Latest News: Swiss government removes several European countries, Qatar and Palestinian Territories from COVID-19 quarantine list (The Local, 20.05.2021). Swiss government to end COVID-19 quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers from 31 May, will maintain some restrictions for arrivals from high-risk countries (The Local - Switzerland, 13.05.2021).
International Restrictions:
*From within the EU:
Switzerland adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Switzerland are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
The Federal Office of Public Health provides a regularly updated list of countries defined as COVID-19 risk area. If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories - even if they are not listed separately. Switzerland's neighbouring countries are exempted from this regulation. In the case of these countries, it is not the entire country that is listed, but rather regions.
Is a coronavirus test required?
All travellers arriving by air, as well as all travellers entering by bus/rail/car who have stayed in a country with an increased risk of infection in the 10 days before entering Switzerland, are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test.
The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Only molecular tests are accepted - the result of a rapid antigen test is not sufficient.
Children aged 12 and under are exempted.
More exemptions from the Testing and Quarantine Requirement are available.
Is a quarantine required?
Travellers who, in the last 10 days before entry into Switzerland, have spent time in a country or area with an increased risk of infection, must complete a mandatory quarantine and report their arrival in Switzerland to the cantonal authorities.
The quarantine can be shortened with a negative result to a PCR test taken on day 7. COVID-19 vaccination does not exempt from the mandatory quarantine requirement.
Certain people are exempt from the quarantine requirement.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Before your entry to Switzerland, the electronic entry form available at swissplf.admin.ch must be filled out.
Find out more:
www.bag.admin.ch
What to do after entering Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays *Transit:
The following rules apply to travelling through Switzerland to another country:
- Transit from a Schengen country to other Schengen country
Entry from a Schengen state for the purpose of travelling on to another Schengen state is possible for anyone who is lawfully present in the Schengen area - Transit from a Schengen country to a third country
Entry from a Schengen country for the purpose of travelling on to a country outside the Schengen area is possible for anyone who is lawfully present in the Schengen area - Transit from a third country considered by the SEM to be high-risk to a Schengen country
It is not possible to enter Switzerland from a high-risk country in order to travel on to another Schengen country for a short stay of up to 90 days that does not require a residence document. However, third-country citizens holding a residence document for their destination country in the Schengen area are allowed to travel through Switzerland to that country. If the country of destination in the Schengen area has authorised entry for a short stay of up to 90 days, the person concerned must enter the Schengen area by travelling directly to that country - Transit from a third country not considered by the SEM to be high-risk to a Schengen country
When entering Switzerland from a third country that is not considered high-risk in order to travel on to another Schengen country, the normal requirements for entering Switzerland apply - Transit from a third country considered by the SEM to be high-risk to another third country
It is not possible to enter Switzerland from a third country that is considered high-risk in order to travel on to another country outside the Schengen area, unless transiting through Zurich or Geneva airport. Travellers should check whether they require a transit visa. In such cases, travellers do not actually enter Switzerland but remain in the transit area of the airport.
Transit visa requirements: Passport and visa requirements not depending on citizenship (PDF, 337 kB, 18.03.2021) - Transit from a third country not considered by the SEM to be high-risk to another third country
Entry into Switzerland from a third country which is not on the SEM high-risk list for onward travel to another country outside the Schengen area is possible subject to the normal entry and transit requirements (N.B. a transit visa may be required).
Find out more:
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) FAQs
The Federal Office of Public Health provides a regularly updated list of countries defined as COVID-19 risk area. If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories - even if they are not listed separately. Switzerland's neighbouring countries are exempted from this regulation. In the case of these countries, it is not the entire country that is listed, but rather regions.
Is a coronavirus test required?
A negative coronavirus test is required:
- If you enter Switzerland by air (without a negative test result you are not allowed to board the aircraft);
- If you have stayed in a country with an increased risk of infection within the 10 days before entering Switzerland. In this case you must always be able to show proof of a negative test result, even if you enter Switzerland by bus, rail, car, etc.
The test must have been conducted no more than 72 hours before entry and it has to be a molecular-biological test (for example a PCR test). The result of a rapid antigen test is not sufficient.
Exceptions: Children under age 12 are not subject to the testing requirement. More exemptions from the Testing and Quarantine Requirement are available.
Is a quarantine required?
Travellers who, in the last 10 days before entry into Switzerland, have spent time in a country or area with an increased risk of infection, are legally required to go into quarantine and report their arrival in Switzerland to the cantonal authorities.
Exceptions: Certain people are exempt from the quarantine requirement.
The quarantine can be shortened with a negative result to a PCR test taken on day 7. COVID-19 vaccination does not exempt from the mandatory quarantine requirement.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Before your entry to Switzerland, the electronic entry form available at swissplf.admin.ch must be filled out.
Find out more:
www.bag.admin.ch
What to do after entering Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Rules applicable to unmarried couples
*Travel in Switzerland: Switzerland has put measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.
You should follow the rules on hygiene and social distancing . These include:
• Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly
• Keeping a distance of at least 1.5 metres from other people
• If it is not possible to maintain that distance, wear a face mask.
Wearing a face mask is compulsory when travelling on public transport, on platforms and in waiting areas, as well as at airports. Failure to do so is punishable by a fine. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from this requirement, as are individuals who are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons.
Cantons have imposed further restrictions, and you should check cantonal websites for further details.
*Public spaces and services: Wearing face masks in enclosed public spaces is compulsory. Switzerland has relaxed some coronavirus restrictions. Groups of up to 15 people are able to gather outdoors, shops selling non-essential goods have reopened, sports and cultural activities are able to take place outdoors. Outdoor terraces of restaurants and bars have reopened.
For further information on these measures and exceptions, see the Swiss Government website.
Cantons have imposed further restrictions, and you should check cantonal websites for further details.