Border crossing Switzerland Italy

Border

The border between Switzerland and Italy is an interesting example of a boundary line shaped by natural features, particularly the Alps. It stretches over approximately 800 kilometers. The border begins in the west near Mont Dolent, where the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland meet, and ends in the east at Pian del Re. This border is not only a significant geographical feature but also a cultural, economic, and political phenomenon.

Shift of the Border Due to Melting Ice

A fascinating but also concerning phenomenon is the potential shift of the Swiss-Italian border due to melting ice in the Alps. Climate change has led to accelerated ice melt, which has ecological and geopolitical consequences. In some areas, where the border is defined by glaciers, the melting ice could affect the exact position of the border. This may require renegotiation of boundary lines and could have far-reaching impacts on land use rights, water resources, and even territorial integrity. This is an extremely complex issue that requires international cooperation and careful scientific monitoring. The shifting of natural borders shows how urgently the global community needs to consider and address climate change as a serious issue.

Important Border Crossings

The most well-known way to travel from Switzerland to Italy is via the Gotthard Tunnel. Additionally, there is the option to cross into Italy via the San Bernardino Pass or cross the border in the canton of Ticino (a state of Switzerland).

• Gotthard Tunnel: To pass through the Gotthard Tunnel, take the Rhine Valley motorway A5 to Basel, then continue on the A2, passing Lucerne, through the Gotthard Tunnel to the Chiasso/Como border crossing. From the border, you can take the A9 motorway and travel via country roads and highways to destinations like Lago Maggiore or Lake Como, or take the A4 motorway to Venice or Lake Garda.

Border Controls

Although both countries are part of the Schengen Area, border controls may still take place at the Swiss-Italian border. This is particularly true during times of heightened security concerns or special political events. While personal checks are less frequent, it is always advisable to carry a valid passport or ID card.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements are generally straightforward for citizens of Schengen countries, including both Switzerland and Italy. A valid ID document is typically sufficient for tourist stays. However, for longer stays or taking up work in either country, different regulations apply that need to be considered. Nevertheless, you should always check for the latest regulations before your trip.

Switzerland

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette in Switzerland and if there are specific toll sections.

Switzerland: Vignette Requirement (or not?)

On Swiss motorways, a vignette is required, meaning that cars and trailers up to 3.5 t GVW need an annual vignette (sticker vignette or e-vignette). Additionally, two tunnels in Switzerland and car ferries (transporting roadworthy vehicles with another vehicle) are toll-based, meaning additional charges apply.

The use of the aforementioned Gotthard Tunnel for crossing into Italy is included in the Swiss vignette, so no extra fees are required for this tunnel.

Heavy Traffic Fee

For vehicles weighing over 3.5 t GVW, the Flat Heavy Traffic Fee (PSVA) applies. This must be paid upon entry at customs or online in advance via the Via Portal. Also, keep in mind the additional fees for specific tunnels and car ferries. The vignette requirement is waived for all vehicles (including large motorhomes) and trailers with a weight exceeding 3.5 t GVW.

Toll Tunnels: Special Tolls

Additional tolls apply for the use of tunnels (besides the digital vignette or heavy traffic fee), depending on the vehicle class. The following tunnels should be particularly noted:

• Great St. Bernard Road Tunnel (Switzerland-Italy)
• Munt-La-Schera Road Tunnel (Switzerland-Italy)

Italy

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette in Italy and if there are specific toll sections.

Italy: Vignette Requirement (or not?)

There is no vignette requirement in Italy. Instead, the toll is calculated based on the specific stretch of road, and additional fees apply for certain tunnels, mountain pass roads, car ferries (transporting roadworthy vehicles with another vehicle), and the so-called “city toll”.

