Anticipate Ahead: Unveiling the Pivotal Travel Amendments in Switzerland by 2025

Hopping on the Swiss Roads in 2025: Updates Galore!

Brace yourself as Switzerland is shaking things up on its roads! From January 1st, expect new noise regulations that could land you a fine of up to 10k francs for unnecessary noises like backfiring. Fines for other vehicle noise pollution will also increase from 60 to 80 francs. Moreover, motorcycles will need to comply with the Euro 5+ exhaust fuel regulations when registered for the first time, and stricter noise level regulations will apply during registration. Check out these changes and more here: New driving rules in 2025

But that's not all, folks! Automated driving will make its grand entrance from March 1st, with drivers allowed to use their autopilot system (approved by their canton) to take a break from constant monitoring—as long as they're ready to jump back in at a moment's notice. And, parking lots will embrace the future with automated parking. Cars without drivers can park in designated spaces[1]. For more info, head to: Self-driving cars hitting Swiss roads in 2023

Now, let's talk public transport! The SBB has revamped its timetable, bringing some cool changes:- Renens in the French-speaking part of Switzerland will become a major rail hub serving long-distance trains such as the IC1, IC5, RE33, and IR90[2]- German-speaking regions will see a half-hourly schedule for mainline traffic, enhancing the commuter and leisure travel experience.- Additional IC5 connections between Eastern Switzerland and Zurich will guarantee a denser pace and more seats[3]- To alleviate congestion at Bern station, an IC connection will stop at Bern Wankdorf during peak hours[4]

As for international trains, there's good news for Zurich travelers! An additional pair of Zurich-Munich trains will operate from Monday to Saturday, two hours earlier to reach Bavaria, and return in the evening (on weekdays and Sundays) two hours later[5]- The direct Zurich-Brig train will run all year round and will be extended to Domodossola, Italy

On the air travel front, SWISS has announced new destinations for its summer 2025 timetable:- Dubrovnik (Croatia) from April 17th- Montpellier (France) from June 27th- Heringsdorf (Germany) from June 29th- Niš (Serbia) from June 30th

Joining SWISS' sister airline, Edelweiss, are seven new North American routes:- Seattle (USA) from June 2nd, with two weekly flights- Halifax (Canada) from July 3rd, also twice a week- The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, will be served twice weekly from April 12th- Bristol (UK) from June 2nd- Terceira (Azores, Portugal) from June 25th- Zadar (Croatia) twice a week from June 28th- Calvi (Corsica) once a week from July 6th.

EasyJet is also jumping on the bandwagon, offering five additional destinations from Zurich:- Palma (Spain) will be served daily from March 30th, 2025- Another Spanish city, Málaga, will be added four times a week from March 31st- Flights to Faro, Spain, will start from April 1st, 2025- To the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, from May 1st, for twice-weekly flights- There will also be four flights weekly to Olbia, Sardinia, from June 23rd, 2025

Lastly, two major changes to EU border controls-EES and ETIAS-will impact Swiss citizens and residents. While not specific to Switzerland, they will entail changes for tourists and business travelers. Non-EU travelers will need to register for ETIAS and provide biometric data for EES during their first trip. For more details, visit: EES and ETIAS: What are the big changes for travel in Europe?

In 2025, the UK will fully implement its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa waiver, similar to systems like the EU's ETIAS or the US ESTA. This £10 digital authorization will be required for most non-UK nationals, including Swiss citizens. Check out the details here: UK's ETA visa waiver: What you need to know

Stay tuned for more updates! Let us know in the comments section below if we missed anything significant.

Insights from Enrichment Data

In 2025, there will be new regulations for transport companies in Switzerland, including requirements for a registered office in Switzerland, staggered minimum capital requirements per vehicle, and mandatory licensing for lighter delivery vans over 2.5 tons when transporting goods across borders[1]
Toll rates in Switzerland have increased by 5% from January 1, 2025[2]
The Rolling Highway, a drive-on piggyback service through the Swiss Alps, will cease operations by the end of 2025[3]
There are no specific major changes mentioned in the search results for air travel and border control regulations in Switzerland or the EU for 2025[4]. However, it's essential to check with official government sources for the most current and accurate information.
It's crucial to consult official EU resources or relevant news outlets focusing on EU policies for up-to-date information on broader EU regulations[5].

[1] https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/transport/trucking-industry-faces-key-changes-from-may-2025/47043576[2] https://www.elektronik-aktuell.com/vermitlung/kraftverkehr/toll-tarife-schnellen-steigen-in-suecockswitzerland[3] https://www.etsc.eu/knowledge-and-insights/position-papers/position-paper-etsc-policy-position-pgs-motorcycles.html[4] https://www.etsc.eu/knowledge-and-insights/position-papers/position-paper-etsc-policy-position-pgs-motorcycles.html[5] https://www.driving-tests.org/europe-travel/

Motorcycles registered for the first time in Switzerland in 2025 will need to comply with the Euro 5+ exhaust fuel regulations, and will also be subject to stricter noise level regulations during registration.
In Zurich, travelers can anticipate an additional pair of Zurich-Munich trains operating two hours earlier and returning two hours later from Monday to Saturday, and a direct Zurich-Brig train running all year round and extended to Domodossola, Italy.
To facilitate a more sophisticated and active lifestyle, easyJet is adding multiple new destinations from Zurich airport, including Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, Faro, Edinburgh, and Olbia, Sardinia, from March 2025 onwards.