Anyone know this about travel in Switzerland?

Question

I need a Schengen visa to visit most European countries, but can apparently get a visa upon entry to Switzerland without organising one beforehand. My question is, once I'm then in Switzerland, is there anything to prevent me travelling to other places like France and italy? As far as I know most European border control has gone with the EU. Or is that just between Schengen states? Any help appreciated.

PS (Am travelling from the UK, where I'm resident, on a South African passport)

Supreme One - thanks for that site. As far as I can see the visa requirements for a South African passport holder fall into the V1 category - which means we're "released from the obligation of a visa" (their words) in certain circumstances - one being for tourist stays of less than 3 months.

Answer 1

Here's what I know...
I live in Switzerland, and have travelled to border countries by plane, car, train, bike, and ski, that I can think of. Plane: they always check. Car: only did this once (into France) and they checked. Train: border guards (Germany, Austria, France) board the train and check some but by no means all people. Their decisions seem to be somewhat racially-determined. Bike: wasn't checked. Ski: they have signs warning you that they could check, but I have never been.

All in all though, I can not recommend that you try to enter a country that you need a visa for without one.

Answer 2

I cannot answer your question directly, but want to remind you that Switzerland is neither an EU member nor a signatory to Schengen.

I have driven through Switzerland a number of times in the past with no problems. In fact, in all of Europe I was seldom stopped for border controls even in the old days.

You dont say where you are traveling from. That might make it easier to research an answer from you.

Answer 3

I would like to tell you as a Swissman, that to enter my nation using a South Africain passport, you will need a Visa which can be acquired at your nearest Swiss Consulate or Embassy
For more information on that go to:
http://www.weisungen.bfm.admin.ch/einreise/visumvorschriften_e.asp#S

As you only have a reident's permit, you aren't technically a British Citizen therfore you will still need a Visa

For your nearest Swiss consulate/embassy, see the link below:
http://www.eda.admin.ch/repadd/f/home/emb/land6e99014b-8ab5-4c64-a9d8-608f287165ee.html

Hope this has helped,

S.O.