From a ban on pyrotechnic devices to new travel regulations: these are the changes happening in Switzerland in April 2026.
April 1st: Ban on pyrotechnic devices in public venues
Following the deadly fire in a Crans-Montana bar on January 1st, which was caused by sparklers in champagne bottles, new fire safety regulations are expected to come into force in autumn 2027.
In the meantime, however, the use of pyrotechnic devices will be prohibited in any spaces accessible to the public throughout Switzerland.
April 1st: Revised noise ordinance goes into effect
The revision of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and the Noise Protection Ordinance (NPO) aims to encourage urban development within existing built-up areas and to better coordinate it with noise protection.
In particular, the new provisions clarify the noise legislation criteria for building permits and establish a clear legal basis for building zones located in noise-exposed areas.
April 5th: Easter
This year, Easter falls on Sunday April 5th, but Good Friday, April 3rd and Easter Monday, April 6th are days off work as well for most employees in Switzerland.
This also means that school children will be on a break, with dates varying by cantons.
For instance, in Geneva and Vaud, holidays are from April 3rd to April 17th, in Basel-City from March 28th to April 12th, and in Zurich from April 2nd to April 6th. (yes, it is short, but kids there have a spring break later in the month, from April 20th to May 1st.)
READ MORE: Nine events not to be missed during the Easter week in Switzerland
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April 10th: The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will take effect
The new EU digital border system was rolled out, gradually, on October 12th, 2025.
Full implementation throughout the Schengen Zone, including in Switzerland, will take place by April 10th.
By this date Switzerland, as well as other Schengen members, will need to fully deploy the EES across all their border crossing points.
READ MORE: What you need to know about the start of new border checks at Swiss airports
April 15th: Basel EuroAirport (almost) shuts down
From this day and until May 20th, EuroAirport will be renovating its main runway, causing all but one of its airlines – EasyJet – to cancel their flights during this time.
More than 25 companies which regularly use the airport have suspended their operations for the five weeks in question.
EasyJet will use a shorter secondary runway “and maintain an adjusted selection of flight destinations out of EuroAirport. These flight services will be reduced compared to the regular summer schedule but will continue to ensure connections to key European metropolitan areas as well as to selected leisure and city destinations.”
However, the airline will sharply increase its prices – with some flights costing up to 1,682 percent more.
READ MORE: Why are Easyjet flights from Basel up to ‘1,682 percent’ more expensive?
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Time to put away your skis
A number of resorts in the Swiss Alps are wrapping up their season this month.
Among them are:
April 6th: St. Moritz-Corviglia
April 6th: Crans-Montana
April 12th: Arosa-Lenzerheide
April 19th: 4 Vallées – Verbier/La Tzoumaz/Nendaz/Veysonnaz/Thyon
April 19th: Les Portes du Soleil – Morzine/ Avoriaz/ Les Gets/ Châtel/ Morgins/ Champ
April 19th: Grimentz-Zinal
April 19th: Saas-Fe
April 26th, Kleine Scheidegg – Grindelwald-Wengen
April 30th: Glacier 3000, les Diablerets
