What's Changing for Expats in Switzerland in April 2026: 8 Things You Need to Know

April is here, and Switzerland has a packed calendar of regulatory changes, travel disruptions, and new rules that will affect your daily life. Whether you just arrived or you've been here for years, this monthly roundup covers everything from delayed biometric border controls to airport closures, telecom price hikes, and a nationwide pyrotechnics ban born from tragedy.

Bookmark this page — we'll keep doing these monthly updates so you're never caught off guard.

1. Schengen EES Biometric Border Controls: Delayed to September

If you've been anxiously preparing for the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) — the biometric border checks that were supposed to go fully live on April 10 — take a breath. The EU has officially postponed mandatory, 100% implementation to September 2026.

The EES is an automated IT system that will register non-EU nationals' biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) every time they cross a Schengen external border. Although Switzerland isn't an EU member, it's bound by the Schengen acquis and must deploy the same technology on the same timeline.

What this means for you

If you're a non-EU/EFTA national (American, British, Canadian, etc.) traveling in and out of Switzerland, the full biometric registration at airports and land borders won't be enforced until September. However, some border crossing points have already begun voluntary early registration, so don't be surprised if you're asked to provide fingerprints at Zurich, Geneva, or a land crossing.

If you hold an EU/EFTA passport or a Swiss residence permit (B, C, L, G), EES doesn't apply to you — it's designed for short-stay visitors. Not sure which permit applies to your situation? Check your permit eligibility with our free tool.

Why the delay?

Swiss airports — particularly Zurich, Geneva, and Basel-Mulhouse — lobbied hard for this reprieve. The concern was that mandatory biometric checks during the summer travel peak would create enormous queues. The five-month extension gives airports time to install additional kiosks and train staff before the September go-live.

2. Basel EuroAirport: 60% of Flights Cancelled (April 15 – May 20)

This is the big one for anyone in the Basel/Tri-border region. Starting April 15, EuroAirport (BSL/MLH/EAP) will close its main runway (15/33) for a major refurbishment that will last until May 20, 2026.

During this period, operations will shift to the secondary crosswind runway (07/25), which is only 1,715 meters long — far too short for most commercial aircraft. The result: approximately 60% of all flights will be cancelled, and the airport will serve only 29 destinations instead of the usual 110.

What's still operating?

easyJet plans to maintain around 25 flights per day using the shorter runway, weather permitting. Most other airlines — including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Wizz Air — are expected to completely suspend operations at EuroAirport during this window.

What should you do?

If you're planning spring travel, route through Zurich or Geneva instead. The SBB Basel–Zurich Airport direct train takes about 80 minutes, and there's a direct ICE to Frankfurt Airport as well.

3. Swisscom Price Increases (From April 1)

As of April 1, Swisscom has raised subscription prices across the board:

The increases apply to both new and existing customers under the Swisscom brand. However, they do not affect prepaid products, data-only SIMs, or kids' mobile subscriptions.

Why the increase?

Swisscom says it invested approximately CHF 1.7 billion in network infrastructure in 2025 — including fibre optic and 5G expansion — and needs the revenue adjustment to sustain quality.

Your options

If you don't agree with the new prices, you have a special termination right — you can exit your contract early without penalty. Reports indicate that many customers are already exercising this right, creating above-normal cancellation queues and porting delays as people switch to competitors like Sunrise, Salt, or budget MVNOs.

Tip: If you're considering switching, compare plans on comparis.ch or moneyland.ch — Swiss comparison platforms that show the actual monthly cost including all fees. Wondering how telecom costs fit into your overall Swiss budget? Estimate your monthly expenses with our cost of living calculator.

4. Nationwide Ban on Indoor Pyrotechnics (From April 1)

Starting April 1, it is illegal to light pyrotechnic devices in any enclosed space open to the public throughout Switzerland. This includes sparklers, smoke balls, flares, and those champagne-bottle sparklers popular in bars and nightclubs.

Why now?

This ban is a direct response to the devastating Crans-Montana fire on New Year's Eve 2025, when sparklers in champagne bottles ignited a blaze in a bar that killed 40 people and injured many more. The Intercantonal Authority for Technical Obstacles to Trade (AIET) enacted this as an emergency measure while more comprehensive fire safety regulations are being prepared (expected by autumn 2027).

What's still allowed?

Outdoor fireworks that already require permits remain legal. The ban specifically targets smaller, consumer-grade pyrotechnic articles used in entertainment and hospitality settings. If you run a bar, restaurant, or event venue, make sure your staff knows — violations could mean serious liability.

5. Russian LNG Import Ban (From April 25)

From April 25, 2026, Switzerland implements a complete ban on the purchase and import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). This aligns Switzerland with the EU's 19th sanctions package against Russia.

What does this mean for everyday life?

For most expats, the direct impact is minimal. Switzerland was never a major importer of Russian LNG. However, the measure signals continued alignment with EU sanctions and may have marginal effects on energy prices over time. A transitional period until the end of 2026 applies to existing long-term LNG contracts.

