Switzerland, following the decision of the EU Council, has also approved updates to the mechanism for suspending the visa-free regime for citizens of third countries.

This information was shared by the Swiss government, as reported by various media.

On November 17, the European Union approved an amendment to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 regarding the temporary suspension mechanism for visa-free travel to the Schengen area.

“As part of the agreement with the Schengen area, Switzerland has decided to adopt the amendment to the EU regulation aimed at restoring visa requirements for third countries under certain circumstances, such as exceeding migration thresholds, threats to public order and security, or violations of human rights,” the Swiss government stated.

The EU has informed Switzerland about this amendment as a further development of Schengen legislation. The amendment adjusts the thresholds for activating the mechanism and introduces new grounds for reinstating visa requirements for crossing the external borders of Schengen states.

On December 5, the Federal Council of Switzerland approved this transfer of European legislation, which requires amendments to the Entry and Visa Regulation (EGVO). This amendment will come into effect on December 17, 2025.

Currently, the EU has suspended the visa-free regime for only one country – Vanuatu.

At present, the European Union is considering the option of suspending the visa-free regime for Georgia to pressure the Georgian authorities, which have taken an anti-democratic course.