13.01.2021

New rules apply throughout Switzerland from 18.01.2021 

Further information: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/das-bag/aktuell/medienmitteilungen.msg-id-81967.html

                                                                                              

12.01.2021


New on the list as of 12 January 2021, 1 pm: Ireland.


No longer on the list since 7 january 2021: Belize, Italy: Region Friuli Venezia Giulia.  

The newly added countries and areas are written in bold.

 List valid updon arriving in Switzerland from 15.1.21


Areas of neighbouring countries

Germany:

  • Land Sachsen

Italy:

  • Region Veneto


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Croatia
  • Denmark
  • Georgia
  • Ireland
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Montenegro
  • Kingdom of the Netherlands
  • Panama
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain
  • United States of America
  • Czechia

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately.


 List valid upon arriving in Switzerland between 12.1.21 and 14.1.21


Note: This list is valid from 12 January 2021, 1 pm.


Areas of neighbouring countries

Germany:

  • Land Sachsen

Italy:

  • Region Veneto


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Croatia
  • Georgia
  • Ireland
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Montenegro
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain
  • United States of America

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately.


List valid upon arriving in Switzerland between 7.1.21 and 12.1.21


Note: This list is valid until 12 January 2021, 12.59 pm.


Areas of neighbouring countries

Germany:

  • Land Sachsen

Italy:

  • Region Veneto


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Croatia
  • Georgia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Montenegro
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain
  • United States of America

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately.



List valid upon arriving in Switzerland between 28.12.20 and 6.1.21


Areas of neighbouring countries

Germany:

  • Land Sachsen

Italy:

  • Region Friuli Venezia Giulia
  • Region Veneto


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Belize
  • Croatia
  • Georgia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Montenegro
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain
  • United States of America

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately.


31.12.2020

List of countries and areas with an increased risk of infection


On covid19.admin.ch you will find a visualisation of the list on a world map.  


No longer on the list from 19 december 2020: Austria: Land Kärnten, Austria: Land Salzburg, Austria: Land Steiermark, Austria: Land Upper Austria, French Poynesia, Hungary, Italy: Region Emilia Romagna, Jordan, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal.

The newly added countries and areas are written in bold.

 List valid updon arriving in Switzerland from 28.12.2020


Areas of neighbouring countries

Germany:

  • Land Sachsen

Italy:

  • Region Friuli Venezia Giulia
  • Region Veneto


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Belize
  • Croatia
  • Georgia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Montenegro
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain
  • United States of America

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately.

Who must go into quarantine?

People who have spent time in a country or area with an increased risk of infection and then enter Switzerland must go into quarantine. The countries and areas affected are set down in a list.  

The mandatory quarantine requirement is governed by the list valid at the moment of entry into Switzerland.  

Check the list that is valid on your entry into Switzerland. Were you in one of the countries or areas on the list at any point in the last 10 days before entry into Switzerland? If so, you are legally required to go into quarantine and report your arrival in Switzerland to the cantonal authorities. Follow the instructions under What to do after entering Switzerland.

A negative test result does not exempt you from the mandatory quarantine requirement or shorten the quarantine period. This is because a negative test result does not rule out an infection with the new coronavirus. You will find the biological explanation for this on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

However, various people are exempt from the quarantine requirement in Switzerland. You will find a list of all the exemptions in Article 4 of the Covid-19 Ordinance on International Transport Measures. They include, for example:

  • Business travellers who are travelling for an important reason that cannot be postponed.
  • Individuals travelling for an important medical reason that cannot be postponed.
  • Transit passengers who have spent less than 24 hours in a country or area with an increased risk of infection.

                                                                                              

21.12.2020

Coronavirus: Entry ban and retroactive quarantine for persons from the UK and South Africa


Bern, 21.12.2020 - Following the discovery of a new, more contagious variant of the coronavirus in the UK and South Africa, the Federal Council today decided to take steps to prevent the further spread of this new virus strain. All persons who have entered Switzerland from these two countries since 14 December must go into quarantine for 10 days. The Federal Council has also introduced a general entry ban from today for all foreign nationals seeking to enter Switzerland from the UK and South Africa. This is intended in particular to stop travel from these countries for tourism purposes.

