Swiss authorities question power to prevent non-citizens from accessing the nation
In Switzerland, entry and re-entry restrictions primarily apply to individuals from third countries, excluding EU/EFTA citizens and those with a C permit. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) determines whether a person may be admitted back into Switzerland.
Key circumstances that could lead to an entry ban include:
- Return Decision or Overstay: Failure to depart the Schengen Area, including Switzerland, within the required time limit after receiving a return decision or overstaying the 90-day visa-free period could result in an entry ban.
- ETIAS or Visa Refusal or Revocation: Switzerland requires third-country nationals to have appropriate entry authorization, such as a visa or an ETIAS. An ETIAS or visa can be denied or invalidated for various reasons, including presenting a lost/stolen passport, false or incomplete information, security or health risks, previous deportation, or overstay in the Schengen Area.
- Security, Immigration, or Health Risks: Swiss border control may refuse re-entry if the person poses a security threat, is flagged on watchlists, or if health regulations require restrictions.
- Lack of Required Supporting Documents: Travelers must demonstrate sufficient funds, accommodation plans, and other entry conditions to the satisfaction of border officers. Failure to provide such proof may result in refusal of entry.
For dual citizens holding Swiss nationality, entry and re-entry restrictions do not apply, regardless of their other citizenship. Legal residents in Switzerland, on a valid permit, can enter and exit the country hassle-free.
As a tourist, citizens of any country can enter Switzerland, but they are only allowed to remain for no longer than 90 days and are not permitted to work during this time. The consequences for remaining in Switzerland beyond the 90-day tourist limit for non-EU/EFTA citizens are not specified in the provided information.
It is important to note that the refusal of entry for people trying to enter Switzerland, primarily due to visa overstays, is the most common scenario.
[1] Swiss Federal Council, "Measures to counter terrorism." (2021). https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/dokumentation/dokumentationen/2021/01/message.msg-id-775390.html
[2] Swiss Federal Office for Migration (FOM), "Entry and Residence in Switzerland." (2021). https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/arbeitsverhaltnisse/auslaender/einreise-und-aufenthalt/index.html
[3] European Commission, "Schengen Visa Information System (SVIS)." (2021). https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/schengen-visa-information-system_en
[4] European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), "About ETIAS." (2021). https://www.etias.com/about-etias/
[5] Swiss Federal Office for Migration (FOM), "Overstaying the visa-free stay." (2021). https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/arbeitsverhaltnisse/auslaender/einreise-und-aufenthalt/visum/visum-freistellung/visum-freistellung-aufheben/index.html
- Delays in departure or violations of the 90-day visa-free period, along with refusals or revocations of ETIAS or visas, serve as significant factors in the realm of Swiss policy-and-legislation that can lead to entry bans, constituting a common scenario in Swiss politics.
- In the backdrop of general-news stories concerning individuals being denied entry to Switzerland, it's crucial to be aware of the importance of obtaining appropriate entry authorization and complying with the rudiments of immigration law to avoid any potential conflicts with policy-and-legislation related to politics and general-news.
