CHANGES TO SWISS TRAVEL

Posted: July 5, 2021

TRAVEL RULES ARE STARTING TO EASE

AND ENTERING SWITZERLAND JUST GOT EASIER

We have always been confident that the global vaccination programme would improve travel options into Switzerland.

And there has been a big shift towards simpler travel for trainees with the most recent updates from the Swiss authorities.

WHAT’S CHANGED IN SWITZERLAND?

There are two big changes in the Swiss rules.

The first is that you can now enter Switzerland without quarantine if you have received two jabs of a vaccine that is approved by Switzerland or the EU or The WHO.

This includes AstraZenica.

The second big change is that until now you had to have a ‘special reason’ to enter Switzerland from outside the EU and Schengen area.

So you could only enter if you had extra paperwork – like proof of attending an educational training course – or if you had a residency permit.

Now if you are double-jabbed you can enter with just proof of that vaccination.

So things are far easier if you get both jabs before your course.

If you haven’t been double-jabbed then it will mean you still (currently) have to quarantine when arriving from a risk nation and you will also need extra paperwork – but entry should still be possible.

Here’s the official advice from the Swiss health authority:

Restrictions on entering Switzerland to be relaxed

The Federal Council has also decided to relax the requirements for entering Switzerland, as it proposed in the consultation. Persons entering from the Schengen area will no longer be required to quarantine.

The requirement to be tested will now apply only to persons arriving by plane who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19. Contact details will still be required when arriving by plane.

In addition, Switzerland is easing the existing entry restrictions for persons arriving from third countries who can prove they have been vaccinated. The list of countries issued by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) has been amended accordingly. It is now once again possible for third-country citizens travelling from countries such as the USA, Albania or Serbia to enter Switzerland.

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Entry from a country with a variant of the virus of concern

The current list of high-risk countries issued by the Federal Office of Public Health is to be revised and will only contain countries or regions where virus variants of concern to Switzerland are in circulation.

Persons who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from the disease will be permitted to enter Switzerland from these countries or regions without having to be tested or to quarantine as long as it is certain that the vaccination offers good protection. Those who have neither been vaccinated nor have recovered must present a negative PCR test or rapid antigen test and go into quarantine on entry.

In practice, this means that persons who have been vaccinated or who have recovered do not have to produce a negative test even when travelling from countries where the Delta variant is widespread (such as India or the United Kingdom) and do not have to quarantine on entry. The vaccines used in Switzerland are only slightly less effective against the Delta variant and thus still offer a very high level of protection.

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WHAT ABOUT YOUR HOME NATION?

The next big question is what happens when you leave home to start your course, or return home after it?

It’s a massive topic as there are different rules in every nation.

But if we look at the UK, then Switzerland is on the Amber list so you will still need to follow the rules laid down by UK Government.

You are advised not to travel to any Amber list nation, but it isn’t illegal.

And you might need to quarantine when returning to the UK – although by the time you finish a Peak Leaders course you are likely to see even fewer barriers to returning home.

Crucially you need to check with your insurance provide if your policy would cover you for travel to Switzerland. Some might have extra rules and exceptions in the cover you benefit from.

An important point is that the Swiss vaccination programme is massively reducing rates here. That means that quarantines when travelling from Switzerland should be removed fairly soon.

But, essentially, leaving the UK is fine but when returning it would involve quarantine (as things stand).

IT’S A BIG SHIFT

This represents a massive change in policy and makes things much easier if you have been vaccinated.

We are expecting further changes but if you want to know more make sure you follow our social media posts and just get in touch for more information.

If you won’t be double-jabbed before your course then get I touch as you might need to arrive early and we can help sort your quarantine package.

THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR’S SUMMARY

The video below gives a really clear explanation of what’s happening here: