Liechtenstein

🇱🇮

Phone Code

+423

Capital

Vaduz

Population

39,000

Native Name

Liechtenstein

Region

Europe

Western Europe

Timezone

Central European Time

UTC+01:00

Liechtenstein is a tiny Alpine microstate doubly landlocked between Switzerland and Austria, the world's sixth-smallest country at just 160 km² (62 sq mi). A constitutional monarchy ruled by Prince Hans-Adam II, Liechtenstein is one of the world's wealthiest countries per capita with thriving financial services and manufacturing sectors. Vaduz, the capital, sits in the Rhine Valley overlooked by Vaduz Castle (the Prince's residence, not open to public). Liechtenstein has no airport or train station of its own - visitors arrive via Switzerland or Austria. Despite its tiny size, Liechtenstein is a full UN member and one of only two doubly landlocked countries (with Uzbekistan, meaning all neighboring countries are also landlocked). Visitors are drawn to Vaduz Castle views, Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein modern art, postage stamp museum (famous philatelic tradition), Malbun ski resort, Rhine Valley cycling and hiking, medieval Gutenberg Castle, charming Alpine villages, and the novelty of visiting one of world's smallest countries. Liechtenstein offers a unique microstate experience with Swiss efficiency and Alpine beauty.

Visa Requirements for Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is part of the Schengen Area and applies Schengen visa policies, but with a unique twist - it has no direct border controls of its own. Liechtenstein is in customs union with Switzerland and is practically accessed only through Switzerland (or via Switzerland from Austria). This means Swiss entry requirements effectively control access to Liechtenstein. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and other Schengen visa-exempt countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have unlimited stay rights. Those requiring Schengen visas should apply through Swiss embassies (since Liechtenstein has very limited diplomatic representation and relies on Switzerland for most consular services). There are no passport controls between Switzerland and Liechtenstein - the border is completely open with only small signs marking the crossing. Liechtenstein has no airport, no train station, and relies entirely on Swiss infrastructure for international access. The visa situation is straightforward: if you can enter Switzerland, you can enter Liechtenstein.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; applies to entire Schengen Area; passport must be valid 3 months beyond departure; practically enter through Switzerland; no separate Liechtenstein visa or stamp.

For tourism, business, or short stays for US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other Schengen visa-exempt nationalities.

EU/EEA/Swiss Entry

Unlimited stay; can enter with valid national ID card or passport; freedom of movement rights apply; can work without permit (though employment market very small); register if staying over 3 months.

For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens for any purpose including residence and work.

Schengen Visa (Type C)

Up to 90 days within 180-day period; valid for all Schengen countries including Liechtenstein; single, double, or multiple entry; apply at Swiss embassy or consulate since Liechtenstein uses Swiss diplomatic network; processing typically 15 days.

For short-term stays for nationalities requiring Schengen visa, applied through Swiss embassy (Liechtenstein has limited diplomatic missions).

National Visa / Residence Permit

Beyond 90 days; requires specific purpose (work contract, etc.); Liechtenstein has very strict immigration quotas (around 90 residence permits per year for non-EEA citizens); extremely difficult to obtain; apply through Liechtenstein immigration office; work permits tied to employer.

For long-term stays exceeding 90 days including work or residence in Liechtenstein.

Important Travel Information

No border controls with Switzerland: Open border between Switzerland and Liechtenstein. No passport checks, no customs. Small signs mark border. If you have valid entry to Switzerland, you can enter Liechtenstein freely. Passport stamp collectors disappointed.

Must enter via Switzerland: Liechtenstein has no airport or rail station. Must fly to Zurich (Switzerland), take train/bus to border, then local bus to Vaduz. Or drive through Austria to Switzerland to Liechtenstein. Practically impossible to reach without transiting Switzerland.

Swiss franc currency: Liechtenstein uses Swiss Franc (CHF) as official currency. No separate Liechtenstein currency. Swiss coins and notes fully legal tender. ATMs dispense Swiss francs. Prices similar to expensive Switzerland.