Switzerland will offer biometric ID cards from November

Swiss public broadcaster SRF reports that Swiss citizens will be able to apply for a new biometric identity card from the beginning of November.

The card will contain a chip with two fingerprints and a facial image, like the Swiss passport. The Swiss Federal Council recommends the biometric version for travel to the European Union, while the current chipless identity card will remain valid until its expiry date.

The new card is intended to provide better protection against misuse and ensure that Swiss citizens can continue to travel freely in the EU. EU member states have issued only biometric identity cards for security reasons since 2021.

People with a valid non-biometric identity card can continue to use it for unrestricted travel in the EU until it expires. Those renewing their card or applying for one for the first time are advised to choose the biometric version if they travel to the EU. Anyone who uses the card only as identification in Switzerland can continue to choose a non-biometric card, which the Federal Council says is sufficient.

The biometric card will be available exclusively from the responsible cantonal offices and Swiss representations abroad. As before, non-chip identity cards will also be available from municipalities in some cantons.

The biometric identity card should not be confused with the electronic proof of identity, known as the E-ID. The E-ID is not a travel document but is used for identification in the digital world.