The Federal Council has approved amendments to COVID-19 Ordinance 3 prohibiting air travel between Switzerland and the UK and South Africa. The Federal Office of Civil Aviation FOCA yesterday ordered flights between Switzerland and these two countries to be suspended as of midnight on Sunday, 20 December.

A temporary derogation from the flight ban is being considered for persons resident in the UK or South Africa currently staying in Switzerland so that they may return home. That is also the case for persons resident in Switzerland currently staying in those two countries. However, it is imperative that such return journeys do not lead to infections.

The Federal Council also decided to withdraw freedom of movement privileges from persons resident in the UK until 31 December. Persons from the UK are therefore subject to a general ban on entering Switzerland. Freedom of movement privileges for British citizens were due to expire at the end of the year anyway.

The UK and South African authorities were given prior notice of the measures.

Initial indications are that the new variant of the coronavirus is significantly more transmissible than the existing strain. It is not yet clear to what extent the new strain has spread outside the UK and South Africa. No cases of the new strain have so far been identified in Switzerland.

Ordonnance sur les mesures destinées à lutter contre le coronavirus dans le domaine du transport international de voyageurs (French) (PDF, 105 kB)

Ordonnance 3 sur les mesures destinées à lutter contre le coronavirus (French)

                                                                                              


 List valid updon arriving in Switzerland from 28.12.2020


Areas of neighbouring countries

Germany:

  • Land Sachsen

Italy:

  • Region Friuli Venezia Giulia
  • Region Veneto


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Belize
  • Croatia
  • Georgia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Montenegro
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain
  • United States of America

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately.

                                                                                              

19.12.2020

 List valid upon arriving in Switzerland between 19.12.2020 and 27.12.2020


Areas of neighbouring countries

Italy:

  • Region Friuli Venezia Giulia
  • Region Veneto


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Croatia
  • Georgia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Montenegro
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain
  • United States of America

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately.


12.12.2020

List of countries and areas with an increased risk of infection


The newly added countries and areas are written in bold. No longer on the list from 14 december 2020: Czechia.

 List valid upon arriving in Switzerland from 14.12.2020


Areas of neighbouring countries

France:

  • Overseas area French Polynesia

Italy:

  • Region Emilia Romagna
  • Region Friuli Venezia Giulia
  • Region Veneto

Austria:

  • Land Kärnten
  • Land Salzburg
  • Land Steiermark
  • Land Upper Austria


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Croatia
  • Georgia
  • Hungary
  • Jordan
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Montenegro
  • North Macedonia
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovenia
  • United States of America

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately.

                                                                                              

23.11.2020

 List valid upon arriving in Switzerland between 23.11.2020 and 13.12.2020

No longer on the list since 23 November 2020: Armenia, Belgium, Region Hauts-de-France, Region Île de France.  

Areas of neighbouring countries

France:

  • Overseas area French Polynesia


Austria:

  • Land Salzburg
  • Land Upper Austria


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Czechia
  • Luxemburg
  • Montenegro

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately.

 List valid upon arriving in Switzerland between 29.10.2020 and 22.11.2020


Areas of neighbouring countries

France:

  • Region Hauts-de-France
  • Region Île de France
  • Overseas area French Polynesia


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Armenia
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately.

                                                                                              

29.10.2020 

List valid upon arriving in Switzerland between 29.10.2020 and 22.11.2020


Areas of neighbouring countries

France:

  • Region Hauts-de-France
  • Region Île de France
  • Overseas area French Polynesia


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Armenia
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately.

                                                                                              

28.10.2020

People arriving in Switzerland from certain countries and areas are required to go into quarantine. The list of these countries and areas will be updated on 29 October 2020. A negative test does not exempt you from the mandatory quarantine requirement.



