On October 12, 2025, Switzerland will begin the phased rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), a new digital system for recording border crossings of non-EU/EEA nationals entering or leaving the Schengen Area. Basel and Geneva Airports will be the first to implement the system on October 12, 2025. Zurich Airport will follow on November 17, 2025, with smaller airports (e.g., Lugano, Berne-Belp) phased in by March 2026.
The EES replaces passport stamps with biometric and digital entry/exit records, helping to detect overstays and identity fraud, and to support visa decisions and law enforcement under strict conditions. The system applies to third-country nationals visiting Schengen countries for short-term stays of up to 90 days, regardless of visa requirements. It does not affect Swiss, EU/EFTA citizens, or third-country nationals with valid Schengen residence permits.
During the transition, longer wait times at airports are expected — travelers should arrive early to avoid delays.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
