New coronavirus: Information for travellers

It is compulsory to wear a face mask on all public transport throughout Switzerland. In addition, travellers entering Switzerland from countries and areas with a high risk of infection must go into quarantine.

Entering Switzerland

Infoline for people travelling to Switzerland: [phone] (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 informations 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.
 

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Travelling abroad from Switzerland

Travel recommendation due to the new coronavirus

We recommend that you avoid unnecessary travel abroad. The countries listed here are exempt from this recommendation. Non-urgent travel to Luxembourg and Spain (with the exception of the Balearic and Canary Islands) is currently discouraged due to the recent epidemiological situation there.

 

• Since 15 June 2020 the countries in the Schengen Area and the UK (Schengen Area = Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia and Spain)

• Since 20 July 2020 the following additional countries: Andorra, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Ireland, Japan, Morocco, Monaco, New Zealand, Ruanda, San Marino, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, Vatican/Holy See

It does not mean that the countries on this list are relaxing their entry requirements at the same time. Moreover, the decision to travel abroad is the individual responsibility of the traveller. Please be aware that the epidemiological situation can change quickly. If your travel destination is classified as a country or area with an increased risk of infection, you will be required to go into quarantine following your return to Switzerland – this will apply irrespective of how the country or area in question was classified prior to your departure.

Do not travel if you feel unwell or are experiencing symptoms that could indicate an infection with the coronavirus. Stay at home and take the coronavirus check or call your doctor.
 

Entry requirements of your destination country

Due to the global pandemic response, planning international trips is more complicated than before. Entry rules vary from country to country. In some countries, borders remain closed to travellers. Others are gradually reopening them – sometimes just for certain groups of people or for certain travel purposes, often with specific conditions. Examples of such conditions include mandatory quarantine, monitoring your own health, or in rare cases, presenting proof of a negative COVID-19 test. There are also different approaches with regard to border checks. Bear in mind that for all countries:

Entry rules can change very quickly depending on the epidemiological situation. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to find out whether entry is possible on that day without restrictions or whether there are new entry regulations.
 

Measures within your destination country

In order to stop the spread of the coronavirus, many countries have also imposed measures within the country, which you must observe during your stay. You may find that in certain countries there are restrictions on your movements or that you have to wear a face mask in certain places. Foreign representations in Switzerland will inform you about these measures. Consult the information provided and follow the applicable rules and regulations while in the country.

Further recommendations

Information on border openings as well as on security and the political situation at your destination can be found on the websites of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA (in German, French and Italian).

Medical advice regarding individual countries not related to COVID-19 is still valid. You can find more information at www.safetravel.ch (in German or French).

Return of Swiss nationals: You will find questions and answers on returning to Switzerland on the FDFA website.

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Information for incoming tourists

Measures within Switzerland

The wearing of masks has been compulsory on all forms of public transport in Switzerland since 6 July 2020. Further information on the applicable prohibitions and obligations can be found on the page Measures and ordinances.

You must observe the rules on hygiene and social distancing applicable in Switzerland. In public places such as restaurants, shops and museums, you must follow the rules set out in the applicable set of precautionary measures. This information will be provided on the premises.

If you experience symptoms of illness after entering Switzerland, take them seriously and please consult the page What to do in the event of symptoms and possible infection and follow the instructions provided. This is the best way to protect yourself and your fellow human beings.
 

Conditions of entry

Information on migration issues (e.g. freedom of movement, entry restrictions and exceptions and visas) can be found on the website of the State Secretariat for Migration SEM. The SEM cannot provide any information about mandatory quarantine upon entering Switzerland.

Last modification 07.08.2020