Hi there,

I am South African and in Switzerland currently. My nationality allows me to stay here for 3 months without a visa. Does anyone know how strict they are on this as I have heard varying opinions. And if they are strict, can I just go somewhere alse for a day and then come back??

Thanks

Americans are allowed two three-month periods per year (a six month max). If it is the same for South Africans, I would presume that you could simply leave the country and reenter. I was told as much as by authorities in Aargau before. However, I would ensure to choose a border crossing where your reentry was recorded (how easy is that?).

It doesn't seem to be very strict...I guess depending on what country you're from???

you're supposed to leave for more time than this. If you've managed to get somewhere to live, have not registered that you're here and commit no crime, present no financial burden on the state then ....... you could stay for longer.

I can't condone this though.

For the best response, read the attached link. I wish you Good Luck.

http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

You can stay up to three months and then technically have to leave for 30 days. If you don't have a stamp saying when you came in, you could go to a Swiss border and ask them for a stamp upon re-entry. Other countries won't give you one b/c of EU regs. (believe me, I have tried!) I initially thought that if I didn't have any stamps in my passport saying when I came and went then they couldn't kick me out. WRONG! Last year I had to leave (was given 5 days) and then come back after a month. The less you have to prove that you have been here legally, the more they will try to get you out. Bigger cities are harder to hide (believe it or not) but I have had great luck staying in a small village for as long as I want... shhhh don't tell!

Why do you risk? You will just spoil your reputation. I will advise you take a good read on the link I sent or contact the Police. You may seem to be smart but don't forget Swiss is a Ploice State. They may be tracking you without your concsent.
Good Luck!

I wonder why the heck Aarau told my wife that rubbish then. Strange indeed. Must be because as a spouse they'd have bent the rules if my legal status had been delayed due to their own inefficiency. *Shrugs*

But isn't your spouse Swiss? Then you don't need to leave at all...

They told me it could take over three months to process the information and that I would be required to go to Germany (or another country)-- but just make a quick border crossing.