Preparations
Traveling outside the Schengen Agreement requires a little more preparation for us Swiss. The steps we had to take are explained below.
US-Visa
The process is actually very simple, but it does take some time and a bit of nerve. If you only need 90 days in the USA, you only need to fill out an Esta. (Of course, only a few countries are permitted here). If you are not in the ESTA program and/or would like to stay in the USA for 180 days, you will need a US visa.
The first thing to do is to fill out the DS-160 form. All in English, of course.
Second step Payment of the visa fee.
You can then book an appointment with the embassy. Swiss citizens are allowed to go to Bern.
You will be asked various personal details at the appointment, but this is no problem for a normal citizen. Important! Arrive on time for your appointment, but don't be alarmed if you arrive much later. The security check takes time.
All electronic devices are prohibited in the Bodschaft. If you want to keep an eye on the time, take an analog watch with you.
Melanie was allowed to undergo this procedure. As a dual citizen, Dillon renewed his passport on the same day.
Conclusion: a visa appointment is quicker than renewing a passport.
If the application for a visa is approved, it can be picked up at the Indian visa office in Bern. Nobody should ask why!
This means that we are both entitled to enter any country on the Pan-American Highway and stay for at least 30-180 days.
Canada ETA
Anyone wishing to travel to Canada can fill out the ETA. This is an online form that can be completed in just a few minutes.
Here, too, Dillon has an advantage as a US citizen. Only Melanie has to fill out the form and print it out to take with her.
Vaccinations
We had the following vaccinations before the trip. These are not compulsory, but yellow fever, for example, may be required by the Central American countries. According to research, it depends on the customs officer. We played it safe and had ourselves vaccinated by the tropical doctor in Bern.
Yellow fever, hepatitis A+B, rabies, TBE (tick-borne encephalitis)
We have also refreshed the vaccinations recommended in Switzerland according to the vaccination schedule.
Swiss passport
The Swiss passport should be valid for at least 6 months every time you enter a country outside the Schengen area.
Insurances
Health insurance, travel insurance, accident insurance, car insurance, etc. It's up to you to decide exactly what you need and what you don't need.
We have opted for the largest possible coverage.
Apartment/job
As we are going on longer trips, we have given up our apartment and our job.
Flight Switzerland-Canada
We will fly from Zurich to Halifax.
We got a lot of information about travel planning from Joachim's website. We are happy to link you to the page.
