Please note the information below on the Entry/Exit System (EES) starting operations on 12 October 2025 with full implementation by 10 April 2026, i.e. before ECSS Lausanne 2026!

VISA INFORMATION

For EU citizens and citizens of countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement, entry into Switzerland is straightforward: a valid passport or national identity card is sufficient for stays of up to 90 days.

Citizens from non-EU countries may require a visa to enter Switzerland, depending on their nationality. Passport holders from countries outside the Schengen Area are encouraged to ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of departure from Switzerland and the Schengen Zone.

To determine whether you need a visa to enter Switzerland, please consult the official Swiss visa platform or the Schengen Visa Information portal. These websites will guide you through the process based on your nationality, country of residence and intended length of stay.

Please note that in some cases, appointments for visa interviews or necessary documentation can be booked out months in advance. Obtaining official paperwork for the visa process can also be time-consuming. ECSS therefore encourages non-EU and non-Schengen participants to start the visa application process as early as possible to avoid delays.

Important Notes:

• ECSS does not communicate directly with Embassies or Consulates regarding individual visa applications. While some delegates may inquire about such support, ECSS is unable to assist in this regard and encourages participants to liaise directly with the appropriate authorities.
• Delegates are also reminded that visa requirements can vary by country and, in some cases, additional documents may be requested by the Embassy or Consulate, such as proof of a Chamber of Commerce registration or other certifications. While these requirements are outside of ECSS’s control, we recommend checking with your local authorities well in advance.
• ECSS is unable to take responsibility for any visa processing delays that may affect your ability to attend the Congress. We also kindly remind you that, unfortunately, the Congress registration fee cannot be refunded in cases where a visa is denied or not issued in time. Please also refer to our Terms and Conditions.

ECSS Congress Invitation Letter

Should your Embassy or Consulate require an official invitation letter for visa purposes, the ECSS local organisers can provide one after your Congress registration is complete.

Please follow these steps:

• Log in to your ECSS account or create a new one.
• Complete your Congress registration and pay the applicable fees within the ‘myCongress’
• Send a request for your invitation letter by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., stating your ECSS account ID.

Invitation letters are issued in PDF format and sent via email. If a printed copy is needed, please include your postal address in the request email. Allow sufficient time for delivery, as postal services may take several weeks. Express delivery costs are to be covered by the applicant.

Important Notes:

• ECSS issues a standard invitation letter that includes all necessary details typically required for visa purposes. These include personal data (e.g., name, date of birth, passport number), proof of Congress registration and participation details.
• Requests for custom amendments, such as flight details, hotel bookings, extended stays or funding acknowledgments cannot be accommodated. ECSS cannot verify such individual circumstances and therefore will not modify standard letters.
• We kindly ask all delegates to refrain from requesting multiple versions of the invitation letter. The standard letter is considered sufficient for visa application purposes.
• Express courier delivery of printed invitation letters will only be arranged after the required wire transfer for the delivery cost has been received by ECSS. Delegates are advised to request this well in advance, as delivery may still require additional time.

Ensure you book your Embassy or Consulate appointment early, as waiting times can be lengthy in some locations.

ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM (EES)

Starting 12 October 2025, the EU will introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES) to replace manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals. A self-service system and/or a mobile application prior to your arrival will record and store the data listed in your travel document(s), biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) and travel dates when entering or leaving the Schengen Area (full list of countries – including Switzerland – here), reinforcing the efficiency of external border management.

With a gradual rollout planned until 10 April 2026, the system aims to automate border checks, strengthen security and track the 90-day-in-180-day short stay rule. It applies to non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays, unless they hold a residence permit or a long-stay visa. In contrast, EU citizens are not affected (to whom EES does not apply – here).

For complete information, visit the official EU website.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

GETTING TO LAUSANNE

Lausanne offers excellent connectivity by air, rail and road, making your journey to the 31st ECSS Annual Congress both simple and enjoyable.

AIR

The closest international airport to Lausanne is the Geneva International Airport (GVA), located approximately 60 km away. From Geneva Airport, Lausanne can be reached in around 45 minutes by direct train or car. Trains to Lausanne depart regularly from the station located inside the terminal (four trains per hour).

Direct flights to Geneva Airport are available from over 140 global destinations, including Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. For more information, visit its website.

Other nearby airports include:

• Zurich Airport (ZRH): Approximately 2.5 hours to Lausanne by direct train.
• EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL): Approximately 2.5 hours to Lausanne by train.

TRAIN

Lausanne’s central railway station, Lausanne (also: Lausanne CFF), is part of the Swiss Federal Railways network and well connected both domestically and internationally:

• Direct TGV Lyria trains from Paris (3h40min) and EuroCity trains from Milan (3h20min).
• Frequent trains from all major Swiss cities, with direct services from Geneva Airport (45 min), Zurich (2.5 hours), Basel (2 hours) and Bern (1 hour).

For more information, visit Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS).

CAR

Lausanne is easily accessible by road via Swiss motorways:

• From Geneva via A1 approximately 45 minutes.
• From Zurich via A1 approximately 2.5 hours.
• From Bern via A12 approximately 1 hour.

For route planning, visit here.

BOAT

Lake Geneva connections to Lausanne are available via the Compagnie Générale de Navigation (CGN), offering scenic crossings from Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains in France. For more details, visit here.

GETTING AROUND IN LAUSANNE

The SwissTech Convention Center (STCC), the Congress venue, is easily accessible via Lausanne’s excellent public transport system, including metro, buses and trains. Plan your travel using the metro/bus timetables and train schedules. For local taxi services, find details here. We strongly encourage using public transport to move around the city and reach the venue.

LAUSANNE TRANSPORT CARD

Guests staying in hotels, hostels, B&B or at a campsite in Lausanne benefit from the Lausanne Transport Card, provided free of charge upon hotel check-in. Please note that any stays in private accommodation are not eligible. This card allows unlimited use of the city’s public transport network (bus, metro, local trains) for the entire duration of your stay, including arrival and departure day. It also offers various discounts at selected attractions and shops.

For more information, visit here.