COVID-19 : INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND

To see what rules apply to your particular situation when entering Switzerland please consult the online travelcheck questionnaire.

Everyone entering Switzerland must present a completed entry form (rare exceptions may apply, please refer to art. 3 of the COVID-19 Ordinance on International Passenger Transport). It is important to fill out the electronic entry form on a computer or smartphone at the earliest 48 hours before the travel in order to receive a QR code by email. This code needs to be kept at hand for inspection upon arrival in Switzerland. The controlling authority can impose a fine if the entry form is not completed or if the information provided is false.

Grafic on the rules of entry (PDF, 358.9 kB, English)

Travel restrictions

Vaccinated travelers:

Vaccinated travelers are authorized to enter Switzerland provided they present a VALID COVID-19 vaccination certificate proving full vaccination within the last 12 months with an approved vaccine. For more information, see the section entitled Entering Switzerland – Which COVID-19 vaccines allow entry to Switzerland? on the FOPH’s website.

Un-vaccinated travelers:

1. Unvaccinated travelers are currently not authorized to enter Switzerland, unless they:

• are under 18 and travelling with an adult who has been fully vaccinated (parents, siblings, grandparents or other caregivers)
• or possess a valid Swiss, EU, or EFTA passport or residence permit
• or belong to another category authorized to enter Switzerland
• or benefit from the right of free movement – for example spouses and minor children of Swiss / EU / EFTA citizens
• or find themselves in a case of special necessity

The lists of exceptions allowing entry into Switzerland are available under the 3 sections entitled Entering Switzerland → Who can enter Switzerland? / Freedom of movement / Situations of special necessity on the SEM’s website.

and

2. Must present ONE of the following medical documents (only from the age of 16):

• a negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first point of embarkation
• a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken at most 48 hours before departure from the first point of embarkation;
• a positive COVID-19 test result of a test taken within the last 6 months and a COVID-19 recovery medical certificate

Four to seven days after arrival in Switzerland a 2nd COVID-19 test is mandatory

If your trip to Switzerland includes transit through another foreign country, you must also check that country’s entry restrictions.

Please note that each airline decides which passengers they are prepared to carry and under what conditions. The Swiss authorities have no influence over this decision and cannot take any responsibility if you are denied boarding.

Please be advised: public health and entry requirements may change on short notice. The Swiss representations in the USA cannot guarantee that the above-mentioned information will be valid at the time of your travel and do not bear any corresponding responsibility. Please consult this website regularly and follow the instructions of your airline.

Quarantine

Currently, travelers arriving in Switzerland from the USA do NOT have to go into quarantine.

For more information and to follow the requirements, refer to the page entitled Isolation and quarantine on the FOPH’s website.

COVID-Certificate

While a valid US vaccination certificate (CDC vaccination card) is sufficient to enter Switzerland, you will need to convert it into a Swiss digital COVID certificate to enter restaurants, bars and many other events or facilities in Switzerland.

You must apply for your Swiss digital COVID certificate at the cantonal authority responsible for the place where you will spend the majority of your stay in Switzerland. You can find information about how to obtain a Swiss COVID certificate at the following link: How do I obtain a COVID Certificate and how do I use it?

Information for Swiss Citizens

The Federal Council recommends to avoid non-urgent foreign travel whenever possible.

Dual citizens should be aware that U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and leave the United States with a U.S. passport.

For travels to or via the United States, only the U.S. authorities can give you the necessary information.  Please consult the following websites:

US Embassy in Berne

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC

For urgent requests, contact the FDFA Helpline (Tel. +41 800 24-7-365/ +41 58 465 33 33) or your Swiss representation in the USA (Washington, Atlanta, New York or San Francisco).

Helpline FDFA

For information related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) consult the information and directives of the local authorities and the recommendations of the World Health Organization WHO.

CDC

WHO

In Switzerland, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) provides information about the new coronavirus.

FOPH

The Travel Advice Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland (FDFA) offers travelers basic information by informing on possible risks and certain precautions (in German, French and Italian). They are to be considered as a complementary source of information.

FDFA Travel Advice