searched keywords for private individuals
Ordering goods from abroad, moving to Switzerland, cross-border shopping, importing a vehicle, etc. In this section, you will find the topics that are most frequently asked about. These are divided into importing into Switzerland, exporting and transit.
Documents for travellers and road taxes
To enter Switzerland, you need a valid travel document (passport, identity card) and, depending on the country of origin, a visa. A motorway charge is levied for vehicles of up to 3.5 tonnes and a heavy vehicle charge is levied for lorries.
Travel and purchases, allowances and duty-free limit
If you are carrying goods and animals, you have to comply with regulations when you cross the border. In addition, costs can be incurred. In this section, we provide information on the provisions for entering Switzerland as well as exportation and transit.
Online shopping, mail and courier consignments
Consignments to and from foreign countries (e.g. repair consignments) are considered to be commercial goods – there is no tax-free limit of CHF 150. In this section, we point out the responsibilities and the possible costs that might arise for you.
Personal property, students, holiday homes, getting married and inheritance
Household effects, wedding trousseaux and inherited property which you are take with you when moving house to or from Switzerland can be imported or exported without paying taxes or duty – if you observe the corresponding regulations.
Road vehicles and watercraft
Travellers resident abroad can import vehicles for personal use into Switzerland. Other vehicles must be declared at the border. This is possible during office hours on working days, as well as on Saturday mornings in the case of certain customs offices.
Animals and plants
Do you want to go away on a trip with your domestic pet or purchase exclusive souvenirs, plants or foodstuffs for yourself and your friends at home? Then it is best to find out before you leave what is permitted or which authorisations must be obtained.
Bans, restrictions and authorisations
Many goods may not be imported into Switzerland at all, or else in restricted quantities or only with special authorisation. These include cash, weapons, drugs, narcotics, cultural property, counterfeit brand-name products and medications.
Declaring goods
In this section, you will find out everything on how you can declare personal goods to us. The information is split up into importation, exportation and transit. Above all, please take note of the different opening times and services of the customs offices.
Opening hours and holidays
Customs declarations can be made during normal clearance times on working days; some customs offices are also open on Saturday mornings. On Sundays and national holidays, the customs offices are closed for commercial goods traffic and there is a driving ban on lorries.