List valid upon arriving in Switzerland from 29.10.2020


Areas of neighbouring countries

France:

  • Region Hauts-de-France
  • Region Île de France
  • Overseas area French Polynesia


Countries and areas*

  • Andorra
  • Armenia
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic

*The following applies for all countries that do not share a border with Switzerland: If a country is on the list, this includes all of its areas, islands and overseas territories – even if they are not listed separately

However, various people are exempt from the quarantine requirement in Switzerland. You will find a list of all the exemptions in Article 4 of the Covid-19 Ordinance on International Transport Measures. They include, for example:

  • Business travellers who are travelling for an important reason that cannot be postponed.
  • Individuals travelling for an important medical reason that cannot be postponed.
  • Transit passengers who have spent less than 24 hours in a country or area with an increased risk of infection.

                                                                                              

18.10.2020

Confederation imposes tougher measures to combat coronavirus

From Monday, 19 October spontaneous gatherings of more than 15 persons are not permitted in public. A mask must be worn in publicly accessible indoor areas, including in all railway stations and airports, and at bus and tram stops. Moreover, there are now new rules for private events of more than 15 persons, and in restaurants, bars and clubs food and drink may only be consumed sitting down. Following consultations with the cantons, the Federal Council has adapted the Special Situation COVID-19 Ordinance accordingly. This now also includes a recommendation to work from home.

The rapid rise in coronavirus cases in the last few days is a cause for great concern. The number of cases is on the increase in all age groups and across all cantons. The number of persons admitted to hospital is also rising. The new national measures agreed by the federal government and the cantons aim to better protect the public’s health and to prevent the health system from becoming overwhelmed in the coming weeks and months. The intention is also to considerably curb the number of new cases so that the cantons can continue to contract trace effectively. Despite the restrictions, it is hoped that the economy can continue to function and people can live their lives with as little disruption as possible.

Masks now mandatory in the whole of Switzerland

The requirement for persons over the age of 12 to wear a mask on public transport has been in place since 6 July. From Monday 19 October this will be extended to railway stations including platforms, airports and other publicly accessible public transport areas. As before, persons who are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons are exempt from the requirement.

Masks are now also compulsory in publicly accessible indoor spaces including all shops, shopping centres, banks, post offices, museums, libraries, cinemas, theatres, concert venues, indoor areas of zoos and botanical gardens, restaurants, bars, discos, casinos, hotels (with the exception of guests’ rooms), entrance areas and changing rooms in swimming pools, sports facilities and gyms, doctor’s surgeries, hospitals and places of worship, advisory centres and neighbourhood centres. Masks must also be worn in publicly accessible areas of administrative buildings.

Face masks must also be worn in all schools and higher education establishments, in child-care facilities and in the training areas of sport and fitness centres if part of the centre’s precautionary measures.

Rules for private events

Many people become infected with the coronavirus when families and friends gather. Gatherings should be avoided were possible. At private events attended by over 15 people, food and drink may only be consumed while seated. Anyone standing up must wear a mask. Furthermore, hygiene rules must be observed at all times and contact details must be recorded. For private events of more than 100 people there must be a set of precautionary measures (as for public events) and may only be held in publicly accessible venues.

Gatherings of more than 15 not permitted in public

Spontaneous gatherings of more than 15 persons are not permitted in public spaces such as town squares, streets, paths and parks. The aim is to prevent private events moving outdoors. Organised outdoor events such as political and civil society demonstrations are permitted provided precautionary measures are observed.

Seating requirement in bars, clubs and restaurants

In restaurants, bars and clubs, food and drink may only be consumed while seated, both indoors and out.

Working from home recommended

The Federal Council has added a paragraph on working from home to the Special Situation COVID-19 Ordinance. Employers are now required to observe the recommendation by the Federal Office of Public Health for employees to work from home. This will prevent large numbers of people coming together, particularly at peak times, and reduce close contact in the workplace. It will also reduce the risk of a whole work team having to go into quarantine if one member becomes infected with COVID-19.

Since 19 June, the cantons have played the lead role in combating the COVID-19 epidemic in Switzerland. The Confederation still expects the cantons to conduct widespread testing, implement a sound system of contract tracing and employ targeted measures to help fight the epidemic.

Further information: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/das-bag/aktuell/news/news-18-10-2020.html

                                                                                              

09.10.2020

No longer on the list from 12 October 2020: Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Namibia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.

The newly added countries and areas are written in bold.

List valid upon arriving in Switzerland from 12.10.2020


Areas of neighbouring countries

Germany:

  • Land Berlin
  • Land Hamburg

France:

  • Region Bretagne
  • Region Centre-Val de Loire
  • Region Corse
  • Region Hauts-de-France
  • Region Île de France
  • Region Normandie
  • Region Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Region Occitanie
  • Region Pays de la Loire
  • Region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
  • Overseas area French Guyana
  • Overseas area French Polynesia
  • Overseas area Guadeloupe
  • Overseas area La Réunion
  • Overseas area Martinique
  • Overseas area Mayotte
  • Overseas area Saint-Barthélemy
  • Overseas area Saint-Martin

Italy:

  • Region Campania
  • Region Liguria
  • Region Sardinia
  • Region Veneto

Austria:

  • Land Burgenland
  • Land Lower Austria
  • Land Salzburg
  • Land Upper Austria
  • Land Vienna
     

Countries and areas

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • The Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Cape Verde
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Kingdom of Denmark
  • Ecuador
  • Georgia
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Jamaica
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Libya
  • Luxemburg
  • Maldives
  • Malta
  • Morocco
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Nepal
  • Kingdom of the Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Occupied Palestinian Territory
  • Oman
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Tunisia
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain
  • United States of America

                                                                                               

30.09.2020

Entering Switzerland

Infoline for people travelling to Switzerland: +41 58 464 44 88 (6am–11pm)

Mandatory quarantine for persons arriving in Switzerland

Since 6 July 2020, anyone entering Switzerland from a country or area with a high risk of infection has been legally mandated to go into quarantine for ten days. You will find the list of these countries and further information on the page Mandatory quarantine for persons arriving in Switzerland.

Collection of contact details upon arriving in Switzerland

In some cases, the contact details of travellers will be collected upon their arrival in Switzerland. The collection of contact details affects all airline passengers as well as coach passengers from countries with an increased risk of infection.

There are two reasons for the collection of contact details: on the one hand, this guarantees traceability in the event that there were infectious passengers on board and a transmission of the new coronavirus is possible. On the other, the contact details are used by the cantonal authorities in order to monitor compliance with mandatory quarantine through spot checks.


Contact details of the responsible cantonal authorities


Contact your local cantonal authority within two days of your arrival.

CantonContact details
AargauOnline application form (In German)
Appenzell AusserrhodenOnline application form (In German)
Appenzell InnerrhodenHomepage (In German)
Basel-LandschaftHomepage (In German)
Basel-StadtHomepage (In German)
BernOnline application form (In German)
FribourgHomepage (In German)
GenevaOnline application form (In French)
Glarus+41 55 646 61 40
Graubünden

Online application form (In German)

[email protected]

Jura

+41 32 420 99 00

[email protected]

Online application form (In French)

LucerneHomepage (In German)
Neuchâtel

+41 32 889 11 00

Homepage (In French)

NidwaldenHomepage (In German)
Obwalden

Online application form (In German)

[email protected]

St. GallenOnline application form (In German)
Schaffhausen+41 52 632 70 01
SchwyzHomepage (In German)
SolothurnHomepage (In German)
Thurgau

+41 58 345 34 40

Homepage (In German)

TicinoOnline application form
Uri

+41 41 874 34 33

Online application form (In German)

Valais

+41 58 433 01 44

[email protected]

Online application form (In German)

VaudOnline application form (in French)
Zug

+41 41 728 39 09

Online application form (In German)

ZurichOnline application form
Principality of LiechtensteinHomepage (in German)

                                                                                              


25.09.2020

Mandatory quarantine for persons arriving in Switzerland

List of countries and areas

The countries and areas with a high risk of infection are set down in the Covid-19 Ordinance on International Passenger Transport Measures

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. Further information in this regard can be found on the page Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

No longer on the list from 28 September 2020: Kosovo, San Marino.

