If we have a D-type visa from US (let's say that it says from 1/8/11 to 1/10/11) with one entry and XXX next to duration of stay. Does that mean it's an expired visa or can you still go back and forth even after 1/10/11 ?

Thanks.

You definitely can't.. You should register within 2 weeks from arriving to Switzerland, and when you receive the permit, you can move as much as you want. But without a permit, and with an expired visa, not!

You're a crewman on an aircraft or a ship?

D visa is a transit visa. Your duration of stay per entry is very brief because you're only supposed to have a temporary presence to make an entry and join your vessel or make your port of call. Most crewmembers only have a land-based presence for 24-48 hours.

Next question back to you: Why are you asking about a US visa on a Swiss forum?

OK, thanks. So if I do have a permit (a card was mailed to me after we went to register), I don't need a non-expired visa anymore ?

Again, thanks for your help.

Correcto. when you leave through passport control at the Zurich airport (or wherever), show both your passport and your residence permit (that card). Same when you come back in.

Thanks everyone.

I meant that I got the visa in US. This is all new to me.