Since 6 July, it is compulsory to wear a face mask on public transport throughout Switzerland. In addition, travellers from certain regions are legally mandated go into quarantine.
Entering Switzerland
Infoline for people travelling to Switzerland: +41 58 464 44 88 (6am–11pm)
Quarantine
Since mid-June, the number of new cases of coronavirus has been rising in Switzerland as infected persons have entered the country. As of July 6th, anyone entering Switzerland from a country or area with a high risk of infection is legally mandated to go into quarantine for ten days. A negative test result does not shorten the quarantine period. You will find the list of the countries and further information on the page on Mandatory quarantine for persons arriving in Switzerland.
Important: a negative test result does not exempt you from the mandatory quarantine requirement or shorten the quarantine period. A negative test result does not rule out an infection.
Airports in Switzerland
Air passengers from abroad may enter the country through the airports at Zurich, Geneva and Basel, and since 15 June also at regional airports. You will be provided with instructions on how to best protect yourself against becoming infected with the coronavirus. At Basel airport, you are required to wear a face mask in accordance with the regulations applicable in France.
Conditions of entry
Before your trip, consult the website of the State Secretariat for Migration SEM. You will find FAQs on entry restrictions and exceptions, freedom of movement and visas.
Measures introduced in Switzerland
The wearing of masks has been compulsory on all forms of public transport since 6 July.
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 on 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.
Return of Swiss nationals
You will find questions and answers on returning to Switzerland on the FDFA website.
Travelling abroad from Switzerland
Recommendations due to the coronavirus
We recommend that you avoid unnecessary travel abroad. The following are exempt from this recommendation:
- Since 15 June 2020 the countries in the Schengen Area and the UK
- Since 20 July 2020 the following additional countries: Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Ireland, Japan, Morocco, Monaco, New Zealand, Ruanda, Rumania, San Marino, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, Vatican/Holy See
However, this does not mean that these countries have also lifted their travel restrictions.
Non-urgent travel to Luxembourg is currently discouraged due to the recent epidemiological situation there.
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) and the State Secretariat for Migration SEM.
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).
Last modification 31.07.2020
Contact
We are unable to respond to enquiries related to COVID-19 in writing.
Please refer instead to our webpages, which are continuously updated.
Under Contacts and links you will find contact information for the FOPH, other federal agencies and the cantons.
- Tel.
- +41 58 464 44 88