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Does the coronavirus affect trips to Switzerland?

Short summary – read this first

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.

Key takeaways:
  • 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.
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InfoAI-generated summary. Details may be outdated. Check with our travel experts to be 100% sure.
  • User
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    Reply 1021 of 1,070 • 31 March 2022 at 1:17:51 #933688

    Hi everyone!

    I am traveling in June. Do you think that the travel restrictions will still be close to none? Also, my home country requires a negative laboratory antigen test taken 24 hrs before departure, any lab recommendations that are affordable in Geneva?

    Thanks

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    Reply 1022 of 1,070 • 31 March 2022 at 7:02:37 #933689

    Hi Samuelxchang,

    I really hope that every restrictions will be cancelled soon, but unfortunatelly we cannot predict it. Please, check the fist post in this thread often. We will update regularly.

    You can find test places here: http://www.myswissalps.com/coronavirus/planning and http://www.stnet.ch.

    Ildiko

    luvmystang
    Participant
    111 posts
    Reply 1023 of 1,070 • 31 March 2022 at 14:10:03 #933690

    Just received Swiss Alert that as of April 1 no more masks on public transportation. WOOOHOOO!!

    User
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    Reply 1024 of 1,070 • 31 March 2022 at 14:35:39 #933691

    Thank you Ildiko!

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    Reply 1025 of 1,070 • 31 March 2022 at 17:46:11 #933692

    Hi luvmystang,

    Yes, that is true. So happy about it!

    For the latest updates please refer to the first post in this thread.

    I wish you all a wonderful Swiss holiday!

    Ildiko

    User
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    83570 posts
    Reply 1026 of 1,070 • 31 March 2022 at 18:50:54 #933693

    Hi it was a wonderful news about the new update on mask wearing on public transport!

    We are travelling to Switzerland this coming Tuesday. What will happen if the Covid vaccine is more than 270 days (16 days over!). Will a 48 hour Negative PCR test allow entry???

    Thank you.

    Looking forward to this trip

    Regards,

    Tamy

    Annika
    Moderator
    7371 posts
    Reply 1027 of 1,070 • 1 April 2022 at 10:36:06 #933694

    Hi Tamy,

    Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer to that question yet. The Swiss Tourism organization will discuss this 270-day issue with the government, and we hope that a solution will be announced in the next few weeks.

    Note that you can count 270 days from your last (booster) vaccine, and that proof of recovery no longer than 180 ago is valid too. If neither situation applies to you, and if you’re from a country on the ‘high risk’-list (you’re from the UK, right?), it looks like you wouldn’t be allowed in under the current rules.

    The quickest way to get information for your specific situation would be to consult the online travelcheck tool, or to call the Swiss infoline. You’ll find links and a phone number in the first post of this thread.

    Good luck, and we’d appreciate it if you could update us about the outcome!

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    Reply 1028 of 1,070 • 1 April 2022 at 11:05:33 #933695

    Hi Annika & thank you for your reply.

    Yes we are coming from the UK. I spoke to Swiss info & what the person said is in line with current rule of 270 days vaccination validity. NO PCR test is valid for entry.

    I was hoping that there is an alternative but unfortunately, there is nothing.

    Bw,

    Tamy

    Annika
    Moderator
    7371 posts
    Reply 1029 of 1,070 • 1 April 2022 at 17:34:33 #933696

    Hi Tamy,

    Thanks for your update. I’m sorry for you. It’s too bad there’s no solution yet for travelers who’ve been vaccinated more than 270 days ago. As far as I know, this validity period still applies in many European countries (although not necessarily related to entry rules). I’m confident it will be solved, as otherwise lots of travelers will run into this exact same problem.

    Well, probable future adjustments don’t help you out now… Are you able to reschedule your trip?

    Lyn8
    Participant
    5 posts
    Reply 1030 of 1,070 • 8 April 2022 at 14:06:08 #933697

    Hi Arno,

    I have looked on many sites for requirements for proof of vaccination options, including the Switzerland Tourism list, SEM website and many of the posts on this forum. The actual requirement of what to bring to show proof from a high risk third country is still not found. (I am a US citizen). The Swiss COVID certificate is no longer required for tourist and is only for Swiss nationals now. So I’m still stumped. I’m getting my latest vaccine today and leaving for Zurich on June 5 so have time to find and get proof of today’s vaccine.

    Thanks so much and apologies if I just keep missing that information through all my searches.

    Lyn8

    Anna
    Moderator
    7898 posts
    Reply 1031 of 1,070 • 8 April 2022 at 14:19:17 #933698

    Hi Lyn8,

    Welcome to MySwissAlps.

    If you are fully-vaccinated and your last dose is less than 270 days ago, then you should be fine. The entry requirements for specific countries are detailed in the links in the first post of this thread: http://www.myswissalps.com/forum/topic/does-the-corona-virus-affect-trips-to-switzerland.

    You can also check you status using the Travelcheck platform. The link is on the first post on this thread.