The newly added countries and areas are written in bold.

 List valid upon arriving in Switzerland from 28.9.2020


Areas of neighbouring countries

France:

  • Region Bretagne
  • Region Centre-Val de Loire
  • Region Corse
  • Region Hauts-de-France
  • Region Île de France
  • Region Normandie
  • Region Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Region Occitanie
  • Region Pays de la Loire
  • Region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
  • Overseas area French Guyana
  • Overseas area French Polynesia
  • Overseas area Guadeloupe
  • Overseas area La Réunion
  • Overseas area Martinique
  • Overseas area Mayotte
  • Overseas area Saint-Barthélemy
  • Overseas area Saint-Martin

Italy:

  • Region Liguria

Austria:

  • Land Lower Austria
  • Land Upper Austria
  • Land Vienna
     

Countries and areas

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • The Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brazil
  • Cape Verde
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Jamaica
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Libya
  • Luxemburg
  • Maldives
  • Malta
  • Morocco
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Namibia
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Occupied Palestinian Territory
  • Oman
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Suriname
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain
  • United States of America

What to do after entering Switzerland

  • Upon arrival, go immediately to your home or to other suitable accommodation (e.g. a hotel or holiday apartment). On the way there, keep a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from other people. If you are unable to maintain this distance, we recommend that you wear a mask. Avoid public transport if possible.
  • Report your arrival  to the cantonal authority responsible within two days. Follow the instructions of the cantonal authority.
  • For 10 days after your arrival in Switzerland you must stay in your home or other suitable accommodation without going out. Avoid contact with other people and follow the  instructions on quarantine (PDF, 182 kB, 12.09.2020).

Anyone who fails to comply with the quarantine requirement or the duty to report to the authorities is committing an offence under the Epidemics Act (in German), which can be punished by a fine of up to CHF 10,000.

The document ‘Instructions on quarantine’ can be found in various languages on our website Downloads in various languages.

 Top of page

Information on quarantine

Anyone who may have become infected with the new coronavirus must go into quarantine. If they fall ill they should avoid all contact with other people in order to prevent the spread of the virus. The quarantined person should stay at home or in some other suitable accommodation and not leave for any reason.

Who has to go into quarantine and how long must they stay there? What should you do if you are in quarantine and live with other people? This and other information can be found in the document Instructions on quarantine (PDF, 182 kB, 12.09.2020).

Children

Children entering Switzerland from a country or area mentioned on the list must also spend 10 days in quarantine.


                                                                                              


11.09.2020

Mandatory quarantine: list of countries and areas

The countries and areas with a high risk of infection are set down in the Covid-19 Ordinance on International Passenger Transport Measures. This list is regularly updated.

No longer on the list from 14 September 2020: Ecuador, Faroe Islands, Guatemala, South Africa.

The newly added countries and areas are written in bold.

Information regarding Spain: the Canary Islands will be included on the list from 14 September, meaning that the whole of Spain is now on the list.

