Visas cause problems for Swiss embassies
Some Swiss embassies and consulates abroad are having technical issues processing visas for Europe's Schengen zone, potentially hindering some holiday travel plans.
A Schengen visa allows visitors to travel freely around many European countries that have stopped systematic passport controls on their borders. Switzerland joined the Schengen Area on December 12.
Since then, various Swiss missions abroad have reported problems in adapting to the Schengen system rapidly. The foreign ministry said poor internet connections in some countries had compounded difficulties.
"Other countries have also encountered problems with the introduction of the Schengen visa," Philippe Jutzi of the foreign ministry commented.
The ministry spokesman could not say how many travellers would be affected by the problem.
In compliance with the JTI standards
More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.