Switzerland is tightening border controls as lawmakers push to reduce illegal migration and cross-border crime.
On March 13th, the upper house of Parliament approved a motion calling for stricter border checks and the removal of people without valid residence permits who are not seeking asylum.
Since the lower house has already approved the measure, it now moves to the federal cabinet, where officials will draft new laws based on the proposal.
The plan aims to improve security but does not require border checks for all travelers—a step critics warned could hurt Switzerland’s economy.
Balancing security and economic stability
Supporters argued that stricter controls will help prevent illegal entry and strengthen security.
The State Policy Commission of the Council of States endorsed the plan, calling tighter border measures essential for protecting Swiss interests. However, lawmakers avoided a broad policy that could disrupt trade and travel. The proposal stresses that Switzerland should follow the lead of neighboring Schengen countries that have already tightened their borders.
European trend toward stricter borders
Switzerland is not the only country tightening security. Several European nations have strengthened border controls due to concerns about migration and crime.
Germany reintroduced internal border checks with its neighbors in September 2024 and will keep them in place until September 2025.
Austria extended controls on its borders with Hungary and Slovenia, while France will continue checks with all its Schengen neighbors until at least April 2025.
This shift reflects a wider trend in Europe, where governments are increasing border security despite the Schengen Agreement’s goal of free movement.
Some believe that these measures are necessary to tackle crime and illegal migration, while others worry about their impact on trade and travel.
Tighter borders could mean more scrutiny for travelers
People traveling to Switzerland and the Schengen Area may face stricter border checks as security measures increase.
While Switzerland’s plan does not require systematic checks on all travelers, tougher enforcement could lead to longer wait times and extra paperwork, especially for those without clear travel or residency status.
For short-term visitors and business travelers, these changes align with the European Union’s upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), launching in 2026.
The ETIAS will require non-EU nationals from visa-exempt countries to get travel authorization before entering Schengen nations. Stricter Swiss border rules could work with ETIAS to block high-risk individuals before they even board a flight.
Long-term migrants and asylum seekers will likely feel the biggest impact. The motion calls for stricter deportation of those without legal status, making it harder for undocumented individuals to stay in Switzerland.
This could push more migrants toward other EU countries, adding pressure to asylum systems that are already struggling.
Swiss decision adds pressure on EU migration policies
Switzerland’s decision follows a broader trend in Europe toward stricter border security and selective entry enforcement.
Countries already dealing with migration challenges, such as Germany, Austria, and France, may use Switzerland’s move to justify extending their own border checks.
Some EU leaders have called for changes to the Schengen visa system, including stricter rules for long-term residency and better coordination to track unauthorized entries.
Switzerland’s tighter border policies could push EU officials to speed up these discussions, possibly leading to tougher visa and asylum rules across Europe.
At the same time, Switzerland’s approach—avoiding full-scale border checks while still increasing enforcement—could serve as a model for EU countries trying to balance security with economic concerns.
Nations that depend on trade and tourism may see Switzerland’s policy as a way to strengthen border controls without completely disrupting movement within the Schengen Zone.
What comes next?
Now that Parliament has approved the proposal, Swiss authorities must draft specific regulations to put it into action. The federal cabinet will determine how and when to apply the new controls, weighing security concerns against economic impacts.
Switzerland’s approach could influence other countries trying to balance open borders with security. In the coming months, the government will outline how it plans to enforce stricter border measures while keeping the economy stable.