Switzerland, following a decision by the European Council, has approved new regulations concerning the suspension of the visa-free regime for foreign citizens.

This is reported by "European Truth" citing the Swiss government.

On November 17, the European Union approved an amendment to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 regarding the mechanism for temporarily suspending the visa-free regime for short-term trips to the Schengen area.

"Under the Association Agreement with Schengen, Switzerland has decided to adopt an amendment to the EU regulation aimed at restoring visa requirements for third countries under specific circumstances, such as exceeding migration thresholds or threats to public order and security," the Swiss government stated.

The EU informed Switzerland about this amendment as part of the ongoing development of Schengen legislation. The amendment adjusts the thresholds for activating the mechanism and introduces new grounds for restoring the visa regime.

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

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

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