Federal Council adopts Consular Strategy 2026–29
Bern, 19.12.2025 — At its meeting on 19 December 2025, the Federal Council adopted its first Consular Strategy 2026–29. In a world undergoing profound change, marked by the return of war to Europe, the erosion of the multilateral order and the fragmentation of alliances, consular action is taking on new importance. Whether it be assistance for Swiss nationals, administrative services or visa processing, consular action remains a key lever of Switzerland's presence abroad. By adopting its Consular Strategy the Federal Council aims to provide a coherent, structured and forward-looking response to the challenges facing this area of Swiss foreign policy and continue to offer Swiss citizens simple, easily accessible and reliable administrative services.
Every year, Swiss representations process around 700,000 visa applications, assist more than 800,000 Swiss citizens living abroad, and facilitate more than 12 million trips abroad by Swiss nationals. The growing diversity of profiles and expectations, the rise in mobility and the rapid development of digital tools have led the Federal Council to structure its action in this area through a dedicated strategy, which goes hand in hand with the implementation of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27.
This first strategy for consular services has been drawn up by the FDFA and is based on the Swiss Abroad Act (SAA). It brings together a number of federal, cantonal and private-sector partners, with the aim of optimising consular services for Swiss nationals living abroad and for travellers passing through.
The Consular Strategy 2026–29 sets out a clear policy framework based on four priorities: prevention; emergency protection and assistance; administrative services; and visa application management.
Prevention, emergency protection and assistance
Since 2015, the SAA has enshrined the principles of personal responsibility and subsidiarity of the state. In the current context, where travel is often booked online, without intermediaries, and sometimes takes people to remote areas, not everyone takes the necessary precautions. The strategy therefore reinforces preventive measures: targeted communication, active awareness-raising and the provision of customised digital tools.
In the event of an accident, death, detention or major crisis, Switzerland can intervene in a subsidiary capacity. However, this is not automatic and should be focused on the most serious situations, where external assistance is essential. Consular services are, to the extent provided by law, subject to fees.
Modern services providing a stronger link
The Consular Strategy 2026–29 aims to adapt consular services to the realities of a changing world, drawing on new technologies – in particular AI – while developing staff skills and strengthening cooperation with national and international partners. The strategy also aims to strengthen links between Swiss communities abroad and their home country, by promoting digital information channels and coordinating action with institutional partners.
Secure, efficient visas tailored to Swiss needs
Every year, around 700,000 visas are issued by Swiss representations. These procedures bolster border security while supporting Switzerland's tourism, economic and diplomatic interests. The overarching aim of the strategy is to provide Swiss citizens with straightforward, accessible and reliable administrative services, with a finely-tuned balance between digital solutions and human interaction, so as to remain as close as possible to people's needs.
Looking ahead to 2035
By introducing this strategy, the Federal Council is laying the foundations for a modern, person-oriented and efficient consular service, adapted to the realities of today and tomorrow. After the end of the strategy period in 2029, there will be no shortage of challenges: accelerated digitalisation, rising public expectations, more frequent crises and increased complexity. Anticipating these developments is essential to ensure that by 2035 Swiss consular services remain accessible, secure, agile, and deeply rooted in the principles of personal responsibility, solidarity and service to the community.