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 Details may be outdated.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.-
Is it correct that “only” a negative rapid antigen test is needed at the moment for someone from Sweden? That is max. 48 hours old.
When I checked a few weeks ago, only a negative PCR test was valid. Has it been changed? 🙂
*Edit: And does it have to be a specific/certain type of brand on the test?
Hi Ohman 91,
If you are not vaccinated, in order to be allowed entry into Switzerland you need to present a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) OR a negative rapid antigen test (not older than 48 hours) before boarding. You will also be required to fill in an entry form before your arrival. You can find all the details and important links in the fit post of this thread.
Regards,
Anna
Just a quick update. I completed the Ellume test yesterday for our scheduled return to the US tomorrow. Received “Negative” test result within 15 minutes and then was able to get a PDF version of results (no QR) printed at hotel. Will let you know how things go at Zürich airport tomorrow. Other than the annoyance of having to wear masks on transportation and indoors in shops, etc it has been an amazingly wonderful trip. And no crowds in the places normally full of people was also nice. A very welcomed escape from the year of Covid lockdown. Highly Recommend!!!
Thanks for the update!
It’s always helpful to get real-time feedback from travellers. I hope everything goes smoothly for you at Zurich airport.
Regards,
Anna
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I’m so, so happy that the test worked well for you! (I was keeping you in my thoughts.)
I look forward to hearing how the airport portion went.
And thanks for the travel review….we all certainly deserve a good “escape” this year! 🙂
Thanks. So far next phase is not been very cooperative. Trying to complete online check in and keeps kicking me out. So not sure if that is due to needing to give them proof of negative test at the airport before they can issue a boarding pass or something else 🙁
I would bet that is the reason.
Thanks for the update! We will be traveling to Switzerland soon, and I have been wondering whether to buy a kit here, or make an appointment in Switzerland to get tested before flying back. I just wish the US would become more reasonable and allow vaccinated travelers in without testing!
Exactly, I agree 100%, I wish US would revisit this policy. Check with your health insurance about the test because mine will only reimburse for the in-person test in Switzerland, not the at-home test.
Hello Annika
Thank you for help and support and my health asking
Yes I’m ok now and fully recovered 👍🏻
I booked the flight to. Paris on 2/08 and i will stay there 3 nights
And booked train to Interlaken from paris on 5/08
ALso i booked hotels in Interlaken and Grindelwald and train from Grindelwald to geneve for one night before backto Saudi Arabia on 18/08
Already paid everything and Vaccine certificate and recovery proves ready inwill do PCR test as extra option before leaving Saidi Arabia
Im very excited to be in the heaven (Switzerland) plz pray for me 💞to complete all this trip to the fullest 😊
i will updating you here later when i reach Switzerland 💓
Thank you for support
And wish good health for all
Hi Memok,
Thanks for your update.
Safe flight and have a fantastic trip.
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.
I know the CDC vaccination card is good for flights from the USA to Switzerland (we’re flying United) but does anyone know if the US CDC card is needed/effective for domestic flights within Switzerland (Zürich to Geneva) or is a negative Covid test required if a EU compatible vaccination card can’t be displayed within Switzerland? We fly Swiss from Zürich to Geneva on Monday and I’ve tried calling every number I can find for Swiss Airlines (I even had United reps try the numbers since they issued my ticket) but none of the numbers worked for any of us, it ultimately disconnects us, and when I try the Swiss airlines chat it thinks I’m trying to change my itinerary so I haven’t been able to ask if the CDC vaccination card is sufficient for that second leg of my trip. Therefore to be safe my whole family is now getting the Covid test tomorrow afternoon in Washington… ugh.
Hi Xpresso,
If the CDC vaccination card is valid for your flight into Switzerland, it will also be acceptable for use on Swiss domestic flights.
You can check the requirements here: swiss.travel-regulations.com/?language=en
Regards,
Anna
Hi Xpresso,
I don’t expect an issue either. In general I can say that it’s much better to take a train from Zurich airport to the final destination. That would get you a quick and easy scenic ride directly to the city center of Geneva. There’s no need for domestic flights within Switzerland, but I know that some airlines still offer this. The only requirement left for the trains is to wear a face mask. Anyway, in the unlikely event that there’s an issue, simply take the train 🙂
Enjoy your trip!
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Yes we wanted the flight travel to end in Zürich, visit there and then take the train to Geneva at our convenience but can you believe it would’ve cost my family $800 MORE to get off in Zürich rather than to continue with the flight to Geneva! We got the tickets for very cheap (Washington to Geneva roundtrip $400 each) but it would have been $200 more each person if we stopped the flight travel in Zürich, so I didn’t argue it and on we go to Geneva later that day by plane.
Ok I guess we don’t need to get the Covid test today than, thanks!
WE ar eplanning on driving from Zurich Airport to Colmar, Fr. Par tof the drive might be through a german highway. We are fully vaccinated and have our vaccination cards. Will we have any problem driving to Colmar with part of the route being on a german highway? Als odo they stop you at each border and check your vaccine card? We will then be driving back from Colmar, Fr to Zermatt/ Will we be stopped at the border and need to have our vaccine cards looked at? Do we need a PCR test to go to Switzerland if we are fully vaccinated within the last 12 months with Pfizer?
Hi Rgoppelt,
I don’t think you will have any problems driving from France to Switzerland via Germany, as long as you have your vaccination cards and valid travel documents with you. The checks at the border are usually random.
Regards,
Anna
Do you think there is any risk that also Switzerland will introduce the same kind of restrictions/requirements as for example Cyprus, when it comes to providing a negative test or a covid passport even just for going to the supermarkets?
I soooo want to go in August (6th of August), but I only have one shot of the vaccine so I am not fully vaccinated in case anything like that would happen. And taking a test just for shopping food seems so strange…
So I really don’t know if I should wait and re-book my flight to September instead, when I am fully vaccinated, or if I should go in August as initially planned.
Washington to Geneva for $400 RT??? Where’d you get that deal?
Hi Ohman91,
According to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health website, only travellers who are fully vaccinated will be exempt from presenting negative PCR or rapid antigen tests in order to enter Switzerland. Fully vaccinated means you have received two vaccine doses, as explained here: http://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov/impfen.html#-370631481
So it might be a good idea to travel only after you have received your second dose of vaccination if you find testing a hassle.
Currently in Switzerland we don’t need to present a COVID certificate to enter a supermarket. But measures such as wearing masks and keeping your distance are still in place in most public places.
You can find more useful tips about planning a trip during a pandemic here: http://www.myswissalps.com/coronavirus
Let us know if you need further information.
Regards,
Anna
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