In an effort to comply with European Union regulations, Switzerland plans to introduce digital visas and barcodes for passports, from February 1, 2024. A look at the main changes to Swiss visa policies and their implications.
The digital Schengen visa to simplify procedures
The Swiss Federal Council has announced the start of a consultation process. on the implementation of digital Schengen visas. Under the new regulations adopted by the EU on November 13, 2023all Schengen visa applications must be submitted to digitally via a European platform. Changes to these regulations include the creation of a future platform, modifications to the national visa system and the delegation of certain tasks to third parties for document verification.
The main aim of digitalization
- Improving and simplifying procedures for claimants
- Streamlining processes
- Strengthening cooperation between migration authorities in Schengen member states
With these changes, the visa format will be different In future, visas will be issued in both digital and paper form. The Federal Council has approved an amendment to the Ordinance on the Entry and Granting of Visas, allowing the issue of a digital visa with a barcode, in addition to the traditional sticker on the passport.
Changes affecting all types of visa
It is important to note that this digitization process applies not only to short-stay Schengen visas, but also to visas for stays of more than 90 days. The aim of this measure is to facilitate the application and processing of visas for all those concerned, whether for tourism, business or family visits.
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