Switzerland

Although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, it is part of the Schengen Area and maintains comprehensive bilateral agreements with the EU that align its aviation sector with European standards. Zurich Airport (ZRH) serves as the primary international hub, followed by Geneva (GVA) and Basel (BSL). The sector is regulated by the FOCA (Federal Office of Civil Aviation - Bundesamt für Zivilluftfahrt - BAZL), which oversees safety, technical compliance, and passenger protection in accordance with European Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, adopted by Switzerland under the Swiss-EU Air Transport Agreement.

• ETIAS: Not yet in operation (checked in October 2026). Visa-exempt travellers do not need to apply for any authorisation before travelling today: they enter with a valid passport for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. When ETIAS starts, the European Union will announce the date several months in advance on its official website. Be wary of websites that charge for it before then.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• Visas: Brazilian citizens do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Switzerland fully applies the standards set forth in Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004:

• Delays: For flights delayed by more than 3 hours upon arrival, passengers are entitled to compensation, unless the delay is caused by "extraordinary circumstances."
• Cancellations: Right to a refund or re-routing, as well as financial compensation (€250 to €600, depending on flight distance), unless notified at least 14 days in advance.
• Right to Care: In the event of significant delays, airlines must provide meals, refreshments, access to communication, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation and land transport.
• Denied Boarding: If boarding is denied due to overbooking, the passenger is entitled to immediate assistance, a refund or re-routing, and mandatory financial compensation.

There is no Swiss federal law mandating a free baggage allowance; this is defined by the airlines' contractual terms. However, security rules follow EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) standards:

• Carry-on baggage: Generally permitted, provided it adheres to the dimensions and weight limits stipulated by the airline.
• Liquids: The rule of containers up to 100ml in a transparent plastic bag remains in effect (although some Swiss airports are installing CT scanners that allow for more flexibility, the general rule should always be observed).
• Liability: Liability for damaged, lost, or delayed baggage is governed by the Montreal Convention, with indemnity limits calculated in Special Drawing Rights (SDR).

Switzerland has strict entry requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets:

• Identification: The animal must have an ISO-compliant microchip (11784 or 11785).
• Vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination (administered after the microchip was implanted).
• Certificate: An International Veterinary Certificate is required, or, for travelers from the EU, the EU Pet Passport.
• From Brazil and other countries not listed by the EU: a rabies antibody test, taken at least 3 months before travel, is also required.
• Prohibitions: Switzerland prohibits importing dogs with cosmetically cropped ears or docked tails; owners living abroad may bring such a dog for holidays or short stays, against a deposit paid at customs.
• Note: Always check the FSVO (Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office) website before your trip for updates on endemic diseases.

• Documentation: Minors must carry their own passport or official identity document.
• Unaccompanied Travel: There is no government-mandated minimum age for flying alone; however, each airline has its own policy (generally requiring an "Unaccompanied Minor" service for children between 5 and 12 years old).
• Travel Authorization: While Switzerland does not require an official exit permit for minors, it is highly recommended that children traveling with only one parent or a third party carry a notarized letter of authorization, especially if there is a difference in surnames.

Switzerland prioritizes accessibility under the Disability Discrimination Act (BehiG).

• Airport Assistance: Persons with reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance at the airport (check-in, transit, boarding, and disembarking). This service must be requested from the airline or airport operator at least 48 hours in advance.
• Equipment: Wheelchairs and medical equipment can be transported free of charge, subject to safety regulations regarding batteries (for electric wheelchairs).

• FOCA (Federal Office of Civil Aviation): https://www.bazl.admin.ch/
• Official Swiss Travel Portal (FDFA): https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/fdfa.html
• FSVO (Pet Regulations): https://www.blv.admin.ch/
• ETIAS (Official European Union website): https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
• Regulation (EC) 261/2004 - Passenger Rights: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm