Updates on alterations in Swiss lifestyle by March 2025

Updates on alterations in Swiss lifestyle by March 2025

Coming Up in March: A Historical and Technological Leap

Brace yourself for an exciting month ahead! As we march forward, Switzerland is about to set foot in the future, embracing groundbreaking innovations and regulations that will transform the country's landscape. Here's what you need to know:

1st March: The Dawn of Autonomous DrivingYou soon might find new types of vehicles on our streets! From the 1st of March 2025, autonomous vehicles will hit the Swiss roads, aiming to revolutionize road safety and traffic flow [1][2]. This cutting-edge technology is spearheaded by artificial intelligence, eliminating human error – the primary cause of road accidents – according to Alexandre Alahi, head of the Visual Intelligence for Transportation Laboratory [1].

**READ ALSO: ** navigating the rules of autonomous vehicles in Switzerland [6]

5th March: Travelling to Great Britain? Prepare Your ETA NowIf you plan on visiting Great Britain, it's time to sort out your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). From 2nd April onwards, Swiss and other European non-UK nationals require an ETA to enter the country. Starting 5th March, you can apply for the ETA, which currently costs £10 but will increase to £16 at a future date [2].

9th-11th March: Basel Fasnacht – A Cultural PhenomenonPrepare for three nights of fun, laughter, and revelry! Taking place from 10th to 12th March, the Basel Fasnacht is Switzerland's most famous carnival celebration. Beyond being a vibrant festival, it forms an integral part of Basel's identity [3]. Enjoy the largest carnival in Switzerland, enshrined in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

**READ ALSO: ** everything you need to know about Basel Fasnacht [7]

12th March: A New Federal Councillor Takes the HelmSaying goodbye to Viola Amherd as Defence Minister, on the 12th of March, both chambers of the parliament elect her successor. This person will not only lead the defence sector but also take Amherd's spot on the Federal Council, ensuring the balance of parties retained in the council for over 60 years [1].

20th March: Welcome, Spring!Winter takes a back seat as the Vernal Equinox, marking the beginning of the spring season, occurs at 4:00 AM on the 20th of March [6]. This event happens when the sun aligns directly above the equator, causing an equal division of day and night lengths.

30th March: Daylight Saving Time BeginsYour clocks jump forward an hour as Daylight Saving Time commences on the morning of the 30th of March [2]. Enjoy the bonus hour of sunlight in the evenings!

31st March: Time to Settle Tax AccountsIf you live in most cantons in Switzerland, your tax declarations are due on the 31st of March [2]. Be aware that the deadline differs in some cantons, like Bern and Vaud, where the deadline is the 15th of March [2]. Receive your tax documents via mail, and the due date will be clearly marked on the envelope. If you need an extension, consult the tax authorities in your canton of residence. If your tax return is prepared by an accounting firm, they will automatically file extensions for all their clients.

**READ ALSO: ** requesting an extension on your tax deadline in Switzerland [7]

Also in March: Expanding Flight RoutesLook forward to flying to Palma, Spain, daily, and Malaga, Spain, four times a week, from Zurich starting 30th March [2].

[1] [https://www.cornerswitzerland.ch/news/38467/switzerland-to-introduce-rules-for-autonomous-vehicles-on-its-roads-from-2025-18258][2] [https://swissinfo.ch/eng/march-what-s-on-your-calendar/47130178][3] [https://www.cornerswitzerland.ch/news/40586/swiss-carnival-basel-fasnacht-a-historical-and-cultural-celebration-part-1-doing-things-the-baslbier way-18495][4] [https://www.cornerswitzerland.ch/news/40587/swiss-carnival-basel-fasnacht-a-historical-and-cultural-celebration-part-2-masquerading-on-the-streets-18496][5] [https://swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-autonomous-vehicles-one-step-closer/47066758][6] [https://swissinfo.ch/eng/rules-for-autonomous-vehicles-come-into-force-in-switzerland/47078402][7] [https://www.cornerswitzerland.ch/news/18401/how-to-get-an-extension-on-your-tax-deadline-in-switzerland][8] [https://www.cornerswitzerland.ch/news/38467/switzerland-to-introduce-rules-for-autonomous-vehicles-on-its-roads-from-2025-18258][9] [https://swissinfo.ch/eng/march-what-s-on-your-calendar/47130178][10] [https://www.cornerswitzerland.ch/news/40586/swiss-carnival-basel-fasnacht-a-historical-and-cultural-celebration-part-1-doing-things-the-baslbier-way-18495][11] [https://www.cornerswitzerland.ch/news/40587/swiss-carnival-basel-fasnacht-a-historical-and-cultural-celebration-part-2-masquerading-on-the-streets-18496][12] [https://swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-autonomous-vehicles-one-step-closer/47066758][13] [https://swissinfo.ch/eng/rules-for-autonomous-vehicles-come-into-force-in-switzerland/47078402][14] [https://www.cornerswitzerland.ch/news/18401/how-to-get-an-extension-on-your-tax-deadline-in-switzerland]

1. By 2025, autonomous vehicles will be ready to integrate into the Swiss lifestyle, revolutionizing technology and travel.
2. From March 5th, individuals planning to travel to Great Britain should have their visas (and ETA) in order as new regulations will be enforced.
3. During Basel's Fasnacht on March 9th to 11th, technology takes a backseat as the city embraces centuries-old traditions, offering a unique departure from everyday life.
4. Come March 20th, as Switzerland enters spring with the Vernal Equinox, technology will continue to transform another aspect of life: the flight schedule, with new travel destinations becoming accessible from Zurich airport.

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