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Switzerland Travel Requirements: Clarifying the EES and ETIAS Processes

Scheduled commencement for the EU's biometric passport checks and online visa waiver systems now confirmed, shedding light on how these systems will impact tourists, EU/Schengen residents, and foreign second-home owners in Switzerland, a Schengen zone member.

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Visiting Switzerland Explained: Addressing Inquiries on EES and ETIAS Systems
Visiting Switzerland Explained: Addressing Inquiries on EES and ETIAS Systems

Switzerland Travel Requirements: Clarifying the EES and ETIAS Processes

As the European Union prepares to implement new border control measures, it's essential to understand the implications for non-EU citizens who are residents of EU or Schengen countries. The Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will impact third-country nationals crossing Schengen external borders for short stays.

EES (Entry/Exit System)

The EES is designed to register third-country nationals crossing the Schengen external borders for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) by recording entry/exit data plus biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) in most cases. However, holders of valid residence permits or residence cards issued by an EU or Schengen country are exempt from entry checks by EES since their resident status is already verified by their residence permit.

The European Commission has opted for a phased introduction for EES, aiming for full implementation within six months. The EES is scheduled to start on October 12th, 2025, with a six-month phased introduction. During this period, some airports and ports may pause EES checks in the event of long queues, such as at the busy UK-France border.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

ETIAS is an online visa waiver required for tourists and other visitors into the EU/Schengen zone. It is designed for visa-exempt third-country nationals who intend to visit the Schengen Area or Cyprus for short stays (up to 90 days). Non-EU citizens from visa waiver countries (like the UK, USA, Japan) must apply for ETIAS before travel to Schengen if they do not have a visa or residence permit.

However, individuals holding a valid residence permit or residence card issued by an EU or Schengen country are exempt from needing ETIAS because their right to enter and reside is documented already. Also exempt are holders of Schengen visas, refugee travel documents, family members of EU/Schengen nationals, and holders of diplomatic or special passports.

ETIAS applications are done online and, for applicants aged 18 to 70, require a fee (€7). Once granted, ETIAS authorisation is valid for three years or until the passport expires. The European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS) is planned to begin in the final quarter of 2026, with an exact date yet to be confirmed.

During the introduction phase, it will be up to each country to choose which ports/airports/stations to enforce EES, although they must have a certain percentage of entry points using the system. During the first 6 months or more, ETIAS use may be optional. After this period, those travelling without an ETIAS may be turned back at the border.

Summary Table

| System | Applies to | Requirement for non-EU residents of EU/Schengen | Exemptions for non-EU residents of EU/Schengen | |------------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | EES | Third-country nationals crossing Schengen external borders | No full biometric entry-exit checks if holding valid EU/Schengen residence permit/card | Holders of valid EU/Schengen residence permit or card exempt from EES border biometric verification[3][5] | | ETIAS | Visa-free third-country nationals visiting Schengen | Not required if holding valid EU/Schengen residence permit or visa | Holders of valid residence permit/card, Schengen visas, refugee travel documents, family members of EU/Schengen nationals exempt[3] |

Important Notes

  • Having a residence permit issued by an EU or Schengen country exempts non-EU nationals from both EES entry-exit biometric verification and the ETIAS travel authorisation requirement.
  • If a non-EU national does not have such a residence permit (e.g., a visitor holding only a passport from a visa-exempt country), then EES biometric registration and ETIAS authorisation will apply.
  • These systems apply to short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period; longer stays require national visas or residence permits.
  • Ireland is not part of Schengen and does not implement ETIAS or EES.
  • Any website offering to complete EES for a fee is a scam.
  • Visa-holders are exempt from EES pre-registration, regardless of the type of visa.
  • Only after spring 2027 will people start to be turned back at the border if they don't have an ETIAS.
  • The ETIAS online application requires travellers to fill in a form and pay a €20 fee in advance of their trip.
  • ETIAS is also not required for visa-holders.
  • After ETIAS is introduced, there will be a six-month 'education phase' during which those travelling without an ETIAS will be informed of the new requirements, but won't be blocked from entering the EU.
  • The ETIAS website is not yet up and running.
  • Those over the age of 70 or under the age of 18 are exempt from the ETIAS fee, but not the requirement for an ETIAS visa waiver.
  • Once completed, EES registration will not need to be done again until a new passport is issued.

The implementation of the EES system will not require non-EU residents of EU or Schengen countries who hold valid residence permits or residence cards to undergo full biometric entry-exit checks at Schengen external borders. In contrast, during travel for short stays, non-EU citizens from visa-waiver countries, such as the UK, USA, or Japan, will need to apply for ETIAS if they do not have a visa or residence permit.

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