Canadian representation in Switzerland
Canadian Embassy in Bern
Contact details, passport and consular services, appointments and regional responsibilities for the Embassy of Canada to Switzerland in Bern.
Contact details
Contact the Canadian Embassy in Bern
The Embassy of Canada to Switzerland is located on Kirchenfeldstrasse in Bern.
CH-3005 Bern
Switzerland
CH-3000 Bern 6
Switzerland
Before visiting: General and consular services operate by appointment. Routine passport applications are normally submitted by registered mail rather than in person.
Location
Where is the Canadian Embassy in Bern?
The embassy is located at Kirchenfeldstrasse 88, CH-3005 Bern.
About the embassy
About the Embassy of Canada to Switzerland
The Canadian Embassy in Bern is Canada’s resident diplomatic mission in Switzerland and also represents Canada in Liechtenstein.
Canada, Switzerland and Liechtenstein maintain close political, economic and people-to-people relations and cooperate on international security, human rights, climate policy and multilateral affairs.
The mission is headed by Jean-Paul Lemieux, Ambassador of Canada to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Consular services
Services at the Canadian Embassy in Bern
The embassy provides passport, citizenship, notarial and other consular services for Canadian citizens.
Passport services
Routine Canadian passport applications are submitted by registered mail. In-person passport appointments are normally granted only in exceptional circumstances.
Citizenship services
Eligible paper applications for proof of Canadian citizenship can be sent by registered mail to the embassy.
Notarial services
The embassy provides selected notarial services by appointment or registered mail. Most requests can be handled by mail after the documents have been reviewed by the Consular Section.
Apostille services
The embassy can apostille certain eligible Canadian documents, while documents issued or notarized in several provinces must be authenticated by the competent provincial authority instead.
Emergency assistance
Canadian citizens requiring urgent assistance can contact the embassy during business hours. Emergency consular assistance is available 24 hours a day through Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre.
Visa and immigration
The embassy does not respond to immigration-related enquiries and does not provide biometric services. Visa and immigration matters are handled through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Appointments
Appointments at the Canadian Embassy in Bern
The embassy publishes separate appointment periods for general office business and consular services.
General embassy appointments
General appointments are currently available Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Friday, appointments are available from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Consular appointments
Consular services are currently available by appointment Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Passport applicants: Do not book an in-person appointment for a routine passport application unless the embassy has specifically asked you to present your documents in person.
Passport services
Canadian passport services in Bern
Routine Canadian passport applications are submitted to the Embassy of Canada in Bern by registered mail.
P.O. Box 234
CH-3000 Bern 6
Switzerland
Apply by registered mail
Complete the passport application, pay the required fee online and include a copy of the online payment receipt with the application.
Exceptional in-person service
In-person appointments are normally granted only when the embassy specifically requests an appearance, in an emergency consular situation or when disability-related assistance is required to complete a travel document application.
Processing time: The embassy currently states a processing time of 20 working days for complete passport applications.
Payment: Passport fees must be paid online. Include a printed copy of the payment receipt with the mailed application.
Consular district
Areas served by the Canadian Embassy in Bern
Switzerland
Bern is Canada’s resident diplomatic mission in Switzerland and provides consular services for most residents of the country.
Liechtenstein
The Embassy of Canada in Bern also represents Canada in Liechtenstein and provides Canadian consular services for the principality.
Geneva: Canadian residents of the Canton of Geneva can receive certain passport, citizenship and notarial services through Canada’s Permanent Mission in Geneva. Residents elsewhere in Switzerland are normally served by the Embassy in Bern.
Before you visit
What to check before visiting the embassy
Use mail for routine passports
Routine passport applications should be sent by registered mail. An in-person visit is generally unnecessary.
Send notarial documents for review
Email a complete scan of documents requiring notarial services to the Consular Section first. Staff will confirm whether the service can be completed by mail or requires an appointment.
Check whether Geneva serves you
If you live in the Canton of Geneva, certain services can be handled by Canada’s Permanent Mission in Geneva instead of the embassy in Bern.
Frequently asked questions
Canadian Embassy in Bern FAQ
Is there a Canadian Embassy in Switzerland?
Yes. Canada maintains an embassy in Bern, officially designated the Embassy of Canada to Switzerland, in Bern.
Where is the Canadian Embassy in Bern?
The embassy is located at Kirchenfeldstrasse 88, CH-3005 Bern, Switzerland.
What is the telephone number for the Canadian Embassy in Bern?
The embassy’s published telephone number is +41 (31) 357 3200.
What is the consular email address?
Consular enquiries can be sent to bernconsular@international.gc.ca.
Who is the Canadian Ambassador to Switzerland?
Global Affairs Canada currently lists Jean-Paul Lemieux as Ambassador of Canada to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
When are consular appointments available?
Consular services are currently available by appointment Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Can I apply for a Canadian passport in Bern?
Yes. Routine passport applications should be sent to the embassy by registered mail.
How long does passport processing take?
The embassy currently states a processing time of 20 working days for a complete passport application.
Can I submit a passport application in person?
In-person passport appointments are normally available only in exceptional circumstances or when specifically requested by the embassy.
Does the Canadian Embassy in Bern also serve Liechtenstein?
Yes. The embassy represents Canada in Liechtenstein and provides Canadian consular services for the principality.
Can Canadians in Geneva use the Permanent Mission?
Yes. Residents of the Canton of Geneva can receive certain passport, citizenship and notarial services through Canada’s Permanent Mission in Geneva.