How can I make reservation for a visit during the sessions?
The website provides all the necessary registration information under «Visits when Parliament is in session» as well as a direct link to the
booking page.
When is the booking confirmed?
Once the booking is completed, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to your reservation page. You can check your reservation at any time and make changes up to three weeks before your reservation date.
How can I obtain information about my reservation if I lose my confirmation email?
If you accidentally delete your confirmation email with the direct link to the booking page, it can be sent to you again. To retrieve your confirmation email, send an email to
sessionsbesuche@parl.admin.ch including your reservation number, if you have it. If not, provide your name and the (approximate) date of your booked visit.
Do I receive a ticket for my booked visit?
You will receive your ticket by email two weeks before your booked visit. Please note that only as many people as are listed on the ticket will be admitted. The ticket must be presented on paper or electronically on the day of the visit.
Can the time for seats reserved in the gallery be changed before a scheduled visit?
Changes are possible provided the desired time slot and number of seats are available. If all time slots are booked, seat reservations in the gallery cannot be changed.
Is it possible to schedule the Q&A session and/or visit the domed hall before watching a debate from the gallery?
For organisational and logistical reasons, we can only offer a standardised programme. The gallery time slots are fixed and determine the other activities. It is not possible to change the programme of visits.
Can only one member of the Council of States and one member of the National Council be booked per Q&A session?
The search window gives you the option to click on only one member of the National Council and one member of the Council of States. If you would like add additional members of Parliament, write their names in the comments window. We will add the names of the registered names to your reservation, and inform these members of Parliament about the time and place of the Q&A session.
Is it possible to shorten the 60-minute time slot in the gallery to 30 minutes?
No, for organisational and logistical reasons, we are unable to shorten the 60-minute time slot. With over 40 visitor groups per day and limited staff, we need to stick to a standardised procedure and are unable to meet special requests. A shorter time slot would also create additional noise during debates.
Can I book more than 40 seats in the gallery?
To book seats for more than 40 people, you need to make two reservations. If there are only between 41 and 49 seats available in the time slot you are interested in, and you would like to book all of them, you need to make sure that the number of seats booked in each reservation is greater than 10. Booking is no longer possible if the number of seats available falls below 10.
Can a group of 9 people book a visit online?
If there are just under 10 people in your group, you may book 10 seats and indicate that you are only 9 people in the comments window. We will then make the adjustment for you.
Can people on their own book one seat in the gallery?
There are 25 seats available for people on their own. These seats cannot be booked in advance, but may be requested at the visitors’ entrance (on the south side of the building) at the earliest 30 minutes before the start of a session and during sessions. Visitors are admitted as long as there are free seats available. On busy days, waiting times will be longer, and the time slots in the gallery may be limited to 60 minutes.
Can two or more groups schedule the programme together?
For reservations of more than 40 people, you should make two reservations, splitting the number of people between the two reservations. You can mention in the comments window that the two reservations are part of one and the same group and that you would like people in both reservations to attend the Q&A session together.
What is the purpose of the barcode on the ticket?
The barcode is not yet activated. It will be used at a later date in conjunction with new admission regulations.
Can the number of booked seats be adjusted anytime?
The link in your confirmation email will take you directly to the booking page. You can adjust your reservation as long as there are still seats available. If you get an error message when attempting to add seats to your reservation, this means all seats have been booked and no additional seats are available.
Why am I unable to make any changes to my booking page?
For organisational reasons, changes to your booking page may only be made up until three weeks before your scheduled visit.
Is it necessary to provide the names of the members of my group?
No.