The proposal

More and more countries around the world are introducing biometric passports with electronically stored data, known as e-passports. In order to guarantee Swiss citizens' freedom of travel in the future and to maintain the high security standard of Swiss passports, the Federal Council and Parliament have decided to introduce e-passports in Switzerland on a permanent basis. This means that the standards binding on Schengen countries will also be implemented in Swiss passports.

More than 50 countries already issue passports with electronically stored data (e-passports, also known as biometric passports) in accordance with international standards. Since August 2006, Schengen countries have been required to issue only e-passports. The corresponding EC Passport Regulation is also applicable to Switzerland as an associated Schengen country. Furthermore, Swiss citizens will only be able to continue traveling to and through the US without a visa if Switzerland issues e-passports. Identity cards (ID cards) will also have to be renewed in the next few years. It is not yet clear whether biometric data will be stored on ID cards. The Federal Council will decide on this at a later date.

Switzerland has been issuing e-passports since September 2006 as part of a temporary pilot project. The definitive introduction requires an amendment to the current Passport Act. This will enable the electronic storage of the photo and two fingerprints in the passport in accordance with international requirements. The law contains strict provisions for the protection of stored data. In addition, it remains prohibited to use the passport database for search purposes. The new passport cannot be used to monitor citizens.

A committee has launched a referendum against the federal resolution. It cites security risks and wants people to be able to choose between a passport with or without biometric data.

Results

The proposal was accepted.

Voter turnout: 38.8%
Yes votes: 50.1%