At its 25 February 2026 meeting the Federal Council transposed the remaining measures of the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia. While headlines focused on the purchase ban for Russian LNG, the ordinance also tightens mobility rules: Russian diplomats accredited in other EU states must now give prior notice before entering or transiting Switzerland.
Previously, accredited diplomats could travel freely under the Vienna Convention provisions. The new notification requirement—mirroring EU practice—is designed to monitor “priority individuals” and prevent sanctioned persons from exploiting Switzerland’s Schengen association to move funds or conduct influence operations.
![Switzerland adopts 19th EU sanctions package – new entry rules for Russian diplomats]()
For organizations unfamiliar with the revised procedures, VisaHQ can simplify compliance by coordinating the necessary notifications, tracking application statuses, and providing up-to-date guidance through its Switzerland portal (https://www.visahq.com/switzerland/). Leveraging VisaHQ’s expertise reduces the risk of last-minute surprises at the border, particularly when hosting Russian guests whose status may have recently changed.
Corporates that host Russian officials for UN Geneva meetings or commodity-trading negotiations must factor in longer lead-times for visa-free crossings. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) recommends submitting itineraries at least five working days in advance; failure to do so could result in border delays or denial of entry.
The ordinance leaves existing humanitarian channels intact, and Russian citizens who are not covered by diplomatic passports remain subject to normal Schengen visa requirements. Businesses should nevertheless review guest-travel protocols and ensure that any Russian national on company-sponsored visits is screened against the expanded sanctions list.
Previously, accredited diplomats could travel freely under the Vienna Convention provisions. The new notification requirement—mirroring EU practice—is designed to monitor “priority individuals” and prevent sanctioned persons from exploiting Switzerland’s Schengen association to move funds or conduct influence operations.
For organizations unfamiliar with the revised procedures, VisaHQ can simplify compliance by coordinating the necessary notifications, tracking application statuses, and providing up-to-date guidance through its Switzerland portal (https://www.visahq.com/switzerland/). Leveraging VisaHQ’s expertise reduces the risk of last-minute surprises at the border, particularly when hosting Russian guests whose status may have recently changed.
Corporates that host Russian officials for UN Geneva meetings or commodity-trading negotiations must factor in longer lead-times for visa-free crossings. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) recommends submitting itineraries at least five working days in advance; failure to do so could result in border delays or denial of entry.
The ordinance leaves existing humanitarian channels intact, and Russian citizens who are not covered by diplomatic passports remain subject to normal Schengen visa requirements. Businesses should nevertheless review guest-travel protocols and ensure that any Russian national on company-sponsored visits is screened against the expanded sanctions list.
