Message from the British Embassy, Bern
As we look ahead to the summer months, we would like to share a few updates of interest, including an important change for travel to the UK, a key date in the Embassy calendar, and our continued engagement across the cantons.
If you are planning to travel to the UK in the coming months, please be aware of the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement. Since February 2026, most visitors to the UK, including Swiss nationals, will require a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Travellers without an ETA will not be permitted to board or enter the UK. Full information is available at: www.gov.uk/eta. Please note that British or Irish dual nationals cannot use an ETA and must travel using a valid UK or Irish passport, unless they hold another non British passport with a Certificate of Entitlement. Travellers are advised to ensure they have the correct documentation well in advance of their trip to avoid refusal of boarding or entry. Further guidance for British or Irish dual nationals can be found at: www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel- authorisation-eta-guide-for-dual-citizens
June will once again see us mark the Official Birthday of His Majesty The King, with the British Embassy’s King’s Birthday Party taking place in Berne. This annual celebration brings together partners and friends from across Switzerland and reflects the depth and warmth of the UK–Swiss relationship. We always enjoy seeing the British community take part in King’s Birthday celebrations across the country and look forward to celebrating together once again. The Ambassador’s Cantonal Visits also continue in 2026, underlining our commitment to engaging with Switzerland at local level. In the first part of the year, we visited Zürich, Schwyz and Bern, meeting with cantonal authorities, businesses and institutions, and showcasing the breadth of UK–Swiss cooperation. As always, we share highlights from these visits through our usual social media channels and look forward to continuing these exchanges across the country.