Updates on Life Transformations in Switzerland by March 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
Future Awaits: Self-Driving Cars Arrive in Switzerland, March 1st
brace yourself for an automated revolution hitting Swiss roads starting March 1st, 2025. Skip the double-take, this ain't sci-fi – it's a reality! Switzerland'll become the first European nation to permit self-driving cars on select roads, boasting vehicles equipped with advanced level 3 automation.
Autonomous vehicles, powered by artificial intelligence, aim to axe human error – the primary cause behind road accidents, as per Alex Alexandre Alahi, an assistant professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Lausanne (EPFL) and head of the Visual Intelligence for Transportation Laboratory, overseeing the project.
Taking roads safety and efficiency to the next level, stay updated with the latest developments by reading Self-driving cars to hit Swiss roads in 2025, but what are the rules?
Time to Plan: March 5th – European Travel requirements
Getting ready for a Euro-trip? Mark your calendars for March 5th, if you're a Swiss national or another non-UK European citizen. Starting April 2nd, you'll need a digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. And the best part? You can submit your application ahead of time from March 5th!
Even better? The current application fee is set at 10 British pounds, around 11.20 Swiss francs. But prepare yourself for a price hike, cuz that cost'll go up to 16 pounds (18.10 francs) at a later time. Dive deeper into these new rules and find more information here
Celebrate: Basel Fasnacht – March 10th – 12th
Gear up for a party extravaganza! Switzerland's most renowned carnival celebration, Basel Fasnacht, takes over the city from March 10th to 12th. Leave the ordinary behind, as the city goes wild for three nights of unforgettable fun and rejoicing.
Often referred to as more than just another festival, the Fasnacht holds a special place in Basel's identity. "Culturally speaking, it's at the heart of its creative energies and represents three days when the city goes wild," according to city authorities.
Swing by Basel and immerse yourself in an experience enlisted on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Check out What you should know about Switzerland's largest carnival for more details
March 12th: Swiss Politics Shuffle
It's time for a change! On March 12th, both chambers of the Swiss parliament will elect Defense Minister Viola Amherd’s successor. The lucky chosen one won't just become the new Defense head but also join her party, the Centre, on the Federal Council to preserve the balance of parties that have represented the council for over 60 years.
When Amherd steps down on March 31st, the clock starts ticking. This upcoming election marks the start of another era in Swiss politics.
Winter Says Goodbye, Spring Greets Us: March 20th
Bid farewell to winter and welcome the spring equinox on March 20th at precisely 4 am, when the sun aligns with the equator, resulting in equal day and night lengths worldwide. See you later, frost, and hello again, sunshine!
March 30th: Set Clocks Ahead
Daylight saving time begins on March 30th at 3 am, and Swiss clocks go forward an hour. Enjoy the evening with an extra hour of daylight, as sunrise and sunset shift approximately one hour later. Embrace the longer days ahead!
March 31st: Open the Books – Swiss Tax Season
Prepare yourself for the Swiss tax deadline creeping up on March 31st (or March 15th in some cantons). Whether you enlist the help of an accounting firm or take care of it yourself, make sure to submit your tax return on time.
If you need an extension, follow these simple steps:
- If your tax declaration is handled by an accounting firm, rest assured they'll file an automatic extension for all clients. You should receive confirmation from the firm.
- If you're self-filing and cannot meet the deadline, contact the tax authorities in your canton of residence and request an extension.
Dig deeper and learn more about how to get an extension on your tax deadline in Switzerland
Also in March: New Flight Paths
Planning your travels in March? Be sure to check out EasyJet's new flight routes from Zurich! By March 30th you'll be able to travel to Palma (Spain) daily, while Málaga joins the schedule, boasting four weekly departures starting March 31st.
Bon voyage!
- Behold thefuture autonomous revolution on Swiss roads as self-driving cars are set to debut on March 1st, 2025, marking a groundbreaking leap in technology and road safety.
- In the realm of education and self-development, brace yourself for the application window opening on March 5th, as non-UK European citizens will require a digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom, starting April 2nd.
- Immerse yourself in the unparalleled Basel Fasnacht celebration that unfolds from March 10th to 12th, as the city comes alive with a burst of culture, heritage, and memorable festivities, worthy of its UNESCO recognition.
- Prepare for a political shift on March 12th, as both chambers of the Swiss parliament gather to elect the new Defense Minister, who will also join the Federal Council, ensuring continuity in the balance of parties.
- On March 20th, witness the harmonic warming of our planet as the vernal equinox arrives, aligning the sun with the equator and granting us equal day and night lengths worldwide, indicating the arrival of spring.
- As March winds down, embrace the change in weather and Perfect your осtal travel plans with new flight routes from Zurich to Palma (daily starting March 30th) and Málaga (four weekly departures from March 31st), courtesy of EasyJet.
