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Switzerland Proposes Digitalisation of Accommodation Registration System for Foreign Guests

🇨🇭 SwitzerlandEntry Rules1 recorded versionLast change 26 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The accommodation registration system for foreign guests is to be digitalised nationwide. Accommodation providers will be able to transmit reports electronically and without the guest's signature. In such cases, providers must verify that the guest's data matches the identification document presented. The digital solution will be implemented on the EasyGov platform, but cantons with existing well-functioning digital systems can continue to use them.

Overview

Effective 3 April 2026, Switzerland will require Georgian diplomatic, official, and service passport holders to obtain a visa for entry. This temporary measure, lasting 12 months, aligns with a European Union decision to reinforce its visa suspension mechanism. The move constitutes an adaptation of the Schengen acquis, which Switzerland is bound to adopt.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Foreign nationals staying in commercial accommodation in Switzerland
  • Hotels and other commercial accommodation providers
  • Accommodation providers that currently use paper-based foreign-guest registration
  • Cantonal authorities responsible for implementing the foreign-guest reporting requirement
  • Police and other authorities that rely on accommodation registration information
  • Commercial accommodation providers using online booking platforms where the foreign-guest reporting obligation applies

What changed in the latest version

Before

Businesses offering accommodation filled out a paper registration form for foreign guests. The guest signed this form. The business then sent the form to the relevant local government office, called a cantonal authority. Businesses had to keep these paper forms.

After

The system for registering foreign guests at places to stay will become digital across the country. Accommodation businesses will be able to send reports using computers. They will not need the guest's signature. If they do not get a signature, businesses must check that the guest's details match their identification document. The digital system will be available on the EasyGov platform. However, local government areas, called cantons, that already have digital systems that work well can keep using them.

This change in policy will greatly affect the office work for businesses that offer accommodation in Switzerland. It will move from a paper system to a digital one. Businesses will need to change how they check guests in so they can send reports using computers. They will also need to create ways to check guest details against identification documents when guests do not sign forms. No longer needing to keep paper forms will save storage space. It will also reduce the work involved. For foreign guests, checking in should become simpler and possibly quicker because it is digital. Local government offices, called cantonal authorities, and the police will find it easier to collect and send data. This should help them find wanted or missing people more easily. However, it will mean a change in how they manage and access data.

Explained simply

Imagine you're staying at a hotel in Switzerland. Usually, you have to fill out a paper form and sign it to tell the authorities you're there. Switzerland wants to make this easier, like a digital check-in. So, instead of paper, the hotel will be able to send your details online. You won't have to sign a paper form, but the hotel will still need to check your ID to make sure your details are correct. This will make checking in quicker and less hassle for both you and the hotel.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v2Issued 26 Aug 2026ConsultationMedium impact
    Switzerland Proposes Digitalisation of Accommodation Registration System for Foreign Guests

    The Federal Council of Switzerland has started a public consultation. This consultation is about changing the Ordinance on Admission, Residence and Employment (VZAE). The change aims to make the system for registering foreign guests at places to stay digital across the country. At the moment, businesses that offer accommodation use paper forms. Guests sign these forms. The businesses then send the forms by hand to local government offices, called cantonal authorities. The suggested change will let businesses send these reports using computers. They might not need a guest's signature, but only if they check the guest's details against their identification document. This plan aims to cut down on office work and make checking in easier. The digital system will be available on the EasyGov platform for local government areas that do not already have digital systems. The consultation for this change finishes on 27 November 2026.

Timeline

  1. Announced

    26 Aug 2026

    The Swiss Federal Council has opened a consultation on an amendment to the Ordinance on Admission, Residence and Employment (VZAE) to digitalise the accommodation registration system across Switzerland. This change aims to simplify the collection and transmission of foreign guest data, enabling electronic reporting by accommodation providers without requiring a guest's physical signature. The cons

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