List valid upon arriving in Switzerland from 14.9.2020

List of countries and areas with a high risk of infection

List of countries and areas with a high risk of infection

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Aruba
  • The Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cape Verde
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Dominican Republic
  • Gibraltar
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • India
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Kosovo
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Libya
  • Maldives
  • Malta
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Namibia
  • North Macedonia
  • Occupied Palestinian Territory
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • San Marino
  • Sint Maarten
  • Spain
  • Suriname
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States of America (including Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and Guam)

List of areas of neighbouring countries with a high risk of infection

Areas in France:

  • Region Centre-Val de Loire
  • Region Corse
  • Region Hauts-de-France
  • Region Île de France
  • Region Normandie
  • Region Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Region Occitanie
  • Region Pays de la Loire
  • Region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
  • Overseas area French Guyana
  • Overseas area Guadeloupe
  • Overseas area French Polynesia
  • Overseas area La Réunion
  • Overseas area Martinique
  • Overseas area Mayotte
  • Oversesas area Saint-Barthélemy
  • Overseas area Saint-Martin

Areas in Austria:

  • Federal state Vienna

At its meeting on 11 September, the Federal Council decided on the quarantine rules for persons entering Switzerland from neighbouring countries: only those regions of neighbouring countries where the infection rate is over the limit will be added to the list of countries and areas with an increased rate of infection, not the entire country. Border regions may be exempted from inclusion on the list. In so doing, the Federal Council is responding to the rapid rise in infection numbers, while still taking account of the close interaction between Switzerland and neighbouring regions. The revised ordinance will come into force on 14 September. At the same time, the list of risk areas will be updated.

Since 6 July, anyone entering Switzerland from a country or area with a high risk of infection has been required to go into quarantine for ten days. This Federal Council measure aims to prevent the import of the coronavirus into Switzerland and its spread within the country as far as possible. The Federal Council is now taking a region-based approach to neighbouring countries. Only specific regions of neighbouring countries will be included in the list of countries and areas with an increased risk of infection, in line with the practice in various other countries.

Exemptions for border regions
The border regions of neighbouring countries may be exempted from inclusion on the list. By allowing this exception, the Federal Council is taking account of the close economic, social and cultural exchanges that take place in the border regions. At the same time, the Federal Council is responding to the increasing numbers of infections in Switzerland and in various neighbouring countries, particularly in France.

Since June, the number of new infections in Switzerland has been rising steadily. While 98 cases were reported in the first week of June, at the end of August the figure was 1844, i.e. 18-times higher. In France, the number of cases is increasing even more rapidly and the number of new infections over two weeks in almost all regions of France is considerably higher than the limit value of 60 per 100,000 persons (14-day incidence). In certain Austrian states, a rise in cases in excess of the threshold has also been recorded, as it has in several Swiss cantons.

Taking a regional approach means that persons returning to Switzerland from risk areas will be required to go into quarantine, but not persons returning from regions on the Swiss border. In implementing this measure, the Federal Council is continuing to rely on members of the public to act responsibly. They should avoid travelling to risk areas if at all possible, or spend time in quarantine if they have travelled to these regions. Cross-border commuters are already exempted from the quarantine requirement.

The majority of cantons have expressed their support for this approach. However, some cantons are concerned that the new exemptions for the border regions will lead to increased costs and may lead to lower levels of compliance with the quarantine rules.

Exemptions from the quarantine requirement
Under the new rules, creative artists returning from a cultural event, athletes returning from competitions and persons who have been attending professional conferences will be exempted from the quarantine requirement. However, this exemption only applies if precautionary measures have been planned and taken at the foreign event concerned.

Also exempted from the quarantine requirement are persons who are required to travel without delay to a risk area for professional or medical reasons. The persons concerned must not remain abroad for more than five days, and precautionary measures must be planned and taken.

In addition, the Federal Council has revised the calculation rules for quarantine in the COVID-19 Ordinance on International Passenger Transport Measures. This will allow the cantons to take account of time spent in a country where there is not a high risk of infection before entering Switzerland, and to reduce the length of time spent in quarantine in Switzerland accordingly.

Coronavirus tests: Federal government reduces tariffs
At its meeting, the Federal Council also decided to reduce the tariff for a molecular-biological analysis for Sars-CoV-2 (PCR test) from CHF 95 to CHF 82 and that for a serological analysis (antibody test) from CHF 39 to CHF 25. It has also specified the details of various procedures.

