The Swiss government decided on Friday to stop issuing facilitated visas for Russian nationals. This brings Swiss visa rules in line with the European Union.
At its meeting on September 16, the Federal Council (executive body) agreed to suspend completely its fast-track visa agreement with Russia. The suspension of the agreement does not mean a general visa freeze for Russians but rather they will need to use the ordinary visa procedure to enter Switzerland.
This follows the EU’s decision on September 9 to suspend its agreement on facilitated visas with the Russian Federation in light of the invasion of Ukraine.