Today in Switzerland: Latest news summary for Tuesday
In the realm of international travel, Swiss passport holders now face visa requirements for Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Pakistan. This change, effective as of 2025, has led to a drop in the number of visa-free destinations for Swiss citizens, with the passport ranking fifth in the world's most 'powerful' passports, according to Henley & Partners consultancy.
The new visa requirements for these countries are a result of changes in global travel policies and do not reflect on the safety or political climate of the destinations.
Swiss Postal Service Proposal Stirs Controversy
In domestic news, a radical reform of Switzerland's postal service has been proposed by the 'Avenir Suisse' think-tank. If approved by the Swiss parliament, the proposal would limit the universal service to B mail, with delivery by postmen at least twice a week. Delivery of A mail would become a 'premium' service outside the universal service.
This proposal has sparked controversy, with some MPs seeing it as an attack on public services and the basic needs of mountain and rural populations. Deputy David Roth argues that the proposal would dismantle public service to the population and limit the postal service in unprofitable areas.
Nicotine Pouches: A Growing Concern Among Young People
In health-related news, the Swiss Working Group for Tobacco Prevention managing director, Luciano Ruggia, has noted a boom in the use of nicotine pouches among young people in Switzerland. Despite not containing tobacco, these pouches are pure nicotine, according to Ruggia.
While the Tobacco Products Act in Switzerland prohibits sales of such products to minors, online trade makes it easy for many young people to still obtain them. These pouches have a higher nicotine content than regular cigarettes and can put a strain on oral health and the stomach. A connection with cancer or cardiovascular disease cannot be ruled out, though not sufficiently researched yet.
Landslide Threatens Oeschinen Lake Region
Heavy rainfall has caused a landslide threat in the Oeschinen Lake region in Bernese Oberland. Part of the region is closed to hikers, including the popular tourist spot, the Oeschinensee. The hazard levels range from "considerable" to "moderate" in the threatened area.
For updates and travel advisories for visitors planning to visit this area, the Kandersteg municipal website provides relevant information.
Swiss Passport Holders' Visa Requirements
- Burkina Faso: Swiss citizens need a visa ahead of travel, as there is no indication of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for Swiss passport holders. Additionally, an International Certificate of Vaccination is required for all incoming passengers older than nine months to one year.
- Mauritania: Visa requirements for Swiss passport holders are not explicitly stated as visa-free or visa-on-arrival; however, Mauritania grants visa-free access only to holders of diplomatic passports from any country, and otherwise a visa is required. Vaccination requirements apply if coming from infected areas or countries.
- Pakistan: There is no specific information in the search results about visa-free or visa-on-arrival for Swiss passport holders in Pakistan. Generally, Pakistan requires a visa obtained in advance, although it also offers eVisa facilities for many nationalities, but Swiss citizen's eligibility is not confirmed by the search results.
In summary, Swiss passport holders will likely need to obtain a visa before traveling to Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Pakistan. Vaccination certificates are required for entry into Burkina Faso and possibly Mauritania depending on travel history. No evidence suggests visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges for these countries from Switzerland according to the current 2025 data.
- In the health and wellness sector, the surge in the use of nicotine pouches among young people in Switzerland raises concerns about their impact on oral health and the stomach, as these pouches, though not containing tobacco, are pure nicotine.
- For those planning a global lifestyle, it is essential to consider that as of 2025, Swiss passport holders will need a visa to travel to Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Pakistan, where visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges are not evident according to current data.
