Global mobility and HR update
Our newsletter provides you with concise information on HR and Global Mobility news and developments in the areas of tax, social security, payroll, labour law and immigration.
Status update: Introduction of EES and ETIAS in Switzerland (as of February 2026)
In our last GMS and HR update, we already informed you about the planned introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES). EES has now been successfully introduced at the larger Swiss airports (including Zurich and Geneva). The system electronically records the entry and exit of third-country nationals, facilitates border controls and improves the traceability of lengths of stay.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to be introduced in the last quarter of 2026, i.e. between October and December 2026.
Its introduction has been postponed several times. This was due to technical delays with the new EU border system EES (Entry/Exit System), which will not start until October 2025 and must be fully operational by April 2026.
ETIAS affects people from visa-free third countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia) who wish to stay in Switzerland or the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days (for business or private purposes).
When will ETIAS become mandatory?
After ETIAS is introduced in the last quarter of 2026, it is assumed that there will be a two-phase transition period before ETIAS becomes fully mandatory.
1. Transitional period – approx. 6 months
During this phase:
- ETIAS will already exist.
- Travellers can apply for ETIAS, but are not yet required to do so.
- People with or without ETIAS can enter at the border.
- However, authorities recommend using ETIAS already.
2. Grace period – approximately 6 more months
During this phase:
- ETIAS will become mandatory.
- However, individuals who do not yet have ETIAS may still be allowed to enter in many cases if they can demonstrate that they were not aware of the new system or have not yet had the opportunity to register.
When will ETIAS become fully mandatory?
After the transitional period (6 months) + grace period (6 months), ETIAS will become strictly mandatory, i.e.:
- No entry into the Schengen area without ETIAS.
- Expected to be strictly enforced from autumn 2027.
Brief explanation
| Phase | Duration | What does this mean? |
| Transitional period | Approximately 6 months | ETIAS optional – system already up and running, but not yet mandatory |
| Grace period | Approximately 6 months | ETIAS becomes mandatory, but with "leniency" – entry without ETIAS still possible in individual cases |
| After | Permanent | ETIAS 100% mandatory – expected from autumn 2027 |
Procedure and costs:
- The application is made online before departure.
- Required information: Travel dates, passport information, background questions.
- The fees will be around 20 euros.
- Once approved, the travel authorisation is valid for up to 3 years (or until the travel documents expire).
- EU/EFTA citizens are still exempt from ETIAS.
Brief summary for HR and GMS teams:
- Introduction in Switzerland/Schengen: Q4 2026
- Mandatory: April 2027 at the earliest, fully implemented from autumn 2027
- Cost: EUR 20
Next steps – our recommendation:
- Inform affected employees about the new procedures at an early stage.
- Start using ETIAS as soon as possible after its introduction to get used to the new system.
- Stay up to date with our GMS & HR Update on the definitive introduction.
Please note:
Numerous websites are already offering ETIAS "applications", these are fraudulent, applications can only be submitted once the EU has activated the system.
Author: Gordana Muggler
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