Switzerland to relax certain entry restrictions from May 11
Border controls will remain in place.
Keystone / Salvatore Di Nolfi
The backlog of applications made by non-Swiss citizens to work or rejoin family in Switzerland will be processed from this date, the government announced on Wednesday.
This content was published on
3 minutes
SDA-Keystone/ac
Español
es
Anuncian reducción de restricciones para entrar a Suiza
The plans will gradually ease the restrictions on entry into the country that were put in place in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Applications to work in Switzerland submitted before March 25 by citizens of the EU or EFTA Member States will be processed as of May 11. Family reunification will again be possible for family members of Swiss citizens as well as kin of EU or EFTA nationals living in Switzerland.
Workers from third countries (non-EU or EFTA) who already have a permit to work in Switzerland but were unable to obtain a visa because of entry restrictions will be able to enter the country. Applications for employment of third-country nationals submitted before March 19 will also be processed.
Cross-border work permits will be processed if they are based on a contract concluded in writing before March 25. For example, a fitter from Germany will be able to install a machine that has already been ordered by a Swiss company.
Border controls will not be lifted, however. Additional border posts may be opened to avoid excessive waiting times. Travellers on flights from abroad will only be able to enter Switzerland at the airports of Zurich, Geneva and Basel.
The government wants to minimise the negative effects of border restrictions on the Swiss economy, it said. The measures will be taken in close consultation with neighbouring countries.
Entry restrictions
On March 25 the Swiss government extended entry restrictions to all Schengen and non-Schengen states.
Only Swiss citizens, Swiss residents, those entering the country for professional reasons (e.g., those who work here and have a permit to prove it), and those transiting through, can enter. Even foreign partners of Swiss citizens, who do not have a right of residence in the country, will be turned away.
Next step
All other entry and immigration restrictions will remain in force until further notice. However, the government has already decided on the next step. From June 8 onwards, all applications from nationals of EU or EFTA member states who are gainfully employed and actually able to work in Switzerland will be processed.
This second stage will be carried out in consultation with the cantons and the trade unions. It will be accompanied by the reactivation of the obligation to advertise vacancies at local unemployment offices.
More
More
Sorry, we’re closed!
This content was published on
Switzerland is currently wrapped up in red and white tape like a present. But there is of course nothing to celebrate.
Have you heard something about Swiss diplomacy that you’d like us to fact check?
Not all information circulating about Switzerland’s foreign relations is accurate or well understood. Tell us what you'd like us to fact check or clarify.
Researchers find high microbial diversity in glacial streams
This content was published on
Swiss researchers have discovered a surprising diversity of microorganisms in glacial streams around the world. However, this diversity is under threat as soon as it is discovered.
This content was published on
Fewer electric cars were sold in Switzerland in 2024 compared to the previous year. The electric mobility association Swiss eMobility says this is only a temporary dip.
This content was published on
Sunshine and fresh snow attracted winter sports fans to Swiss ski resorts over the holiday period. Many ski stations reported record figures.
New Year’s speech: President Keller-Sutter praises Swiss modesty
This content was published on
The Swiss president for 2025, Karin Keller-Sutter, has underlined the importance of compromise and modesty in Swiss politics in her New Year’s address to the nation.
Lindt wins ‘chocolate ball’ legal case against Aldi
This content was published on
Chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli has won a legal case against the retailer Aldi Suisse for infringing the trademark rights of its Lindor chocolate balls.
Campaigners want Swiss central bank to hold bitcoin in reserves
This content was published on
Campaigners have launched a people's initiative to oblige the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to hold part of its reserves in bitcoin.
Switzerland welcomes 2025 with fireworks and ice plunges
This content was published on
Fireworks lit up the skies in Switzerland to celebrate New Year's Eve. Some people welcomed the new year by plunging into lakes in freezing temperatures.
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.