Route-based Toll

Most Italian highways are toll-based, while fast roads are free. The highway toll is based on the distance traveled according to vehicle class or number of axles, and it is paid at toll stations. In Italy, there are both closed and open toll stations, as well as a free-flow system:

• Closed Toll System: This applies at most toll stations. You must take a ticket, which is then paid when leaving the highway, and the toll is calculated based on the distance driven. Even if the barrier to the highway is open, the ticket must always be taken. If necessary, the toll can be paid later.
• Open Toll System: A fixed fee is charged, which must be paid at the toll station. This includes various routes such as the A9 (Como-Milan), A8 (Varese-Milan), A5 (Mont Blanc-Aosta), and others. Therefore, check in advance which routes are included.
• Free-Flow System: This system automatically scans and registers the license plate, so no stopping is necessary, and there are no waiting times. Routes like the A33, A36, A59, and A60 use this system.

You can pay tolls at the stations in cash, and in some cases with a credit or debit card. Additionally, there are options like the ADAC Toll Box, Telepass, bip & go, and the Camper Toll Box. These allow you to pay tolls cashlessly without stopping and use the yellow-marked Telepass lanes (T-symbol) at toll stations. To use this option, you need a transponder (sending device) with a contract, and the toll will be automatically deducted from the linked account. Additional service fees apply.

• ADAC Toll Box: Suitable for all vehicles, regardless of height and weight.
• Telepass: Suitable for all vehicles, regardless of height and weight. Telepass can be purchased online or on-site at Punto-blu stations, Telepass sales points, and for additional fees at German distribution portals.
• bip&go: Suitable for vehicles up to 3.5 t.
• Camper Toll Box: Suitable for motorhomes over 3.5 t.

Toll Tunnels and Mountain Pass Roads

During your trip, keep in mind that there are toll tunnels in Italy. These include:

• Great St. Bernard Road Tunnel (Switzerland-Italy)
• Munt-La-Schera Road Tunnel (Switzerland-Italy)
• Mont Blanc Road Tunnel (France-Italy)
• Fréjus Road Tunnel (France-Italy)
• Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road (Austria-Italy)

Toll Car Ferries

There are toll car ferries in Italy, including:

• Simplon Tunnel Car Ferry (Switzerland-Italy)
• Lötschberg and Simplon Tunnel Car Ferry (Switzerland-Italy)

City Toll: Access to the City Centers of Milan, Bologna, and Palermo

Fees are charged for access to restricted traffic zones (ZTL) and the toll is calculated as a flat rate, not based on the distance. These include the city centers of Milan, Bologna, and Palermo.

• Milan: To enter the ZTL of downtown “Area C”, you need to buy a paid ticket during specific hours (Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM). This can be purchased online. Also, you must activate the ticket online after purchase (the same day or no later than the following day). The “Area C” includes the historical center within the city wall ring “Cerchia dei Bastioni”. Check in advance if your vehicle is allowed, as vehicles with Euro 0-3 emission standards are not allowed in “Area C”. Additionally, electric and hybrid vehicles (except hybrid vehicles with CO2 emissions over 100g/km) and vehicles for disabled people are exempt from the fee. A request must be made to the city of Milan for exemption.
• Bologna: To enter the ZTL of downtown, you need to buy a paid ticket during specific hours (daily from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM). You can buy this online and must activate it before using it. You can also get a ticket at the BomoB counters in Piazza Manfredi Azzarita 4 (Entrance Via Calori 4E) and Via Piero Gobetti 52. Please note that the ticket does not allow access to the “Zone T” or the university area, which are restricted. Also, check in advance if your vehicle can enter the city center based on specific emission standards. Electric vehicles may be exempt from the fee.
• Palermo: To enter the ZTL of downtown, you need to buy a paid access pass during specific hours (Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, and night ZTL Fri 11:00 PM - 12:00 AM, Sat-Sun 12:00 AM - 6:00 AM). The zone covers areas from Piazza Giulio Cesare to Via Cavour and from Porta Nuova to Porta Felice. Check in advance if your vehicle can enter based on emission standards. The access pass can be obtained from the Mobility Center in Palermo at Via A. Borrelli 16 (near Piazza Croci) or other offices or online. After purchasing, the ticket must be activated via the PalerMoblità app or online. Motorcycles and electric vehicles may be exempt from the fee but must register in advance.

Your Journey Starts Now!

Order your vignette easily and conveniently from us. Benefit from stress-free travel on all vignette-required roads in Switzerland and travel prepared for your vacation. We wish you a great time on your trip!