What are the Swiss border checkpoints most susceptible to inspections during the summer season?

What are the Swiss border checkpoints most susceptible to inspections during the summer season?

Travelers planning to visit Switzerland should be aware of changes to border controls that may impact their journey, as the country reopens its borders with France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein following pandemic-related closures.

1. Current Border Controls

While the Schengen Agreement's principle of open internal borders is in place, some countries have reinstated controls for security reasons. Germany has reinstated checks on its borders, including with Switzerland, since September 2024, focusing on combating illegal migration and smuggling. France continues border checks with neighbors, primarily due to terrorism concerns and events [1].

1. New EU Electronic Border System (EES)

From October 12, 2025, the EU will implement an Entry-Exit System (EES) that requires biometric data collection (fingerprints, photos) from third-country nationals at Schengen borders, including Switzerland’s borders with France, Germany, Italy, and Austria [3][4]. This system aims to enhance security and monitor visa overstays but is expected to increase processing time at border controls, potentially causing delays [4].

1. Impact on Travel Time

Due to the longstanding reinstatement of controls and the upcoming EES system, travelers at Switzerland’s borders with Germany and France may encounter ongoing identity checks and document controls, leading to delays [1]. The EES system will add time to border crossings for non-EU nationals (including many tourists) through biometric scanning and data checks, which may cause queues, especially during peak travel seasons [4].

It is essential to note that there are currently no reports of exceptional delays at Switzerland’s smaller borders with Liechtenstein, a microstate within the Schengen area without internal border controls [1].

1. General Advice

Given the potential for delays, it is recommended to be prepared for potential traffic slowdowns and bottlenecks at any border. Always carry a valid ID card or passport when traveling [5]. If stopped for a check, a vehicle should have a 'CH sticker' when leaving Switzerland [6].

In summary, while normal travel conditions generally resumed since June 2025 at Switzerland’s Schengen borders, security-driven border controls by Germany and France continue until at least mid-September 2025, causing some delays. From October 12, 2025, travelers crossing any Swiss border with these countries should anticipate additional processing time due to the EU’s biometric Entry-Exit System implementation [1][2][3][4].

References:

[1] European Commission. (2025). EU-Switzerland Border Control Measures

[2] Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. (2025). Travel to Switzerland during COVID-19

[3] European Commission. (2025). EU Entry-Exit System (EES)

[4] European Parliament. (2025). Report on the EU Entry-Exit System (EES)

[5] Swiss Federal Office of Justice. (2022). Travel ID Requirements

[6] Swiss Federal Office of Transport. (2022). Vehicle Stickers

1. Travelers visiting Switzerland may experience delays when crossing borders with Germany and France due to ongoing identity checks and document controls, including the implementation of the EU's biometric Entry-Exit System (EES) from October 12, 2025.
2. To maintain a smoother lifestyle during travel, it is advisable to factor in additional time for border controls at Switzerland's borders with Germany and France, particularly during peak travel seasons, as a result of ongoing security measures and the upcoming EES system.

Read also: