Switzerland News Summary for Today: Updates on Current Events as of Wednesday:
UK Travel Update: ETA Now Mandatory for More Travelers
From April 2nd, 2025, travelers visiting the UK will need to shell out a bit extra - a digital ETA, costing 10 pounds, equivalent to 11.20 francs. Initially introduced for non-EU citizens, the ETA will now apply to folks with EU or EFTA (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) passports as well.
The ETA is essential for vacations, brief trips, family holidays - you name it! However, those in transit, changing flights, are exempt. Apply for your ETA here.
Curious about British-Swiss travelers? Check out this piece to learn more.
On a distinct note, Zurich has shown resistance towards eliminating "racist cultural assets" from its domain. Discussions about removal of statues of figures like Auguste Forel and Alfred Escher, who shared xenophobic views, have been met with negation by the Cantonal Council. Although acknowledging the need for scrutiny of cultural assets, the council discourages the blanket eradication of potentially controversial cultural artifacts.
In related news, a substantial number of parties, cantons, and civil associations advocate banning Nazi symbols in public spaces in Switzerland. The proposition includes a ban on the swastika, Hitler salute, and numerical codes like "18" and "88," symbolizing Adolf Hitler or “Heil Hitler.” The context will determine if such symbols are penalized, with exceptions proposed for educational, artistic, scientific, and journalistic purposes.
As for Switzerland's first cannabis test project, the "Weed Care" study in Basel-City, the results have been encouraging. Contrary to fears, none of the participants reported increased consumption days or amounts, despite legal access. Furthermore, positive effects on participants' mental health have been observed, with reduced addictive behavior and symptoms of depression and anxiety. These findings, combined with the results from ongoing pilot projects in Switzerland, will help shape a responsible cannabis policy.
Got questions about Swiss life, article ideas, or news tips for The Local? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at news@our website!
[1] https://www.gov.uk/apply-eta/eligibility[2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/moving-eu/residence/your-rights-resident/uk-residence-document-card_en[3] https://www.gov.uk/uk-national-identity-document-for-eu-citizens[5] https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/31/europe/uk-eu-settlement-scheme-explainer/index.html
- Regardless of EU or EFTA (Swiss, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) passports, travelers visiting the UK from April 2nd, 2025, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), as it will be mandatory for all.
- Switzerland-based readers planning a trip to the UK should apply for their ETA through the provided link.
- Intriguingly, while Zurich has opposed removing controversial cultural assets, some Swiss parties, cantons, and civil associations are calling for a ban on Nazi symbols in public spaces.
- health-and-wellness professionals and lifestyle enthusiasts may find the recent Swiss Weed Care study outcome insightful, where participants showed no increased consumption and observed mental health improvements with legal cannabis access.
- For general-news updates, life-in-Switzerland articles, or news tips for The Local, feel free to contact us at news@our website. [Link to website provided]
