Switzerland Approves New Visa Waiver Regulations
Switzerland has also approved changes to the mechanism for suspending the visa waiver for third country nationals following a relevant decision by the EU.
According to "European Truth", this was reported by the Swiss government.
On November 17, the EU approved an amendment to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 regarding the temporary suspension of the visa waiver for short-term travel to the Schengen area.
"In line with the Agreement on Cooperation with the Schengen Area, Switzerland has decided to adopt an amendment to the EU regulation aimed at reinstating visa requirements for third countries under certain circumstances. Such circumstances may include exceeding migration thresholds, threats to public order and safety, or human rights violations," the Swiss government stated.
The EU informed Switzerland about this amendment as part of the ongoing development of Schengen legislation. The amendment adjusts the thresholds for triggering the mechanism and introduces new grounds for reinstating the visa regime for crossing the external borders of Schengen states.
On December 5, the Swiss Federal Council approved the transposition of European legislation requiring amendments to the Entry and Visa Regulation (EGVO). This amendment will come into effect on December 17, 2025.
Currently, the EU has only suspended the visa waiver for one country – Vanuatu.
The EU is now considering the possibility of suspending the visa waiver for Georgia to pressure the Georgian government, which has taken an anti-democratic course.
