Switzerland will fully apply the provisions of the Schengen Acquis

Dec 12, 2008

Switzerland will fully apply the provisions of the Schengen Acquis starting on 12 December 2008. As of this date, foreigners residing in Switzerland who are subject to visa requirements will be allowed to enter Germany and other states applying the Schengen Agreement for short stays of up to three months with their passport and Swiss residence permit; no further visa is required. Passport checks at airports are scheduled to be removed on 29 March 2009.

Beginning on 12 December 2008, Schengen visas issued even before that date by other coun­tries will also entitle the holder to enter Switzerland. Switzerland itself will only begin issuing Schengen visas, which enable entry into other Schengen states, on 12 December 2008.

Switzerland to Join Schengen Area

Hand with paper notes, (c) picture-alliance/newscom