The Federal Council also introduced associated measures, including a ban on transactions with certain rouble-based crypto assets.

6. Dog Leash Rules in Zurich Forests (April 1 – July 31)

If you're a dog owner in Canton Zurich, the annual leash season has started. From April 1 through July 31, all dogs must be kept on a leash in forests and within 50 meters of forest edges. This protects wild animals during their breeding and nesting season.

The fine for non-compliance is CHF 60 — enforced by forest rangers and municipal police. This rule applies across the entire Canton of Zurich, and similar seasonal restrictions exist in many other cantons (check your local Gemeinde regulations).

Tip for new arrivals

Switzerland takes animal welfare and nature protection seriously. Even outside the leash period, many parks and recreation areas in cities like Zurich, Bern, and Geneva have designated off-leash zones. When in doubt, keep your dog leashed.

7. Domestic Violence Emergency Hotline (From May 1)

Looking slightly ahead: from May 1, 2026, Switzerland will launch a national emergency hotline for domestic violence victims. This is a significant step in the country's efforts to provide better support infrastructure for people experiencing abuse.

Details on the exact number and available languages are expected to be published soon. For expats who may face additional barriers — language, unfamiliarity with the system, isolation from family — this is an important resource to keep on your radar.

8. Quick Hits: Other Things to Know

A few additional items that may affect your April:

Construction and road works: Spring in Switzerland means construction season officially begins. Expect increased traffic disruptions, particularly on major routes like the A1 (Zurich–Bern) and around Basel.

13th AHV pension: If you're retired and receiving AHV/OASI, the first-ever 13th pension payment is being distributed throughout 2026. Check your bank statements to confirm you've received the additional monthly amount.

Stellenmeldepflicht expansion: Since January 2026, the job reporting requirement now covers 10.8% of the workforce (up from 6.5%). Newly covered professions include sales and marketing managers, graphic designers, and event planners. If you work in these fields, your employer may need to register vacancies with the RAV before advertising them publicly. Check how these changes affect your permit type.

Key Takeaways

The biggest disruption this April is the Basel EuroAirport closure — if you live in the tri-border region, plan your travel now. The Swisscom price increase is irritating but manageable, and the EES delay is good news if you were worried about long border queues this summer. The pyrotechnics ban reflects Switzerland's swift regulatory response to the Crans-Montana tragedy, and the Russian LNG ban keeps Switzerland aligned with broader European sanctions.

More broadly, April 2026 is a reminder that Switzerland's regulatory environment moves fast. Monthly updates like these are worth following so you're never surprised by a new rule, a price change, or a travel disruption.

Need help navigating Switzerland's permit system or estimating your tax burden? Explore our free permit checker and tax estimator, or browse our downloadable relocation templates.

Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always check official cantonal and federal sources for the most current regulations affecting your situation.

FAQ

Is the Schengen EES biometric system active at Swiss airports in April 2026?

No. While some border crossing points have begun voluntary early registration, the EU postponed mandatory full implementation from April 10 to September 2026. If you hold a Swiss residence permit (B, C, L, or G), EES does not apply to you regardless — it only affects non-EU short-stay visitors.

How long is Basel EuroAirport's runway closed, and what are my alternatives?

The main runway is closed from April 15 to May 20, 2026, for refurbishment. Around 60% of flights are cancelled. easyJet will operate limited flights on the secondary runway. Your best alternatives are Zurich Airport (~80 min by train from Basel) or Geneva Airport. The SBB rail network is unaffected.

Can Swisscom customers cancel their contracts due to the April price increase?

Yes. Under Swiss law, when a provider raises prices, customers have a special termination right allowing them to exit their contract early without penalty. Contact Swisscom directly or initiate the cancellation through their website. Be aware of potential delays due to high demand.

What exactly is banned under the new pyrotechnics law?

From April 1, 2026, all pyrotechnic articles — including sparklers, smoke balls, and flares — are prohibited in enclosed public spaces such as bars, restaurants, clubs, and event venues throughout Switzerland. Outdoor fireworks requiring existing permits are not affected by this ban.

Does the Russian LNG ban affect energy prices in Switzerland?

The direct impact is expected to be minimal for most households. Switzerland was not a significant importer of Russian LNG. However, the ban — effective April 25, 2026 — is part of Switzerland's broader alignment with EU sanctions and could contribute to marginal long-term adjustments in European energy markets.

Sources

• April 2026: 6 things affecting expats in Switzerland — IamExpat
• EES Implementation — Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
• EU pushes full EES rollout to September 2026 — VisaHQ
• Flight schedule for runway refurbishment — EuroAirport
• 60% of Basel EuroAirport flights cancelled — IamExpat
• Price adjustments from April 2026 — Swisscom
• Swisscom hikes plan prices by up to 6.4% — Moneyland
• Switzerland to ban bottle sparklers in public indoor venues — Le News
• Switzerland to ban Russian LNG imports — SWI swissinfo.ch
• What's changing in Switzerland in April 2026 — Blue News
• Switzerland in 2026: Major changes you need to know about — IamExpat
• Quotas for foreigners in 2026 — Fragomen