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.
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