    Regards,

    Anna

    🇨🇭 The official SBB tourist webshop
    ✓ Discounts for passholders ✓ Instant mobile e-Ticket ✓ Free cancellation option
    🎁 Promotion: Up to CHF 200 cashback on your passes! See details ►
    Swiss Travel Pass Unlimited travel

    Swiss Travel Pass

    Unlimited train, bus, & boat travel across Switzerland.

    Mountain excursions With discounts

    Mountain excursions

    Official e-Tickets with pass holder discounts. Skip the ticket counter.

    Regional passes Unlimited travel

    Regional passes

    Unlimited travel in the Berner Oberland, Jungfrau Region or Lucerne Region.

    Lyn8
    Participant
    5 posts
    Reply 1032 of 1,070 • 8 April 2022 at 14:42:29 #933699

    Thanks Anna. Even on all the links you mentioned, and others, there was not the specifics for what to present document wise But good news as of a few minutes ago….I actually just checked the website of the US Embassy in Switzerland (for the 4th time) and found the exact phrase to describe proper proof to show, since the Swiss COVID certificate is no longer used for tourists. It is cut and pasted below.

    “Important: Your U.S. vaccination card needs to be properly issued and include an official stamp and signature from the administering authority. If your vaccination card is not properly issued please contact the issuing office”.

    Thank you so much again – and for the quick reply!

    All the best,

    Lyn

    User
    Inactive
    83570 posts
    Reply 1033 of 1,070 • 8 April 2022 at 23:24:18 #933700

    What do you mean by an official stamp? We are a family of four, all receiving vaccines at different locations they are filled out with lot number of the vaccine, the date given and who it was given by but there is no stamp on any of them.

    Lyn8
    Participant
    5 posts
    Reply 1034 of 1,070 • 9 April 2022 at 0:03:28 #933701

    Hi DashworthPA,

    I wondered the same thing as it was on the embassy website and even my first card also had what you described for your cards as well.(I was originally asking here as I wasn’t sure to assume the regular cards would be accepted as there is often news of false cards).

    I asked the pharmacist about it today when I went in for another covid vaccine. She also did not know what they might be referring to. The card that pharmacy uses is the same as you and I have also. She did tell me about a website where we can receive a digital copy of our vaccine card by accessing the state records of vaccinations reported. This particular website would be for CA but other states may have the same option.

    Website is: myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov

    It appears all will be good with our standard vaccine cards as there hasn’t been information otherwise while searching the Swiss government travel sites.

    Enjoy your trip with your family! We will as well.

    Warmly,

    Lyn

    Frances25
    Participant
    6 posts
    Reply 1035 of 1,070 • 9 April 2022 at 12:21:52 #933702

    Hello–

    I was recently in Switzerland and confirm that all you need for proof of vaccine is the little white CDC card. The airlines will check for this before you get on the plane in the US to travel to Switzerland. You may also be asked to show the card again upon arrival in Switzerland.

    User
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    83570 posts
    Reply 1036 of 1,070 • 9 April 2022 at 13:28:20 #933703

    Hi, Frances25

    We will be visiting in September, coming from USA. I will have my second booster shot in a few days. For the return trip back to US, do you know if the US government-issued Antigen Rapid Self-Test is valid for re-entry? Any specific info on vaccination documentation will be appreciated!

    Thanks,

    Bebe

    Frances25
    Participant
    6 posts
    Reply 1037 of 1,070 • 9 April 2022 at 14:10:28 #933704

    Hi Bebe—

    For entry back to the US, you have to use a proctored self-test—one you do over video with someone watching. Two places on-line that sell this type of test are optum and emed. Hopefully, the test to return to the US won’t still be needed come Sept.

    You can keep track of the requirements by checking the CDC website:

    http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

    Have a great trip!!!

    User
    Inactive
    83570 posts
    Reply 1038 of 1,070 • 9 April 2022 at 16:08:32 #933705

    Thanks so much for your quick reply. I had read the info on the emed.com website after I posed my question to you. I just want to be fully prepared and probably should wait (and hope) that the testing requirements for re-entry will be lifted by September, as you said. No use in ordering any proctored tests if I don’t have to. At least I’ll have the booster vaccine well within the 270 day requirement.

    Thanks again for the clarification!

    Bebe

    PS And thanks also to the experts for this forum & their advice!

    User
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    Reply 1039 of 1,070 • 18 April 2022 at 3:06:13 #933706

    I also see that it is an option to provide proof from a medical provider that indicates the booster is not medically recommended, as is the case for my son. Do you know if that is something that would be shown upon entry into Switzerland or if that needs to be verified in advance?

    Anna
    Moderator
    7898 posts
    Reply 1040 of 1,070 • 18 April 2022 at 8:20:05 #933707

    Hi Chris C,

    To see what rules apply to your own particular situation when entering Switzerland, you should consult the online Travelcheck. You can find the link in the first post of this thread. As far as I know, if your son is under 18, he is allowed to enter Switzerland without having to show proof of vaccination. However, you might still need to have a verified document just in case. You should confirm this with your embassy ahead of your trip.

    Regards,

    Anna

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