Border crossing Switzerland Germany

The German-Swiss border is a geopolitically significant construct that reflects the relationship between two central European states. The border stretches for approximately 362 kilometres. It begins at the tripoint near Basel, where Germany, France and Switzerland meet, largely follows the High Rhine and extends to Lake Constance; north of the Rhine lie the Canton of Schaffhausen and the German exclave of Büsingen. The border is characterised by a variety of natural and artificial features, including rivers, lakes, and so-called "green" borders that run through wooded areas.

Border controls and entry requirements

A key aspect of this border is the border controls, which have historically shaped the border crossings. Although Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, it is part of the Schengen Area, which generally facilitates cross-border traffic. Nevertheless, certain exceptions and special regulations apply. Germany currently carries out temporary border controls on its land borders, including the border with Switzerland (notified until 15 March 2027, as of October 2026). Travellers entering Germany should therefore expect identity checks and waiting times; please carry your identity card or passport. Checks on goods are more common, as Switzerland is not part of the EU customs union. These customs checks serve to prevent the import of goods that have not been properly declared and to ensure the collection of duties. Goods with a total value of up to CHF 150 per person are duty-free when entering Switzerland (value exemption limit, since 1 January 2025); additional allowances also apply, for example for alcohol, tobacco and meat. It is therefore recommended to always check the current regulations before crossing the border.

Several aspects should be considered with regard to entry requirements. For EU citizens, entry into Switzerland is generally straightforward; a valid identity card or passport is sufficient. However, additional documents and permits are required for stays of more than 90 days or for taking up employment. Stricter requirements may apply to non-EU citizens, ranging from visa obligations to specific work permits. In addition, please note that a toll or vignette requirement may apply in Switzerland.

Border crossings

The following section gives you a brief overview of various border crossings you can use to cross the border:

• Basel – Weil am Rhein: The motorway crossing (A2/A5) is one of the busiest border crossings between Switzerland and Germany.

• Kreuzlingen – Konstanz: This border crossing is located near Lake Constance and is accessible both to road traffic and pedestrians. From the Kreuzlingen-Autobahn customs office, you may drive as far as the first exit without a vignette.

• Rheinfelden (CH) – Rheinfelden (Baden): The motorway bridge over the Rhine takes you from the German A861 onto the Swiss A3. From the Rheinfelden-Autobahn customs office, you may drive as far as the first exit without a vignette.

• Thayngen – Bietingen: This border crossing in the Canton of Schaffhausen connects the Swiss A4 with the German A81 towards Singen and Stuttgart.

• Laufenburg (CH) – Laufenburg (Baden): This border crossing runs over the Rhine and connects the Canton of Aargau with the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg.

Switzerland

The following section gives you an overview of whether a vignette is required in Switzerland and whether certain stretches of road are also subject to additional tolls.

Switzerland: vignette requirement

A vignette is required on Swiss motorways and expressways for all motor vehicles (including motorcycles) and trailers with a permissible total weight of up to 3.5 t each; trailers generally need their own vignette. The annual vignette costs CHF 40 and is valid from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year, available as a sticker vignette or e-vignette. Without a vignette, you may only drive as far as the first exit from the Rheinfelden-Autobahn and Kreuzlingen-Autobahn customs offices on the German border. In addition, two tunnels in Switzerland, as well as certain vehicle transports (the transport of roadworthy and registered motor vehicles by another vehicle), are subject to fees, which may result in additional costs.

Use of the Gotthard Tunnel is included in the Swiss vignette; no additional fees therefore apply for this tunnel.

Heavy vehicle charge

For vehicles with a permissible total weight of over 3.5 t, the heavy vehicle charge applies instead of the vignette: lorries and trailers used for goods transport pay the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA), which is calculated based on kilometres, weight and emissions class. Heavy motorhomes, caravans, heavy cars and coaches pay the flat-rate heavy vehicle charge (PSVA). For foreign vehicles, the PSVA is paid in advance online via Via, the app of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) (e.g. CHF 3.25 per day for a motorhome, minimum CHF 25), for every day of the stay, even if the vehicle is simply parked. Please also take into account possible additional fees for certain tunnels and vehicle transports. For vehicles (including heavy motorhomes) and trailers with a permissible total weight of over 3.5 t, the vignette requirement does not apply.

Toll tunnels: special toll

In addition to the digital vignette or heavy vehicle charge, further fees apply for the use of certain tunnels, the amount of which depends on the respective vehicle class. Particular attention should be paid to:

• Great St Bernard Road Tunnel (Switzerland–Italy)

• Munt la Schera Road Tunnel (Switzerland–Italy)

Germany

The following section gives you an overview of whether a vignette is required in Germany and whether there are certain toll sections.

Germany: vignette requirement

In Germany, no vignette is required for motorways. This means that most motorways can be used toll-free. Exceptions may apply to certain motorway tunnels and bridges, for which fees are charged. These fees serve to fund and maintain the respective infrastructure and are generally payable at toll stations or via electronic payment systems.

Distance-based toll

No distance-based toll is charged for vehicles with a permissible total weight of under 3.5 t. For lorries, a toll must be paid on federal motorways, including service and rest areas, as well as on federal highways. The lorry toll can, for example, be paid via an On-Board Unit (OBU).

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration of the country's impressive natural scenery. Please make sure to find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.