Published on 1 January 2025

Information on the ban on covering the face in Switzerland

  • The Federal Act on the Ban on Covering the Face (BCFA) came into force on 1 January 2025.
  • Since 1 January 2025, it is prohibited to cover one's face in public places.

Fines

  • Anyone who covers their face in a public place in Switzerland is liable to a fine of up to CHF 1,000.
  • As a rule, violations are dealt with under the fixed penalty procedure. The fixed penalty is CHF 100 and can be paid on the spot.
  • If the person concerned refuses to pay the fixed penalty, the normal procedure according to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrimPC) applies.

Exceptions

  • on board aircraft
  • in premises used for conducting diplomatic or consular relations
  • in places of worship
  • for health reasons, e.g. wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
  • for safety reasons, e.g. wearing a full-face crash helmet on a motorbike
  • to protect against the weather
  • to preserve local customs, e.g. wearing masks at Fasnacht
  • for artistic or entertaining performances, e.g. dressing up as a character from a fairy tale or comic for a children’s party
  • for advertising purposes, e.g. persons dressed as a chocolate rabbit to advertise a particular product, or as a marmot or mountain goat to promote a holiday destination
  • to exercise the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly or the visual expression of opinion, if previously authorised, e.g. wearing a gas mask at a demonstration calling for a cleaner environment, or dressing as a cow at an event promoting near-natural farming practices.

Documentation

Further information

Federal Office of Justice

Marc Schinzel
Bundesrain 20
CH-3003 Bern