Inquire about the Swiss border checkpoints expected for travelers this summer.
As of mid-2025, Switzerland maintains border control measures with its neighboring countries as part of broader efforts to enhance security and manage migration flows within the Schengen Area.
The enhanced border controls, which are temporary and aimed at security and migration management, are being implemented by several Schengen countries, including Germany, Austria, France, and Italy. As a result, travelers to Switzerland should expect these controls to be mirrored or reciprocated at Swiss borders.
When crossing into Switzerland, travelers should always carry their ID card or passport with them, as they may be stopped for a check. In addition to identity checks, border officials may perform detailed inspections.
Starting October 12, 2025, the EU (and associated Schengen members including Switzerland) will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border control system replacing passport stamps with biometric data collection (fingerprints, facial image) for third-country nationals entering the Schengen Area. This system applies to external borders including those Switzerland shares with non-Schengen neighbors, managing entries of non-EU/Schengen nationals into Switzerland and the broader region.
The EES aims to improve enforcement of migration rules such as the 90/180-day visa-free stay limit and facilitate smoother future border crossings through biometric identification.
In summary, border crossing into Switzerland is currently subject to temporary state-led border controls with neighboring Schengen countries, identity checks and potential detailed inspections by border officials, and from October 2025, a digital biometric system (EES) for registering third-country nationals entering Switzerland.
Travelers should plan for potential traffic slowdowns and bottlenecks when crossing any border, and for non-EU/Schengen nationals, comply with biometric entry registration requirements starting late 2025. There are no additional checks between Italy and Austria, and Switzerland, and no changes regarding traffic jams have been observed since Germany reinstated border controls.
Countries in Europe, including Switzerland, have intensified controls at Schengen internal borders due to concerns about illegal migration and terrorist attacks. However, there are no indications of permanent or highly restrictive border closures; rather, these measures are part of a broader security and migration management framework consistent across Schengen members including Switzerland.
It's also worth noting that there have not been any controls in place between Switzerland and Liechtenstein for decades. When leaving Switzerland, travellers should ensure they have a 'CH sticker' on their car. The situation has not worsened in recent weeks according to the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security in Germany.
Getting to Switzerland may take longer than usual due to increased border controls. However, the German government stated that regarding traffic jams, they have not observed any changes since reinstating border controls.
- With enhanced border controls across Schengen countries, individuals planning a trip to Switzerland might want to consider the impact on their lifestyle, as getting to Switzerland may take longer than usual due to increased checks and potential traffic slowdowns.
- As border officials in multiple Schengen countries implement detailed inspections, travelers to Switzerland should be aware that these controls may extend to their lifestyle choices, especially when it comes to the possession and use of items that could be subject to scrutiny during border checks.
