SWITZERLAND - New technology for control at the external Schengen borders

February 2019

A Europe-wide information system (Entry/Exit System, EES) will record the travel data of third-country nationals entering the Schengen area for a short stay from 2021 onwards.

This automatic recording makes it easier to calculate the length of stays still authorised for the traveller in the Schengen area. The EES is also intended to make it easier to detect irregular migration (especially over stayers) and to identify undocumented travellers during checks within the Schengen area with the help of biometric identifiers (facial image and fingerprints).

In Switzerland, checks continue to take place at airports and with the introduction of the EES, manual stamping of a travel document will no longer be necessary and entry will be via self-service systems.

BDO comment

BDO in Switzerland can support you in applying for work and residence permits for Switzerland and consult you about all aspects regarding immigration to Switzerland. 

Stephanie Müller
stephanie.mueller@bdo.ch