Australian diplomatic representation in Switzerland
Australian Embassy in Bern
Find current contact details, opening hours, location and regional responsibilities for the Australian Embassy in Bern, including passport and consular arrangements for Australians in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Contact information
Contact the Australian Embassy in Bern
Use the current official details below to contact the Australian Embassy in Switzerland.
Consular, passport and notarial enquiries: these services are primarily handled by the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva. Contact the Geneva office before travelling for a consular, passport or notarial service.
Location
Where is the Australian Embassy in Bern?
The Australian Embassy is located at Weltpoststrasse 5 in Bern, on the second floor of the Flex Office.
Before visiting: the Embassy in Bern is not the regular location for Australian consular, passport or notarial appointments. These services are normally provided through the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva.
About the mission
About the Australian Embassy in Switzerland
The Australian Embassy in Bern is Australia’s resident diplomatic mission to the Swiss Confederation and is also responsible for Australia’s diplomatic relationship with Liechtenstein.
Australia and Switzerland established formal diplomatic relations in 1961. After many years of non-resident Australian ambassadors, Australia reopened a resident Embassy in Bern in August 2022.
The Embassy works to deepen bilateral cooperation and expand trade, investment and other links between Australia and Switzerland.
Australia’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein is Ms Elizabeth Day.
Services for Australians
Consular and passport services
Australia’s consular, passport and notarial services in Switzerland are primarily provided through the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva rather than the Embassy in Bern.
Consular assistance
Australians in Switzerland and Liechtenstein can seek consular assistance through Australia’s consular office in Geneva in accordance with the Australian Government’s Consular Services Charter.
Australian passports
Passport services are primarily provided in Geneva. Eligible adult and child renewals that do not require an interview must be lodged by mail, while applications requiring personal attendance are handled by appointment.
Notarial services
The Australian Embassy in Bern does not provide notarial services. Eligible Australian notarial services are provided through the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva.
Visa and citizenship matters: neither the Australian Embassy in Bern nor the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva processes Australian visa or citizenship applications. These matters are administered by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Visitor arrangements
Passport and notarial appointments
Regular passport and notarial appointments for Australians in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are held at the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva.
Passport and notarial services in Geneva are provided by appointment. Notarial appointments requiring personal attendance are held in Geneva only.
The Australian Government also schedules limited passport outreach services in Bern and Zurich. These sessions are held on selected dates and have limited appointment availability.
Bern passport outreach: check the current official Australian mission website before making travel arrangements. Passport sessions in Bern are periodic rather than a permanent daily service.
Regional responsibility
Countries covered by the Australian Embassy in Bern
The Australian Embassy in Bern represents Australia in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Switzerland
Bern is Australia’s resident diplomatic mission in Switzerland. Consular, passport and notarial services are supported by the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva.
Liechtenstein
The Australian Embassy in Switzerland is also responsible for Australia’s diplomatic relationship with Liechtenstein. Consular and passport arrangements are managed through Australia’s network in Switzerland.
Geneva: the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva is the main Australian post in Switzerland for consular, passport and notarial services. It operates alongside Australia’s separate permanent missions to international organisations in Geneva.
Planning your visit
Before visiting for a consular service
Check which Australian office provides the service you need before travelling to Bern. Most passport, consular and notarial matters are handled through Geneva.
Check the location
Do not travel to the Embassy in Bern for a notarial service. Notarial appointments requiring personal attendance are provided at the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva.
Check passport requirements
Eligible adult and child passport renewals that do not require an interview must be lodged by mail. Other passport applications require personal attendance.
Book before travelling
Passport and notarial appointments in Geneva must be arranged in advance. Limited passport outreach appointments in Bern and Zurich are announced separately.
Emergency passports: emergency passport services are currently available only at the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva. They are not available at the Embassy in Bern or through passport outreach in Zurich.
Notarial appointments: in-person notarial appointments are held in Geneva on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Some eligible services, including certain legalisations and certified copies, can also be handled by mail.
Frequently asked questions
Australian Embassy in Bern
Does Australia have an Embassy in Switzerland?
Yes. Australia maintains a resident Embassy at Weltpoststrasse 5 in Bern.
Where is the Australian Embassy in Bern?
The Embassy is located at Weltpoststrasse 5, 2nd Floor – Flex Office, 3015 Bern, Switzerland.
How can I contact the Australian Embassy in Bern?
Call +41 31 310 17 80 or email bern.embassy@dfat.gov.au.
What are the Embassy’s opening hours?
The Australian Embassy in Bern is normally open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday, excluding designated public holidays.
Who is the Australian Ambassador to Switzerland?
Ms Elizabeth Day is Australia’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Does the Australian Embassy in Bern cover Liechtenstein?
Yes. The Australian Embassy in Switzerland is responsible for Australia’s diplomatic relationship with Liechtenstein.
Does the Embassy in Bern provide Australian passport services?
Regular Australian passport services are primarily provided through the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva. Limited passport outreach sessions are periodically held in Bern and Zurich.
Can I renew my Australian passport by mail?
Eligible adult and child passport renewals that do not require an in-person interview must be lodged by mail through the Australian passport service in Geneva.
Can I apply for an emergency passport in Bern?
No. Emergency passport services are currently available only at the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva and are not available in Bern or Zurich.
Does the Australian Embassy in Bern provide notarial services?
No. The Australian Embassy in Bern does not provide notarial services. Eligible Australian notarial services are provided through the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva.
Where are in-person notarial appointments held?
In-person Australian notarial appointments in Switzerland are held in Geneva. Current arrangements provide appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Can any notarial services be handled by mail?
Yes. Some eligible services, including certain legalisations and certified copies, can be completed by mail. Services requiring identity verification or witnessing generally require personal attendance.
Does Australia have a Consulate-General in Geneva?
Yes. The Australian Consulate-General in Geneva provides consular, passport and notarial services for Australians in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Does the Embassy process Australian visas?
No. The Australian Embassy in Bern and the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva do not process Australian visa or citizenship applications. These matters are managed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
What should I do in a consular emergency?
For urgent consular assistance, contact the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva on +41 22 799 9100. Australia’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre can also be contacted on +61 2 6261 3305.