Switzerland and the United Kingdom have officially concluded negotiations for a new, expansive free trade agreement, according to an announcement from Bern on Monday. This deal is designed to move beyond the existing status quo, establishing a modern and comprehensive foundation for bilateral economic relations between the two non-EU nations.
Economic projections suggest the agreement will provide an additional £5.2 billion, or approximately 5.64 billion francs, in annual UK services exports to Switzerland. The Swiss economic affairs ministry emphasized that the pact modernizes the bilateral legal framework, specifically targeting improvements in digital trade, investment, and the mobility of service providers.
For travelers, the agreement promises significant changes. A UK government document indicates that Switzerland intends to allow UK nationals to use eGates at its borders to align with Schengen requirements. Travelers can expect to use eGates for exiting Zurich Airport as early as the end of 2026, with plans currently underway to expand entry via eGates at Zurich, Geneva, and Basel airports in the near future.
The deal also aims to simplify business travel. UK service professionals will gain the ability to provide services in Switzerland visa-free for up to 90 days annually. Furthermore, UK businesses will be permitted to transfer staff to Swiss offices for up to five years, exempt from stringent economic needs tests. Reporting in the Guardian, however, states that UK government sources confirmed that a "youth mobility [scheme] was not discussed as part of the agreement."
Additionally, the agreement seeks to eliminate mobile roaming costs for travelers. Crucially for UK travellers visiting Switzerland, expensive roaming costs for mobile use abroad will be removed. The UK and Switzerland intend to implement surcharge-free international mobile roaming, allowing tourists and business travelers to utilize their regular phone contracts without incurring extra charges while in Switzerland.
Here are the main takeaways to know about.
The FTA also focuses specifically on business travellers and easing worker movement.
