Switzerland Arrival Card: Entry Requirements & EES

This is an important news for travellers as they need to know that they are required to fill the arrival card before they entering a country.

But for Switzerland, the general arrival card is being replaced with Entry/Exit System (EES) at the Schengen border.

For travellers from Singapore and other visa-exempt countries, there is another upcoming system to be aware of: ETIAS.

ETIAS is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026, although the exact launch date has not yet been announced.

Is There a Switzerland Arrival Card?

No, the general of arrival card or passport stamping has been replaced with Entry/Exit System (EES) since April 2026.

It records the travellers' entry and exit information include passport details and biometric data.

This system apply to non-EU nationals who are travelling for short stays up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

This means if you are flying from Singapore to Schengen countries, you may need to complete the EES when you first cross the external Shengen border.

The European Commission says travellers may be able to pre-register their information within 72 hours before entering.

The EES records:

• Passport and travel documents details
• Name and other personal information
• Facial image
• Fingerprints
• Date and place of entry and exit

Switzerland Arrival Card vs EES

Who Needs to Register With EES?

For those tourists of non-EU nationals that travelling to Schengen area for a short stay, it is required to fill in the Entry/Exit System.

But there are specific exemptions for travellers with residence permits, long stay visas or certain family member residence cards should check the applicable rules.

What Happens at Swiss Border Control?

Step 1: Present Your Passport and Fill in Personal Details

Step 2: Facial Image captured and Provide Fingerprints

Step 3: Your Entry Details Recorded Digitally

Step 4: Proceed to The Passport Control Once Border Officer Completes The Task

Switzerland Arrival Card and ETIAS: What's the Difference?

The ETIAS also a part of Europe's new digital travel systems that will be fully operated late 2026.

Final Thoughts

For Singapore travellers. apart from complete Entry/Exit System (EES), you can also watching ETIAS, which is scheduled to start in last quarter of 2026.

Unlike EES, ETIAS will require eligible visa-exempt travellers to obtain travel authorisation before travelling

Before flying, check the latest Swiss and European entry requirements, keep your passport and travel documents ready, and allow enough time for border processing.