Politics · Switzerland · 15 hrs ago
Switzerland makes biometric identity cards available, with a non-biometric option
From 2 November 2026, new Swiss identity cards can include biometric data stored on a chip.
The chip holds two fingerprints and a facial image, and the Federal Office of Police says it makes the card harder to alter or forge.
People can still choose a card without biometrics, and both versions cost the same.
Applications are available through cantonal passport offices, Swiss representatives abroad and online, but applicants must appear in person to have biometric data recorded.
The police office recommends the biometric card for travel within the European Union, while a non-biometric card is enough to show for identification within Switzerland.
Cards already in use remain valid until they expire, and the provisional passport has been renamed the emergency passport.
Switzerland began offering biometric identity cards on November 2, 2026, while keeping a non-biometric option available.
The new cards store two fingerprints and a facial image on a chip.
The Federal Office of Police says the chip makes the cards harder to manipulate or forge.
Applications can be made at cantonal passport offices, Swiss representations abroad or online, but biometric data must be collected in person.
Existing identity cards remain valid until their expiry date.
- Who
- Swiss residents applying for a new identity card.
- What
- Switzerland began issuing biometric identity cards, with a non-biometric option still available.
- When
- November 2, 2026.
- Where
- In Switzerland and at Swiss representations abroad; applications can also be made online.
- Why
- The Federal Office of Police says the biometric card is better protected against manipulation and forgery and meets European standards.
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- Biometric data
- Two fingerprints and a facial image
- Start date
- November 2, 2026
- Application locations
- Cantonal passport offices, Swiss representations abroad and online
- Non-biometric option
- Available on request
- Existing cards
- Remain valid until their expiry date
What people are saying
entspricht den europäischen Standards und ist eine zukunftsorientierte Lösung für Reisen in die Europäische Union