The Swiss Federal Office for Migration has published a FAQ about requirements for entering Switzerland.

If you need a visa, please file your application as soon as possible, but not earlier than three months prior to the planned date of entry. Please also check the expiration date of your passport. In order to apply for a visa, your passport must be valid for three months beyond the planned end of your stay in Switzerland.

Authors of accepted papers, members an ICSE 2012 committee and ICSE 2012 student volunteers will receive a visa recommendation on request. The request form is available here. Before filing a visa recommendation request, applicants must have registered for ICSE 2012.

Please note that we don't issue visa recommendations for attendees other than the three categories mentioned above, except in very special cases.

Documents that are required for filing a visa application may vary for different countries. Visit the web site of the Embassy of Switzerland in your country of residence for information about required documents. Typically, at least the following documents have to be submitted:

• Visa application form
• Passport
• Confirmation of return flight to Switzerland
• Confirmation of hotel booking in Zurich
• Confirmation of ICSE 2012 registration
• Visa recommendation (if you are eligible to receive one).