Does the coronavirus affect trips to Switzerland?
The thread was started by tourists seeking clarity on travel to Switzerland amidst COVID-19 challenges. They wanted to know entry requirements, testing protocols, and local health certificates. Information shared included updates on vaccination recognition, potential quarantine measures, and the ease of accessing COVID-19 tests in Switzerland.
- Travelers need a valid COVID certificate or proof of vaccination to enter restaurants and other indoor venues in Switzerland.
- Non-EU visitors can apply for a Swiss COVID certificate online if vaccinated with an accepted vaccine.
- The COVID test must be taken within 72 hours before arrival in Switzerland, and travelers are encouraged to check specific local regulations before their trip.
AI-generated summary. Details may be outdated. Check with our travel experts to be 100% sure.-
We are leaving back to US on August 9 from Geneva. I’m really hoping by then the US doesn’t require us to have a negative COVID test if we’re vaccinated. Otherwise I’ll get one at a pharmacy in Lausanne or Geneva a day or two before.
I purchased the test kit here and will take it with me.
May I ask which one you purchased and how much it was?
Delta had a link to a vendor that they recommended – The test kit is called Ellume. I purchased it via this website -> http://www.azova.com/testing/ellume/ but I think you can buy them at CVS or Walgreens too. I created an account at Azova and have an appointment for 72 hours prior to departure to have a video observation while I do the test (I guess to ensure it’s me doing the test and not someone else) and should have results in 15 minutes. I bought 2 kits (they shipped 3) and with the 2 appointments and shipping it was $115
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Thank you!
That one is $40 less than the ones I had seen online, so with your help my budget will now allow one more dinner out on my trip. 😉
Yay! Enjoy!!!
Is there a location in Zermatt where I could get a Covid test before returning to the US?
I’ll only be in Zurich on the day of my flight home, so getting it done in the airport there is not possible.
I just read about many people getting false positive results with the self tests, and I’d like a backup in case that happens.
Found this link online for Covid tests in Zermatt:
http://www.zermatt.ch/en/covid-19/Maskenpflicht-Quarantaene-Covid-19-Test/COVID-19-tests
Many thanks 🙂
Just wanted to double check. As of July 26th . US tourist can enter either vaccinated or with a negative covid test done within 48 hours before traveling?
Thanks
Hi GoGiantsFan,
As of 26 June, vaccinated tourists from the USA are allowed to enter Switzerland. Non-vaccinated tourists must be able to show negative PCR or antigen tests taken up to 48 hours before arrival.
You can find all the details and the official links at the start of this thread.
Regards,
Anna
🇨🇭 The official SBB tourist webshop✓ Discounts for passholders ✓ Instant mobile e-Ticket ✓ Free cancellation option Unlimited travel
Swiss Travel Pass
Unlimited train, bus, & boat travel across Switzerland.
With discounts
Mountain excursions
Official e-Tickets with pass holder discounts. Skip the ticket counter.
Unlimited travel
Regional passes
Unlimited travel in the Berner Oberland, Jungfrau Region or Lucerne Region.
hi we are planning on being in Wengen in Septemer. Is there a local doctor who can get us a pCR test so we can get back to the states? Do you need a PCR test or would a rapid antigen test work?
I’m currently in Wengen and when we checked in we were asked if we needed to have an appointment with the local doctor to take a PCR test. We brought our test kit with us, so we didn’t need the appointment. But to answer your question it sounds like there is a way to get the test here, I just don’t know the exact details about it.
Hi Rgoppelt,
Welcome to MySwissAlps.
You should find out in advance from your country of origin whether you need a PCR test or a rapid antigen test for your return trip. There are various testing centers in Switzerland. You can arrange your appointment in advance: http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/planning/about-switzerland/covid-pcr-test/
I think there’s a drive-in test centre in Interlaken and I’m sure the hotel in Wengen where you will be staying would have the details you need.
Regards,
Anna
The in-person tests in Lausanne look really expensive, almost $200 a person if Im translating correctly. I found this link on the United Airlines website to their approved vendor for the “at home” test by video:
http://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack?hsLang=en
Yes, prices for testing in Switzerland are a lot higher than the kits. That kit is the one I got. It arrived quickly and seems straightforward enough. Be sure to download the app and create an account before you leave the US. It does not offer reservations for test taking times, but I’m hoping that’s not a problem. I’ll allow extra time the day of the test in case there is a wait to start the session.
It’s unfortunate that Abbott’s BinaxNOW home test website that United is affiliated with forces you to buy 6 tests and for a maximum of 3 people at $150. We have 4 people so we have to buy 12 tests for $300. I wonder if United will honor what Delta is using, the Azova Ellume test. Anybody happen to know?
I initially considered the Ellume test, but after reading about its higher incidence of false positives I decided against it.
”Thanks to these bells and whistles, and a special swab, Ellume has a higher accuracy rate for spotting covid than other antigen tests, missing only one in 20 infections, according to the company. The drawback is that it is 50% more likely than other tests to falsely inform you that you are positive for covid-19 when you are not. Indeed, my false positive result occurred while using this test.”
Thank you for the info @SteelyD. I also just confirmed with United that I am to go with BinaxNOW. I also wonder when the US will no longer require a negative Covid test and will instead accept the vaccine since BinaxNOW is not returnable (and we don’t come back to the US until mid August).
I’m trying to upload our CDC vaccine cards to the Swiss Covid certificate app however it is not accepting the format even though it’s a pdf. Do we need the Swiss Covid certificate/url when traveling around Switzerland?
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