The Swiss Federal Council has initiated a public consultation on amendments to national legislation that will enable the country to transition to digital Schengen visas in tandem with the new European Union (EU) regulations.
Integration into EU Platform
As a member of the Schengen Area, Switzerland must incorporate provisions adopted by the EU on November 13, 2023 mandating that short-term visa applications be submitted through a centralized electronic platform.
According to a statement by the Federal Council, “[t]he amendments concern, in particular, provisions relating to the future platform, the content of the national visa system and the delegation of new tasks, such as the verification of travel documents, to appointed third parties.”
The platform has yet to be developed by the EU but is currently scheduled for rollout in 2026.
Switzerland is aiming to connect to the system in 2028 at the earliest,
Streamlining Application Process
The digitalization of the visa process intends to “harmonise processes, simplify procedures for applicants and foster effective cooperation between the migration authorities of the Schengen states,” the Council said.
There will be exceptions from using the platform approved at the national level, “for example in special humanitarian cases or where internet access is difficult.”
Shift from Digital to Paper Visas
Alongside the change in application procedure, the visa format will also transition from traditional paper stickers to digital barcodes.
On December 8th, the Federal Council adopted amendments to existing ordinances allowing for this dual paper-digital approach.
The revisions apply both to short-term Schengen visas, as well as long-term national visas for stays over 90 days.
They are set to come into effect on February 1, 2024.
EU Reveals up to Seven-Year Transition Period
The move aligns with recent announcements from the EU that the bloc will shift to processing Schengen visa applications completely online through a unified platform by 2028.
The EU said the transition could take up to seven years in total as Member States integrate into the new digital system.
They will also have the option to refuse adoption of the platform if desired.
Impacts on Travelers and Immigrants
With Switzerland set to adopt the EU digital visa system, travelers will eventually enjoy a streamlined ETIAS and Schengen visa application process through the centralized platform.
For short-term visitors, the new process promises less paperwork and easier renewals when the 90-day limit is reached.
Those needing longer-term visas for purposes like work, study, or family reunification should also see reduced hassles.
The unified EU approach will provide consistency across Schengen countries, allowing immigrants and digital nomads to more seamlessly move between European states once entry is secured.
That offers flexibility whether seeking to establish temporary residence or pursue more permanent relocation.
Ripple Effects on Immigration Processes
As the Schengen region advances interoperability of migration systems, individual states may need to tweak visa rules to align.
With the ETIAS scheme also launching soon in May 2025, countries connected to the visa-waiver program have been updating requirements.
The convenience of the card for visa-exempt travelers could see nations expand eligibility.
For non-Schengen countries like the UK, the digitalization may exert pressure to compete with simplified European application procedures.
Movement toward modernized eVisas and ePassports globally also looks inevitable in the years ahead.
Thus, while Switzerland is responding primarily to EU prompting currently, the visa changes could stimulate evolution of immigration policies more widely.
Streamlined Visas on the Horizon
The public consultation on Switzerland’s amendments opens until March 22, 2024.
By incorporating the EU regulations into national law, the country aims to modernize and simplify visa procedures for all involved.
The digitalization promises to ease applications for travelers, while improving cooperation between Swiss and EU migration authorities.
With the changes announced, Switzerland remains closely integrated with Schengen area policies on border control and visas.