Further information: Ordonnance sur les mesures destinées à lutter contre le coronavirus dans le domaine du transport international de voyageurs (PDF, 399 kB)

_______________________________________________________________________

07.09.2020

Mandatory quarantine: updated  list of countries and areas

No longer on the list since 7 September 2020: Belgium, El Salvador, Eswatini (Swazsiland), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Oman.

The newly added countries and areas are written in bold.


Important: a negative test result does not exempt you from the mandatory quarantine requirement or shorten the quarantine period. This is because a negative test result does not rule out an infection with the new coronavirus. You will find the biological explanation for this on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

The mandatory quarantine requirement does not apply to transit passengers who have spent less than 24 hours in a country or area with an increased risk of infection. Further exceptions are set down in Article 4 of the Covid-19 Ordinance on International Passenger Transport Measures.

Anyone who fails to comply with the quarantine requirement or the duty to report to the authorities is committing an offence under the Epidemics Act (in German), which can be punished by a fine of up to CHF 10,000.

_______________________________________________________________________

18.08.2020

Mandatory quarantine: updated  list of countries and areas

The countries and areas with a high risk of infection are set down in the Covid-19 Ordinance on International Passenger Transport Measures. This list is regularly updated.

Removed from the list on 20 August 2020: Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Singapore

The newly added countries and areas are written in bold.

List valid upon arriving in Switzerland from 20 August 2020

List valid upon arriving in Switzerland between 8 August 2020 and 19 August 2020

List valid upon arriving in Switzerland between 23 July 2020 and 7 August 2020

List valid upon arriving in Switzerland between 6 July 2020 and 22 July 2020

Source: https://www.bag.admin.ch/.........

              https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/CHE

_____________________________________________________________


14.08.2020

Travelling to Switzerland
Travelling from EU/EAA countries, including the United Kingdom, is in principle allowed.

All travellers entering Switzerland from countries or regions that are defined as Covid risk areas will have to quarantine for 10 days. The Federal Office of Public Health keeps a list of countries concerned, which is updated regularly.

As of 8.8.20, Luxembourg, Romania and Spain (with the exception of the Balearic and Canary Islands) are defined as Covid risk areas.

Travelling from Switzerland or returning to Switzerland
From the beginning of the pandemic, the Swiss Government has been advising against non-urgent travel abroad. This advice has gradually been lifted for a selection of countries.

Currently, the following countries are exempt from the general advice against non-urgent travel abroad: countries in the Schengen area, United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Ireland, Japan, Morocco, Monaco, New Zealand, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Urugay, Vatican/Holy See.

If you re-enter Switzerland having at any point in the past 14 days spent time in a state or area defined as a Covid risk area, you must immediately go to your home or to other suitable accommodation, where you must stay for 10 days from the day of your arrival. Also, you have to report your arrival to the responsible cantonal authority within two days, and follow its instructions. The list of countries and territories with increased covid-infection risks is defined and regularly updated in a Federal Act. 


Following the EU council recommendations, entry restrictions are lifted for a selection of third countries. It currently concerns: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunesia, and Urugay, and the EU states outside the Schengen area (Bulgaria, Ireland, Croatia, Romania, and Cyprus). China is also expected to be removed from the list in line with the EU recommendations, provided it guarantees reciprocal rights of entry to people travelling from Switzerland.

An updated list of States and areas with an increased risk of infection is available at www.bag.admin.ch

Rules and Exceptions
Entry restrictions have been lifted for residents of EU/EEA countries (including UK), as well as for their family members (irrespective of their nationality).
Travellers that are required to go into quarantine willl be notified during the flight, on board of coaches and at border crossings. They will have to register with the cantonal authorities within two days after arrival, and follow their instructions. Airline and travel companies will be instructed not to transport sick passengers.
For updated information, also see the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) FAQs


Links to national sources

www.bag.admin.ch

Source: Driving abroad

https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/CHE



30.06.2020

Country

General

Land

Aviation


Switzerland

  •         Borders with Schengen states are open again.


