I have a 6hr layover in Zurich, Switzerland. Do I need a visa to explore the city? I am American?

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nachosmyman

You will not be issued a visa when you enter. You don't need one.

You could easily take the train (in the lowest level of the Flughafen (Airport)) into Zurich for a while. It will take you about 15 minutes to get there via train. But, in the meantime, you will need to purchase a train ticket (They take credit cards) or get some Francs. You can do it, but give yourself 2 hours to get back through security. Make sure you have a boarding pass to your final destination before you leave the airport! You will arrive in the Hauptbanhof (Main train station) smack dab in the middle of downtown. Walk out the South doors down the Bahnhofstrasse (Train Station Street) which is considered the 5th Ave. of Zurich. It is a famous street with many Swiss banks and high end shopping along the way. (The bank vaults are actually under the street which has a river flowing underground) On the Banhofstrasse be sure and go into a SprÃ¼ngli candy shop. (There is one close to the train station and another one closer to the lake) This is a very special Swiss candy. Try a few and eat them right away because they don't last for over 24 hours. If you have time, you can also go across the bridge to the Altstadt (old city) which is also easily within walking distance. Consider taking Tram #11 - if you stay on it will take you all around the city and bring you back where you started. It would be sort of a cheap, quickie city tour. If you are looking for a place to eat, on the Banhofstrasse check out Zeughauskeller which is a few blocks off of the lake. There you will have a typical Swiss dinner. They have great sausage (1 meter long) and fantastic kalbsgeschnetzelte (veal in cream sauce with rosti fried potatoes). This is a Swiss specialty. For fondue or raclette, I would suggest The Suisse Kuche (I think that it what it is called) in the old city. It has a big cow outside - ask anyone and they will tell you where it is.

I lived there 3 years and if I just had 6 hours, I would stick with the Banhofstrasse and Zeughauskeller with a ride on tram #11.

Have fun and Greuzi!

The Shadow

Switzerland does not require any type of visa for Americans who stay less than 90 days. You just need your passport.

Deuce

You do not, but you will have to hurry. There are a lot of shops at the airport that will keep you busy though.

Lovely

6 hours...you're going to be pushed for time! Especially when 2 of those hours should be taken up by check-in...
I can't answer your visa question though!

Bryan

No.

You will be issued a visa when you enter the country. The Swiss also often do not even keep a record of your stay in the country so that you make deposits into bank accounts with impunity.

I recommend you look up the Geiger Bar. Its word famous as a stellar work of art, and who does not like art drinks and members of the opposite sex!

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