On 7 March 2021, the people and the cantons accepted the popular initiative ‘Yes to a ban on full facial coverings'. The new article of the Constitution will be implemented in the Federal Act on the Ban on Covering the Face (BFCA). The Act states that anyone who covers their face in a public place in Switzerland can be fined up to CHF 1,000. The Federal Council enacted the new provisions at its meeting on 6 November 2024 with effect from 1 January 2025.

Exceptions

The ban will not apply on board aircraft or in premises used for conducting diplomatic or consular relations. It will also not apply in places of worship. In addition, face coverings will continue to be permitted for reasons of health, safety, protection from the weather and local customs, and for artistic or entertaining performances and advertising purposes.

A further exception takes into account the need to balance the ban on covering the face with the constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights of freedom of expression and assembly. Covering the face will be permitted if it is necessary for a person's own protection when exercising their fundamental rights of freedom of expression or freedom of assembly - provided that the competent authority has given its prior approval, and public order and safety are not compromised.

Fixed penalty procedure

In order to minimise the administrative burden for the persons and authorities concerned, and in response to feedback received during the consultation process, violations will generally be dealt with by a fixed penalty procedure. The fixed penalty will be CHF 100; it can be paid on the spot. However, if the person concerned refuses to pay the fixed penalty, normal criminal proceedings will ensue. The maximum fine is CHF 1,000 in this case. As with the new BCFA, the amendment to the Fixed Penalties Ordinance will come into force on 1 January 2025.

Ban on covering the face in effect from 2025