Arriving in Geneva

The airport is conveniently located near downtown Geneva, with straightforward transportation options available. Here are two ways to reach the city center from the airport:

1. Walk to the airport railway station and board the first departing train. All trains stop at Geneva's main station ("Gare Cornavin"), which is the initial stop. The journey typically lasts 6 minutes.

2. Alternatively, you can take bus lines 5 (heading towards Thônex, Vallard) or 10 (heading towards Genève, Rive) outside the airport building, with a travel time of approximately 20-25 minutes. For more information on tram and bus schedules, please visit Transports publics genevois (TPG).

Participants from visa-required countries who plan to come to Switzerland for short-term academic programmes (e.g., summer schools or short courses) generally need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C), which allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A Schengen visa issued for Switzerland also lets you travel within the Schengen Area for the duration of its validity. Check whether you need a visa based on your nationality on the official State Secretariat for Migration website.

For such academic stays, applicants must submit a visa application to the Swiss embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence. In addition to the standard requirements (completed application form, valid passport, recent photo, travel insurance, proof of funds, etc.), it’s important to include a formal invitation or admission letter from the host institution that clearly states the purpose of the visit, the exact start and end dates of the programme, and that the stay is for a short academic activity.

For up-to-date official information and downloadable resources, please consult:
• Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (entry & visa information)
• Schengen visa application form & guidance
• Visa requirements by nationality