Does the coronavirus affect trips to Switzerland?

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    Tourgypsy
    Participant
    52 posts
    28 June 2021 at 13:41:55 #933007

    I’m not leaving until the 8th of August, but I will update information if it’s changed at that time.

    My plan is to get the test (for the return) done at Zurich airport the day before I leave.

    Judy

    Xpresso
    Participant
    93 posts
    28 June 2021 at 13:47:03 #933008

    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.

    luvmystang
    Participant
    104 posts
    28 June 2021 at 13:57:34 #933009

    I purchased the test kit here and will take it with me.

    SteelyD
    Participant
    43 posts
    28 June 2021 at 13:59:19 #933010

    May I ask which one you purchased and how much it was?

    luvmystang
    Participant
    104 posts
    28 June 2021 at 14:06:35 #933011

    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

    SteelyD
    Participant
    43 posts
    28 June 2021 at 16:38:02 #933012

    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. 😉

    luvmystang
    Participant
    104 posts
    28 June 2021 at 16:39:18 #933013

    Yay! Enjoy!!!

    SteelyD
    Participant
    43 posts
    28 June 2021 at 18:08:04 #933014

    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.

    Tourgypsy
    Participant
    52 posts
    28 June 2021 at 18:51:24 #933015

    Found this link online for Covid tests in Zermatt:

    http://www.zermatt.ch/en/covid-19/Maskenpflicht-Quarantaene-Covid-19-Test/COVID-19-tests

    SteelyD
    Participant
    43 posts
    28 June 2021 at 18:53:54 #933016

    Many thanks 🙂

    GoGiantsfan
    Participant
    52 posts
    28 June 2021 at 19:46:34 #933017

    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

    Anna
    Moderator
    6274 posts
    29 June 2021 at 5:30:30 #933018

    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

    Rgoppelt
    Participant
    44 posts
    5 July 2021 at 23:53:00 #933019

    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?

    luvmystang
    Participant
    104 posts
    6 July 2021 at 4:27:35 #933020

    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.

    Anna
    Moderator
    6274 posts
    6 July 2021 at 7:42:55 #933021

    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

    Xpresso
    Participant
    93 posts
    6 July 2021 at 8:55:15 #933022

    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

    SteelyD
    Participant
    43 posts
    6 July 2021 at 13:05:31 #933023

    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.

    Xpresso
    Participant
    93 posts
    6 July 2021 at 13:57:47 #933024

    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?

    SteelyD
    Participant
    43 posts
    6 July 2021 at 14:18:59 #933025

    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.”

    http://www.google.com/amp/s/www.technologyreview.com/2021/05/04/1024450/at-home-covid-test-review-accuracy-binaxnow-lucira-ellume/amp/

    Xpresso
    Participant
    93 posts
    6 July 2021 at 16:30:41 #933026

    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).

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