Visa & travel
Schengen visa & travel for your summer camp in Switzerland
Most campers need no visa at all. If you do, the process is well-trodden — and we support it with the paperwork consulates expect.
Who needs a visa
Schengen-exempt nationalities
Citizens of the EU/EEA, UK, USA, Canada, Japan and many other countries can enter Switzerland visa-free for stays under 90 days. The two-week camp needs no visa — just a valid passport.
All other nationalities
Apply for a Schengen C (visitor) visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence. The camp qualifies as a short visitor stay.
Not sure which group you are in? Check the official Swiss State Secretariat for Migration list for your nationality, or ask us on WhatsApp.
We support your application
After registration, BHMS issues an official invitation letter for your visa file.
The letter confirms your enrolment in the camp, the programme dates (18 July – 1 August 2027) and your accommodation at BHMS Business & Hotel Management School in Lucerne — the core supporting document consulates ask for with a visitor visa application.
Letters are issued promptly after your registration is confirmed. Tell us at registration that you need one, and we prioritise it.
Apply early
Visa appointments at Swiss consulates can take weeks to secure in peak season.
- Register for camp as soon as your plans are firm.
- Request your invitation letter at registration.
- Book your consulate appointment immediately — summer slots fill fast.
- Submit your application with the invitation letter, insurance proof and standard documents your consulate lists.
Processing times vary by country and season. Starting two to three months before departure keeps the process calm rather than rushed.
Arrival in Switzerland
Airport transfers are included — on arrival and departure. A BHMS representative meets campers at the airport and brings them directly to campus in Lucerne.
Unaccompanied arrival is normal at this age. Campers are 16–20, and many fly alone; parents receive the transfer details in advance so everyone knows exactly who meets whom, and where.
Insurance
Travel and health insurance is mandatory for all campers. For visa applicants, your policy must meet the Schengen minimum medical coverage requirement.
Bring proof of insurance for your visa application and for check-in at camp. Details are confirmed at registration.
Visa questions
Do I need a Schengen visa for a summer camp in Switzerland?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of Schengen-exempt countries can stay in Switzerland up to 90 days without a visa — the two-week camp fits comfortably. All other nationalities apply for a Schengen C (visitor) visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country.
Will BHMS provide an invitation letter for my visa application?
Yes. After you register, we issue an official invitation letter confirming your enrolment, the camp dates and your accommodation in Lucerne — the core document consulates ask for with a visitor visa application.
Can my child fly to Switzerland alone?
Yes — unaccompanied arrival is normal at this age. Airport transfers on arrival and departure are included: a BHMS representative meets campers at the airport and brings them directly to campus in Lucerne.
Something specific to your country? Ask us on WhatsApp or email study@bhms.ch.
Register early. Travel calm.
18 July – 1 August 2027 (final dates confirmed at registration) · CHF 3'300 all-inclusive · Ages 16–20
Every participant receives a CHF 3,300 scholarship voucher — the full camp fee — applied to your tuition when you join a BHMS degree programme within two years. How the credit works →