Renewing your passport or identity card
Once your passport or identity card has expired, you have to apply for new documents.
Travelling with valid or expired documents
As a general rule, you must carry your valid identity documents with you when you travel. Find out in advance about entry conditions at the representation of your destination country in Switzerland or at the Swiss representation abroad.
Some countries, such as the United States, require you to have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date on which you plan to leave the USA.
Other countries allow you to travel for a limited period of time even after your passport or identity card has expired.
Some countries, including the USA, China and Australia, require you to apply for a visa before you travel there.
Temporary passport
In cases of genuine urgency, you can apply for a temporary passport at your cantonal passport office or at a Swiss embassy or consulate in the country where you are located .
Please note:
Unlike a normal passport, a temporary passport is not biometric and does not contain a microchip with your fingerprints and photograph. It may therefore not be accepted in all countries: foreign representations in Switzerland provide information about the entry requirements in their countries
A temporary passport is valid for a maximum of 12 months.