Switzerland’s Federal Council has announced changes to the Central Visa Information System (C-VIS) regulations, a crucial part of the European electronic information system. These amendments, now open for consultation, aim to address challenges in visa policy and border security.
Switzerland is updating its practices to align with the evolving Schengen acquis, which includes a major overhaul of the visa information system. The Swiss Parliament approved the adoption and implementation of these new EU regulations in December 2022, and the next step involves incorporating these changes into various national regulations.
Key Ordinance Revisions
The Swiss Department of Justice and Police stated that several ordinances need to be updated to reflect the new C-VIS content. Specifically, the Ordinance on the Central Visa Information System and the National Visa System (VISV) will be revised. These revisions will outline the main tasks of the future VIS unit within the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
Additional changes will include provisions for disclosing data to third countries or international organizations, particularly in the context of counter-terrorism efforts.
Consultation and Implementation Timeline
The consultation period for these ordinance amendments will run until October 17, 2024. The new regulations are expected to take effect in 2026, in line with both Swiss and European legal frameworks.
Once implemented, C-VIS will be integrated with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), the Entry and Exit System (EES), and the Schengen Information System (SIS). This integration will enhance the ability to conduct thorough checks on individuals before they enter the Schengen area.
Enhancing Visa Data Exchange
C-VIS plays a vital role in enabling Schengen States to exchange visa data. It allows visa, border, asylum, and migration authorities to verify necessary information on third-country nationals requiring visas. Currently, C-VIS holds data on applicants for short-stay visas valid for 90 days within a 180-day period.
Future updates to the system will reduce the minimum age for fingerprinting children applying for short-term visas from 12 to six years, while individuals over 75 will be exempt from this requirement. Additionally, the system will begin recording data on long-stay visas and various residence permits.
By facilitating the exchange of visa data, C-VIS helps Schengen Member States manage information on visa applicants and the statuses of their visa applications, including approvals, cancellations, denials, revocations, or extensions.