  •       Full free movement of persons with EU/EFTA States and the UK (Press release)


  •       Travel ban to Switzerland:  For third-country (non Schengen) nationals who do not have rights of free movement, entry restrictions continue to apply.

 

  •    Granting of Schengen and national visas is suspended (exception: emergency situations and healthcare specialists).


  •          Green Lanes were used to transport priority goods as well as by persons working in health care or emergency services.


  •          All border crossings are open again.


  •          Ordonnance 3 du 19 juin 2020 sur les mesures destinées à lutter contre le coronavirus (COVID-19)

 


  • Rail: international passenger traffic is gradually returning to normal operation (FR, DE, AT: from mid May; IT: regional traffic from mid June, long distance from 29 June)
    (Press release)
  • Restriction on international flights to enter Switzerland only via Zürich, Geneva and Basel airport has been lifted.

 

Travel ban to Switzerland from Italy, Germany, France and Austria

End date: not available

Further information: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/de/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pa...







29.06.2020

As of  27 June, Swiss public transport has returned to standard timetables, with the recommendation for passengers to wear face masks at peak times.

On 15 June, borders with EU countries, Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and the UK were opened, and the fines imposed on people doing cross-border shopping lifted. Travel between Switzerland and a country that is not part of the Schengen Area is still not allowed. Provided they can prove their status with official documentation, the following categories are exempted from the provision:

  • Swiss citizens.
  • Holders of a travel document (e.g. a passport or identity card) and
    • a residence permit, i.e. a Swiss residence permit (L / B / C / Ci permits)
    • a cross-border permit (G permit; only for work-related purposes)
    • an FDFA legitimation card
    • a D visa issued by Switzerland
    • a C visa issued by Switzerland after 16 March 2020 in a valid exceptional case
    • a C visa issued by Switzerland in order to work on a short-term contract
    • an assurance of a residence permit from a cantonal migration authority or an entry permit with a visa issued by Switzerland (an employment contract is not sufficient to cross the Swiss border. Persons with an assurance of a residence permit may enter Switzerland at the earliest three days before the date on which assurance becomes valid).
  • Holders of a refugee’s travel document issued by Switzerland and a valid residence or permanent residence permit or a valid F permit.
  • Individuals who have rights of free movement.
  • People transiting through Switzerland to another country that they can enter.
  • People in a situation of special necessity. The border control authority will assess the necessity of such situation.
  • Specialists in the healthcare sector who need to enter Switzerland for important work-related reasons and who hold a confirmation of notification, an assurance of a residence permit or an entry permit with a visa issued by Switzerland.

As of 15 June, all border crossing points are open; both private and commercial transport is allowed. Goods drivers are allowed to operate to, from and through Switzerland if they have a bill of lading.

More information can be found here.

Source: Swiss government

                                                                                              

04.04.2020

On 1 April, the Swiss Federal Department of Justice notified the extension of border controls until 24 April. The prolongation involves borders with all Schengen states except land and air borders with France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Germany, which have been prolonged separately. Borders with the Principality of Liechtenstein are also exempted from the provision.

Therefore the current duration of border controls is as follows:

  • All air borders except from air borders with Liechtenstein:
    25 March 2020 – 24 April 2020
  • Air borders with Spain, Italy, France, Germany and Austria:
    18 March 2020 – 17 April 2020
  • Land borders with France, Germany and Austria:
    16 March – 15 April 2020
  • Land border with Italy:
    13 March – 12 April 2020

Source: Swiss Federal Department of Justice and European Commission

                                                                                              

28.03.2020

Entry by road on the Swiss territory from Italy, France, Germany, and Austria is limited to Swiss citizens, Swiss residents and people entering for professional reasons. Only major border crossings are open for movements of persons.

International freight transport is not affected by these measures, and all border crossing points are open for freight movements. Green lanes are also in place at some border crossings for import, export and transit of medical products, foodstuff, fuel supplies, and post. List of border crossings equipped with green lanes for freight transport is available here.

Sources: ASTAG and Federal Customs Administration