Swiss ID cards no longer valid from October 2021, says UK government
Swiss citizens will need a passport to enter the United Kingdom from October 1, 2021 – identity cards will no longer be accepted. This is according to an updated post-Brexit Border Operating ModelExternal link published by the British government on Thursday.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
The new regulation also applies to all EU countries and Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
These changes would “strengthen the security of our border”, the British government said in its 263-page guide for businesses and passengers crossing the border after the Brexit transition ends on December 31.
The British government had previously said in travel adviceExternal link that it “may stop accepting” ID cards after 2020 but hadn’t fixed a date.
However, Swiss citizens who begin living in the UK before December 31, 2020, and have status under the EU Settlement Scheme will be able to use their Swiss ID cards to enter the UK until at least December 31, 2025.
More
More
Brexit: a day to celebrate or commiserate?
This content was published on
We asked you what you’d be doing and feeling on Friday night as Britain leaves the EU. Here’s a selection of reader comments.
Regarding visas, the British government said on Thursday it was “the UK’s intention” that EU, EEA and Swiss citizens “taking short trips to the UK, including for tourism, short-term business visits or short-term studies […] will not be required to obtain a visa”.
It pointed out that from January 1, 2021, free movement would end and the UK’s new points-based system would be introduced. “EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, except for Irish nationals, in line with other third-country nationals will require a visa to work, study or join family in the UK and will also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.”
The UK formally left the EU on January 31, more than three years after it voted 52%-48% for Brexit in a 2016 referendum. The two sides are now trying to work out how everything from cars to cheese to whisky will trade. The UK government’s Border Operating Model will be updated on an ongoing basis.
In October 2016, the Swiss government adopted its “Mind the GapExternal link” strategy aimed at guaranteeing as far as possible the mutual rights and obligations of citizens in all areas that currently link Switzerland and Britain.
More
More
How to prepare for Brexit as a Swiss in the UK
This content was published on
With Britain’s exit from the EU looming, Swiss citizens in the UK are facing an administrative challenge that will determine their right to stay.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Swiss authorities file criminal complaint for false signatures
This content was published on
The case of allegedly forged signatures for popular initiatives in Switzerland continues: the Federal Chancellery has filed a criminal complaint for the third time.
Swiss government must prioritise transport projects
This content was published on
Following the no to motorway expansions and additional costs for future rail infrastructure, the Swiss government must set priorities for road and rail expansion.
SMI back above 12,500 points for first time since beginning of 2022
This content was published on
The leading SMI index rose by almost 1% at times in the morning and traded above 12,500 points for the first time since the beginning of 2022.
Markus Ritter enters race for seat in Swiss government
This content was published on
Markus Ritter from the Centre Party has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed Defence Minister Viola Amherd on the seven-seat Swiss government.
Lausanne hospital produces drug from faecal bacteria
This content was published on
The University Hospital of canton Vaud (Chuv) is the first Swiss hospital to receive approval for the production of such drugs from donor stool.
Increase in heat deaths set to outweigh decrease in cold deaths
This content was published on
The growing number of heat-related deaths due to climate change will significantly exceed the decline in the number of cold-related deaths in Europe, according to a study.
Every second Swiss buys from Chinese online retailers
This content was published on
Chinese online retailers are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Every other person has already made such a purchase in the past year.
No-deal Brexit: Switzerland and UK sign social security agreement
This content was published on
Switzerland and the United Kingdom have signed an agreement in London to maintain social security rights in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Boris Johnson: entertaining raconteur or dangerous liar?
This content was published on
Swiss newspapers are trying to work out what Prime Minister Boris Johnson will mean for Britain and its showdown with the European Union.
Switzerland and UK balance sovereignty with EU market access
This content was published on
Switzerland and Britain are walking a tightrope of meeting domestic demands for self-determination and EU requirements on market rules.
This content was published on
Brexit offers lessons on the EU’s position of power and the risks of delaying a framework agreement, a University of St Gallen researcher says.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.