Switzerland is tightening its immigration controls by adopting the EU’s stronger visa suspension mechanism under the Schengen rules. The new system lowers the threshold for suspending visa-free travel.

A country can now face suspension if irregular entries or refusals rise by 30 percent, or if asylum claims spike while approval rates remain below 20 percent. The mechanism also adds new triggers, such as security risks, human rights concerns, and the misuse of migration pressure.

In urgent situations, the European Commission can restore visa requirements for up to 12 months using a faster process. Switzerland will update its visa ordinance to align with the EU changes, effective December 17, 2025.