Breakfast Show 6:30am - 10:00am

Listen Live

Search

New biometric card is coming

Thursday, 27 August 2026 06:35

Switzerland is rolling out its first biometric identity card, with applications opening from 2 October

Like the biometric passport, the new card carries a chip with a facial image and two fingerprints — a step the Federal Council says will strengthen protection against fraud.

The change matters for anyone crossing into the EU: Brussels has issued only biometric ID cards since 2021, and Swiss non-biometric cards will remain valid for EU travel only until they expire.

Fees stay unchanged, and citizens can still choose the non-biometric version if they only travel inside Switzerland.

Applications will go through cantonal ID offices or Swiss representations abroad.

 

Share

More from Bitesize News

  • Debate within SVP

    Cracks are showing inside the SVP over Christoph Blocher's neutrality initiative, ahead of the 27 September vote

  • Police warning in Jura

    Jura police are warning young adults about a car-leasing scam that could leave them facing heavy financial and criminal consequences

  • Raiffeisen job cuts

    Raiffeisen has announced it will cut up to 180 jobs next year, even as the bank posts one of its strongest half-year results.

  • SBB slow down new projects

    Switzerland's rail operator will now prioritise maintaining its existing network over building new lines, its new president André Wyss has said

  • Mixed weather conditions for the weekend

    Switzerland is heading into a mixed few days, with Saharan dust returning and thunderstorms sweeping in later today

  • Popular Geneva festival now underway

    Geneva's La Bâtie festival opened its 50th edition yesterday with three weeks of theatre, dance, circus and music across venues around the city

Follow WRS

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play