Bilateral relations Switzerland–Italy
The Federal Council (admin.ch)
International Police Missions of Switzerland
Representations and travel advice
Entry into Switzerland and residence
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The FDFA
FDFA news
Recent press releases, information, positions, announcements and articles of the department
The FDFA on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media
Weekly overview of FDFA activities and events plus media calendar
Photo galleries of the FDFA head's trips, visits and receptions and of FDFA activities and projects
Dossiers on current foreign policy priority issues
Speeches by the head and representatives of the FDFA
Governs relations between states and serves as the basis for ensuring peace, stability and the protection of people.
Switzerland is involved in international organisations and security policy partnerships that contribute to world stability; commitment to a low level of armament, non-proliferation and arms control
Relations with the European Union (EU) and the EU/EFTA states are a priority of the foreign policy strategy for 2016–2019.
The financial centre and the economy
The financial sector and exports as pillars of the Swiss economy; Swiss laws prohibit the investment of illicitly acquired assets in the Swiss financial centre
Organizations where Switzerland is a member, where it has a mission or which are based in Switzerland
Swiss commitment to sustainable global development to reduce poverty and global risks; focus on fragile and conflict-affected countries; development cooperation, cooperation with Eastern Europe and Swiss Humanitarian Aid implement concrete projects
Peace and human rights
Protecting individuals from war, violence and arbitrary treatment, and promoting peace, democracy and human rights are priorities of Swiss foreign policy.
Sustainability, environment, energy, health, education, science, transports and space
Ensuring coherence in specific policy areas, particularly education, science, space, health, the environment, sustainable development, energy and transport; coordination with specialised departments and safeguarding of foreign policy interests
Congo, Democratic Republic (Kinshasa)
Congo, Republic (Brazzaville)
Korea, Democratic People's Republic (North)
Korea, Republic (South)
North Macedonia (Macedonia)
Occupied Palestinian territory (comprises the West Bank, including East-Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip)
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Disclaimer: The accuracy and completeness of the information contained in the maps and illustrations on this website cannot be guaranteed; such information does not constitute any obligation on the part of the Swiss Confederation.
General travel advice
Travel advice explained in brief
Tips before you travel
Tips during your trip
Terrorism and abduction
Help while abroad
List of official Swiss representations abroad
List of representations (PDF, 1.2 MB, English)
Foreign Representations in Switzerland
Swissemigration provides you with documentation and general advisory services on individual countries and specific topics.
Stays abroad
Things to bear in mind when travelling abroad or going to another country to learn a language, study or work as an au pair
Checklist, country-specific information and details regarding employment and retirement abroad.
Information for the Swiss Abroad about returning to Switzerland
Swiss Abroad
Swiss citizens not residing in Switzerland officially become 'Swiss Abroad' when they register with their local consular representation
The laws and obligations that apply to Swiss nationals who live and travel abroad
Structure of the state and current-day politics
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Information regarding entry into Switzerland and residence
Requirements for entry into Switzerland and residence, depending on the type of visit, duration of stay and nationality of the traveller
The people, culture, leisure activities, geography, environment, education, economy, politics and history of Switzerland
Contact points for information and answers to specific questions concerning entry into and residence in Switzerland
The basic differences in types of visa and how to apply for them using a visa application form at a Swiss representation abroad
What you need to know about working, studying and living in Switzerland as a foreign national
Factors that make Switzerland one of the world's most successful business locations
Services for Swiss nationals abroad
Switzerland offers nationals residing abroad a range of consular services.
Lecture service
FDFA specialists come to you – an offer to schools, associations and other institutions
New releases, specialist publications and brochures to download or order
Export promotion and protection of investments for Swiss companies in Switzerland and abroad, Promoting Switzerland as a business location via the Swiss Business Hubs
Protocol and visits
The FDFA is in charge of organising official ceremonies, particularly visits made by heads of state and government representatives to Switzerland.
Parliamentary procedural requests
Parliamentary requests on Switzerland's position during the Second World War and its relations with the Middle East and South Africa
Swiss Government Travel Centre
The contact in the Federal Administration for business trips
Access to official documents
The procedure for obtaining access to official documents in accordance with the transparency principle
Notification system for residents' register offices
Information on notifications of departures and returns by residents' register offices to the FDFA via eVera, the electronic administrative network for Swiss nationals residing abroad.
The FDFA awards mandates to individuals or organisations with specialist expertise for the implementation of specific projects or activities. Mandates and individual institutional consulting mandates are put out for public tender in accordance with the legal requirements
Swiss Maritime Navigation Office (SMNO)
Information on the role of the merchant fleet that the FDFA oversees through the Swiss Maritime Navigation Office, in Basel; registration authority for sea-going yachts and small craft that are used on rivers outside the country and in coastal waters
Head of Department Ignazio Cassis
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis is head of the FDFA
Working at FDFA
The FDFA offers a wide array of interesting professional opportunities, both at home and abroad
History of the FDFA
Responsible for Swiss foreign policy since 1848, and for development cooperation since 1961
Aims and values of the FDFA
Safeguard Swiss interests, values and objectives, implement the foreign policy strategy of the Federal Council
Consultations and votes
The Federal Chancellery provides information about Swiss referendums, elections and hearing procedures.
Public relations to promote Switzerland's interests abroad
Foreign policy strategy and implementation
Safeguarding independence, peace, security and prosperity
Diplomats represent the interests of their own country in the host state. Approximately 170 countries have accredited an ambassador to Switzerland
FDFA Helpline contact form
Contact the FDFA
Organisation of the FDFA
Map of Bern with locations and the structure and responsibilities of the FDFA's administrative units
The FDFA website
Switzerland's foreign policy on the web − the FDFA's very diverse websites at a glance.
Travel advice for Italy
Swiss representation in Italy
Info on requirements for entry/visas for Italy
The traditionally good relations between Switzerland and Italy are characterised by close economic, political, human and cultural ties, a common language and frequent visits at all levels.
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Italy are based on a complex set of agreements. Representatives of the governments and administrative authorities of the two countries meet on a regular basis. The main institutionalised platforms are the dialogue on economic matters, the dialogue on cross-border cooperation and the Switzerland-Italy Dialogue Forum. In addition, there are regular exchanges on current international issues and cooperation in multilateral bodies, as well as formal institutional contacts between both nations' parliaments. The last state visit by an Italian president to Switzerland was made by Giorgio Napolitano from 20 to 21 May 2014.
Around 320,000 Italian nationals live in Switzerland, constituting the largest expatriate community in the country. The Italian community in Switzerland is an important social factor in relations between the two countries, not least because it gives the Italian language greater weight in Switzerland.
Treaty database
Economic cooperation
Italy is Switzerland's third most important trading partner. In 2017, Switzerland exported goods worth CHF 15.8 billion to Italy and imported goods worth CHF 19.8 billion, resulting in a total trade volume of CHF 35.6 billion. Investment flows in both directions are of major economic significance for both countries. Total Swiss direct investments in Italy at the end of 2016 amounted to CHF 16 billion. Italian direct investments in Switzerland at the end of 2016 totalled CHF 4.6 billion.
Exchanges are especially close in the Swiss-Italian border region, where over 70,000 Italians cross into Switzerland every day to work.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Italy (it)
Italian chamber of commerce for Switzerland (it, de, fr)
Italy, SECO (fr)
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
There are five Swiss schools in Italy – in Milan, Bergamo, Rome, Catania and Como. Swiss higher education institutions also maintain good and regular contacts with partner institutions in Italy. The establishment of the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano and Mendrisio and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) have given a new dimension to academic and cultural exchanges between Switzerland and Italy. Scholars and artists from Italy can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to the State Secretariat for Education Research and Innovation (SERI).
Università della Svizzera italiana, USI (en)
University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (it)
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Switzerland and Italy also have close relations in the cultural sphere. Since 1947, Switzerland has maintained the 'Istituto Svizzero di Roma', which is dedicated to cultural and scientific exchanges, and has a regional office in Milan, the 'Centro culturale svizzero'. The FDFA participates in joint projects worldwide as part of the 'Settimana della lingua italiana nel mondo', an initiative of the Italian foreign ministry.
Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Week of the Italian Language
Swiss nationals in Italy
At the end of 2017, there were just under 50,000 Swiss nationals living in Italy.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland and Italy have enjoyed diplomatic relations since the Italian state was founded in 1861. Two milestones were celebrated in 2011: the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification and the 150th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Italy.
In 1957, the Federal Council upgraded the Swiss legation in Rome, which had been maintained since 1871, to an embassy.
Italy, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
FDFA Helpline
The Helpline FDFA deals as central contact point with matters relating to consular services.
vCard Helpline FDFA (VCF, 5.5 kB)
Phone free of charge from abroad with Skype
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Swiss representations
Manual for embassies and consulates
Certificates of flag registration for yachts and small boats
Equal Opportunities and Global Gender and Women's Issues