Geneva Police Chief warns Swiss-French border could close during June G7 summit
Gotthard Pass road to reopen early, offering alternative to congested A2
Swiss minister says immigrants’ contributions ‘essential’ to funding state pensions
Latest News
'No to 10 Million' referendum gains momentum as new poll shows 52 % support
A new Tamedia survey released on 4 May shows 52 % of voters intend to approve the SVP’s ‘No to 10 Million’ initiative on 14 June, signalling a real possibility that Switzerland could soon impose hard caps on foreign residents. Business lobby groups warn the measure would breach EU free-movement rules and create acute skills shortages. Companies should assess workforce-planning scenarios now.
Zurich Airport flight movements surpass pre-pandemic levels for first time in 2026
Flight movements at Zurich Airport rose 5.2 % year-on-year in April and, for the first time in 2026, topped the same month in 2019. The rebound, driven by strong European demand and smart fleet reallocations by SWISS, signals tighter capacity and possible future green levies for business travellers.
Brussels grants Schengen states—including Switzerland—flexibility to suspend biometric border checks
The European Commission has allowed Schengen countries, including Switzerland, to switch off mandatory biometric capture at border e-gates during heavy congestion. Swiss airports can now use manual stamps to cut queues but travellers should budget extra connection time and track their Schengen days carefully.
EU Visa Working Party meets with Switzerland in mixed committee format
On 4 May the EU’s Visa Working Party—attended by Switzerland as a Schengen associate—discussed a new risk-based framework for monitoring visa-free countries and a draft list of ‘verified companies’ that would enjoy fast-track Schengen business visas. Swiss officials pressed for equal access to the scheme, which could reshape how multinationals obtain short-stay visas.
Federal roads office warns of Ascension and Pentecost gridlock, urges travellers to stay on motorways
ASTRA projects severe motorway congestion during the mid-May and early-June holiday weekends and urges drivers—locals and business travellers alike—to stay on main highways instead of rat-running through villages. Mobility planners should expect longer transfer times to and from southern Switzerland and northern Italy.
SBB adds 58 extra Gotthard services for Ascension and Pentecost rush
SBB will run 58 extra trains and 130,000 more seats through the Gotthard Base Tunnel for the Ascension and Pentecost long weekends, helping to divert travellers from the notoriously congested A2 motorway. Businesses should book seats early and note that bicycle reservations remain compulsory.