Dear Compatriots and Friends,

It is a great pleasure to introduce myself as the new Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Kingdom.

My wife Fabienne and I, along with our dog Pasha, are delighted to be here. It is a true privilege to be Ambassador and to represent, alongside the rest of the Embassy team, the interests of Switzerland and our citizens in the UK.

I have kicked off my posting here with official visits to Lancashire and Scotland. I am excited to see the impact of Switzerland – and Swiss citizens – across the UK. You all play a key role in promoting cultural exchanges and contributing towards the enduring friendship between our two countries.

From my family to yours, a very Merry Christmas and warmest wishes for the festive period. Here’s to 2026 – I look forward to seeing many of you at one of our Embassy events in the New Year.

With my best wishes,

Dominique Paravicini
Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Kingdom

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TRAVEL ADVICE

CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL: Swiss citizens with an online immigration status (eVisa, including settled and pre-settled status) in the UK

If you have settled or pre-settled status, you can also link your Swiss ID card to your UKVI account.

What is an eVisa?
Update your online immigration (UKVI) account
How to update and add a new identity document on your UKVI account
 

BILATERAL RELATIONS

Visit of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, visited the United Kingdom on 1 September 2025 to strengthen the bilateral economic and scientific ties between Switzerland and the UK.

Swiss Parliamentary visit to London

At the beginning of September, the Embassy welcomed a delegation from the Swiss Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee for a three-day visit to London. 

Switzerland and the United Kingdom discuss science and innovation

The third meeting of the Swiss-British Joint Committee for Science and Innovation was held in London on 21 November 2025. The meeting was chaired by State Secretary Martina Hirayama and the British Director of International Research and Innovation, Adam Jackson, and served to assess and improve bilateral cooperation in research and innovation. 

Fourth meeting of the Switzerland-United Kingdom Joint Committee on the Citizens' Rights Agreement

On 13 November 2025 Switzerland and the UK met for the fourth Joint Committee on the Citizens' Rights Agreement. Useful exchanges took place on the implementation of the Agreement, including service provision and social security coordination, and the delegations expressed appreciation for the constructive cooperation throughout the year.

UK MP delegation trip exploring Switzerland’s rail and skills systems

In November, the Embassy hosted a delegation of nine cross-party UK MPs in Bern and Zurich to explore Switzerland’s rail network and leading approach to vocational education and training. 

 

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

100-Year Anniversary of the Locarno Treaties

Signed in 1925, the Treaties sought to secure the post-World War I peace order in Europe. The highlight of the event was the speech given by British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who took to the stage to emphasize the importance of European collaboration on security matters.

Democracy under Pressure: Building global partnerships to support democracy

On 2 December 2025, the Embassy organised an event on democracy support abroad, which explored the challenges and opportunities international partnerships face when supporting democracies around the globe. 
 

ECONOMY, FINANCE, SCIENT AND INNOVATION

Facilitating cross-border financial service delivery

Following the completion of domestic procedures in both Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the Berne Financial Services Agreement (BFSA) will enter into force on 1 January 2026. The Agreement will simplify cross-border activities for Swiss and UK financial service providers, enhancing competitiveness and fostering even closer cooperation between the two leading international financial centres. 

Switzerland and the United Kingdom extended the Services Mobility Agreement until 31 December 2029, while negotiations on an enhanced free trade agreement continue. 

More information

 

Read the full newsletter online here > 

TRAVEL ADVICE

BILATERAL RELATIONS

PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

ECONOMY, FINANCE, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

DEFENCE

CULTURE

CONSULAR AFFAIRS

SWISS COMMUNITY