From the collection of air passengers’ data to more national referendums (yes, again), this is what to expect in Switzerland in November 2026.
November 1st: The Swiss Flight Passenger Data Act goes into effect
The new legislation requires airlines to transmit passenger data to the federal authorities to fight terrorism and crime. Names, contact details, itineraries, and payment methods will be collected and passed on to the Federal Police (Fedpol).
The aim of the new law is to identify dangerous or wanted passengers before they enter or leave the country.
November 1st: Climate protection ordinance is enacted
Switzerland is required to reach a net-zero target by 2040.
The new law will determines which greenhouse gases must be reduced or offset through negative emissions technologies (NETs) by that date.
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November 1st to November 30th: Quit smoking
You don’t have to wait until November to give up this habit (the sooner the better), but November is earmarked in Switzerland as a “Month Without Tobacco,” so it is a good time to quit once and for all.
The national online campaign, promoted by the Tobacco Prevention Fund, aims to “offer a tool to help the many people who wish to free themselves from cigarettes”.
More information about the November campaign can be found here.
November 2nd: The new biometric ID card is introduced
From this date, Swiss citizens will be able to apply for the new biometric ID card.
Like the biometric Swiss passport, the new identity card (not to be confused with the still-in-the-making e-ID cards) will feature a chip containing a facial image and two fingerprints.
It is intended to allow Swiss citizens to travel within the European Union.
READ MORE: Switzerland to introduce a new biometric ID card on November 2nd
November 2nd to November 7th: National Vaccination Week in Doctors’ Offices and Pharmacies
Anyone wishing to be vaccinated can receive advice and vaccines against flu, COVID-19, and – in some cases – for the respiratory virus RSV at participating doctors’ offices and pharmacies.
(Note that second Vaccination Week will take place from November 23rd to November 28th, which was exceptionally added due to vaccine delivery delays).
November 20th: Youth strikes
The youth wing of Swiss Social Democratic party (Jusos) is planning protests – similar to the ones that took place in France – in several Swiss cities (undefined at this time).
“We will be protesting against the militarisation and austerity policies in Europe,” they said.
However, unlike the devastation caused by the rioters in France, no similarly destructive riots are planned for Switzerland, because “we are dealing with a completely different situation here,” organisers said.
November 29th: National referendums
In this year’s final round of public votes, four controversial issues will be on the ballot.
Swiss voters will decide on the financing of the 13th pension; an initiative on limiting private firework displays; individual taxation of married people; as well as an amendment to the War Material Act, which – if passed -would allow Switzerland to sell its weapon systems and components abroad.
READ MORE: What’s at stake in Switzerland’s November referendums?
November 30th: Deadline for changing health insurance
This is an important month for people who have a compulsory health insurance KVG / LaMal (which is practically everyone in Switzerland), as the 30th is the deadline to cancel your current plan and switch to another one in 2027 — if that’s what you would like to do.
Premiums for next year will increase by 5 percent on average, but even higher in some cantons.
If you do decide to switch to another provider, or remain with your current carrier but perhaps make changes to your policy — for instance, raise or lower your co-pay deductible — you must do so before the end of this month.
However, don’t cancel your policy before you have a new one in place.
That’s because the current provider won’t let you ‘resign’ unless you attach proof that you have taken out a new insurance policy.
Any outstanding monthly premiums must be paid before you can make the switch.
