Switzerland Visa Reform: Changes to Schengen System

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Key Takeaways:

Switzerland is updating the Central Visa Information System (C-VIS) to enhance security and address visa policy challenges.
Key reforms include lowering the fingerprinting age for short-term visas and exempting those over 75 from fingerprinting.
Changes will integrate C-VIS with European systems like ETIAS, EES, and SIS, effective from 2026.

What Changes Are Coming to the Switzerland Visa Reform?

Switzerland has announced significant updates to the regulations for the Central Visa Information System (C VIS), aiming to tackle challenges in visa policy and border security. The Federal Council of Switzerland introduced these changes as part of wider efforts to reform the European electronic information systems. According to a recent report by Schengen.News, these amendments are now open for consultation until October 17, 2024.

Switzerland Visa Reform: Changes to Schengen System

What Are the Key Changes in the New Schengen System?

The amendments introduced by Switzerland are part of the ongoing development of the Schengen acquis, which includes a major overhaul of the visa information system. The new EU regulations were approved by the Swiss Parliament in December 2022 and will be implemented in various regulations.

What Is Switzerland’s Department of Justice and Police Doing?

Switzerland’s Department of Justice and Police stated that multiple ordinances should be updated to accommodate the new content of the C-VIS. According to the Department, the Ordinance on the Central Visa Information System and the National Visa System (VISV) will be revised to outline the main tasks for the future VIS unit of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

How Will the Reform Impact Visa and Border Regulation?

One major shift includes the disclosure of data to third countries or international organizations, particularly for counter-terrorism efforts. The consultation period for these amendments concludes on October 17, 2024, and the changes are expected to take effect in 2026, coinciding with new Swiss and European legal bases.

What Is the Role of Interoperability?

Once the changes are implemented, the C-VIS will be integrated with other European systems such as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), the Entry and Exit System (EES), and the Schengen Information System (SIS). This integration will facilitate better checks on individuals before they enter the Schengen area.

How Does the C-VIS Help Schengen States?

The Central Visa Information System is crucial for Schengen Member States, enabling visa, border, and migration authorities to verify necessary information on third-country nationals required to hold a visa. The system currently has data on individuals applying for short-stay visas valid for 90 days within a 180-day period.

What Are the New Requirements for Short-term Visa Applications?

In response to these new regulations, the minimum age for fingerprinting children applying for short-term visas will be lowered from 12 to six years. Additionally, people older than 75 will be exempted from fingerprinting requirements. The system will also start recording data on long-stay visas and various residence permits.

What Is the VIS and C-VIS System?

The VIS stands for the Visa Information System, a Europe-wide electronic information system facilitating Schengen Member States to share visa data. The C-VIS, in particular, contains data on visa applicants and outcomes, including visas that have been applied for, granted, cancelled, denied, revoked, or extended.

As per VisaVerge.com, the updated system aims to streamline and enhance the efficiency of visa and border security processes across Switzerland and other Schengen Member States.

Where to Find More Information?

For those looking to stay informed on the latest amendments and official announcements regarding Switzerland’s visa reforms and the Schengen system, the official Swiss government’s immigration link provides comprehensive and up-to-date information.

Official Swiss Immigration Information

In summary, the new regulations aim to improve the effectiveness and security of the visa processing systems in Switzerland and the broader Schengen area. By lowering the minimum fingerprinting age and granting exemptions to those over 75, the reforms also make the process more accessible for specific groups. Keep an eye on ongoing updates until October 17, 2024, when the consultation period ends, and prepare for the implementation of these changes in 2026.

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Glossary of Immigration Terms

Central Visa Information System (C-VIS): An electronic system used by Schengen Member States to share information on visa applications, including those granted, denied, or revoked, enhancing border security and visa policy management.
Schengen Acquis: A collection of EU laws, regulations, and agreements that govern visa policy, border control, and security within the Schengen Area, facilitating free movement across member states.
Ordinance on the Central Visa Information System (VISV): A Swiss legal regulation providing guidelines on the management and use of the Central Visa Information System, which is essential for processing visa applications.
Interoperability: The ability of the C-VIS to integrate and function seamlessly with other European information systems, such as ETIAS, EES, and SIS, to enhance the overall efficiency of border checks and visa management.
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM): The Swiss government agency responsible for immigration and integration policies, including overseeing the implementation and updating of visa and migration systems like C-VIS.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Switzerland will update its Central Visa Information System (C-VIS) to enhance visa policy and border security. Changes include lowered fingerprinting age to six and exemptions for those over 75. These reforms, scheduled for implementation by 2026, aim to improve efficiency and interoperability with other European systems.
— By VisaVerge.com

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