Last update: 12/01/2023
Switzerland first reopened to vaccinated tourists in June 2021. Currently, travelers who have been vaccinated with an approved vaccine or who meet another entry requirement can enter Switzerland from any country.
Is Switzerland Open for Tourists? – Latest Switzerland Travel Restrictions
Travelers should consult Travelcheck to see whether they can enter Switzerland and what entry requirements they need to follow.
All travelers must complete an entry form within 48 hours prior to entering Switzerland and present the QR code they are emailed upon arrival in Switzerland.
Vaccinated or recovered travelers must also present proof of vaccination or recovery.
Travelers who are unvaccinated and have not recovered from COVID-19 must present a negative PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative rapid antigen test result from within 48 hours prior to arrival. 4 to 7 days after their arrival in Switzerland, they will have to undergo another PCR or rapid antigen test and report their test result to the canton authorities within 2 days of getting tested.
Can I travel to Switzerland right now?
You can travel to Switzerland from any country right now as long as you are vaccinated. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Switzerland at the moment.
SWITZERLAND - EN (Copy)
- Switzerland
- Countries allowed to travel to Switzerland
- Switzerland is open only to vaccinated travelers from these countries
Switzerland has reopened borders to tourists from these countries
Schengen States
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EU and other regions
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Switzerland travel ban is in place for these countries
Switzerland has banned travelers from high-risk countries who do not meet at least one of the following entry requirements:
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High-Risk Countries
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Switzerland COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
Swiss entry requirements depend on your vaccination status.
All travelers must complete a digital entry form within 48 hours prior to entering Switzerland. You will be emailed a QR code after completing the form and should present the code on your smartphone or in printed form on arrival in Switzerland.
If you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19, you must present a certificate that proves full vaccination or recovery.
If you are not vaccinated and have not recovered from COVID-19, you must present a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative rapid antigen test result from within 48 hours prior to arrival.
Switzerland COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
You will have to take another PCR or rapid antigen test 4 to 7 days after your arrival and report your result to the canton authorities within 2 days of getting tested. If you are staying in Switzerland for fewer than 4 days, you do not have to take a second test.
In any case, all travelers should consult Travelcheck before planning their trip to Switzerland to see whether they can enter Switzerland and what entry requirements they need to follow.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Switzerland
Vaccinated travelers and travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 must present proof of full vaccination or recovery to enter Switzerland. They are exempt from any testing entry requirements.
Proof of vaccination must be a recognized certificate or other proof of vaccination. Certificates from the following countries are acceptable for entering Switzerland:
- EU/EFTA countries
- Albania
- Andorra
- Armenia
- Faroe Islands
- Holy See
- Israel
- Monaco
- Morocco
- North Macedonia
- Panama
- San Marino
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Acceptable vaccines for certificates from these countries include Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, Sinovac, and COVAXIN. The certificate must include the traveler’s first name, last name, and date of birth; the vaccine used; and the date of vaccination.
Travelers who are fully vaccinated but do not have a certificate from one of the countries listed above must apply for a Swiss COVID Certificate.
To apply for the Swiss COVID Certificate, you must have been vaccinated with the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. You must also provide proof that you are a Swiss citizen, a Swiss resident, or a tourist traveling to Switzerland as well as proof of full vaccination. More information on applying for the Swiss COVID Certificate is available here.
Proof of recovery must be an official document confirming the lifting of the isolation period with the name and address of the official body and proof of a positive PCR test. It must also have the traveler’s first name, last name, and date of birth; the date and time the sample was taken (must be within the last 365 days); the test center or institution where the test was performed; and the type of test that was be performed (must be a PCR test).
More details on recovery certificate requirements can be found here.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Switzerland?
Travelers who have not been vaccinated and have not recovered from COVID-19 must present a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative rapid antigen test result from within 48 hours prior to arrival to enter Switzerland.
Travelers who are staying in Switzerland for more than 4 days must also take another PCR or rapid antigen 4 to 7 days after their arrival. They must report their test result to the canton authorities within 2 days of getting tested. Travelers who are staying in Switzerland for fewer than 4 days do not have to take this second test.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Switzerland?
There is currently no requirement for any travelers to quarantine upon arrival in Switzerland.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Switzerland?
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Switzerland
It is not mandatory to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Switzerland, but purchasing travel insurance is worth it for any trip abroad.
One of the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is Heymondo. Their policies provide comprehensive coverage, particularly for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad, while still being affordable. You can even save 5% on Heymondo insurance just for being a Capture the Atlas reader.
Other travel restrictions for Switzerland during COVID-19
Switzerland has implemented a few other travel restrictions:
- All travelers must complete a digital entry form within 48 hours prior to entering Switzerland and present the QR code they are emailed upon arrival.
- All travelers should consult Travelcheck to see whether they can enter Switzerland and what entry requirements they need to follow.
- Face masks are required in all indoor public venues.
- Social distancing rules must be observed.
- You may need a tourist visa to visit Switzerland. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in Switzerland
Like many European countries, Switzerland requires anyone aged 16 and over who is eating/drinking indoors at restaurants and bars and/or entering indoor attractions to present a COVID certificate. Foreign visitors can only apply for a Swiss COVID Certificate if they have been vaccinated with an approved vaccine or have proof of recovery from COVID-19. Information on applying for the certificate can be found here.
What’s open in Switzerland
Swiss hotels, restaurants, bars, attractions, and airports are all open and tours are operating. Keep in mind that each canton (administrative region) can determine its own regulations. The regulations listed below are in place nationwide, but the canton you are visiting may have stricter rules in place, so be sure to follow the regulations of your canton.
Hotels that are open in Switzerland
Hotels in Switzerland are open, so there’s no need to worry about finding a nice place to stay. We particularly like these Swiss accommodations:
- Ibis Genève Centre Nations Geneva
- Le Petit CHARME-INN Zermatt
- H+ Hotel Zürich
- Hotel Des Alpes Lucerne
Guests must wear masks in indoor public areas and social distance. At hotel restaurants, guests must have COVID certificates to dine indoors, unless they are staying overnight.
More details on hotel regulations can be found here.
Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in Switzerland
Attractions, such as museums and zoos, are open and tours are operating, but only visitors with valid COVID certificates can enter indoor attractions.
These are some of our favorite things to do and see in Switzerland right now:
- Zürich 4-Hour City Tour
- Geneva Tour of International Quarters & Old Town
- Daytrip from Lucerne to Jungfraujoch
Visitors must wear masks at indoor attractions and abide by social distancing protocols.
More information on attraction regulations is available here.
Restaurants and bars that are open in Switzerland
Swiss bars and restaurants are open, but only customers with valid COVID certificates can dine or drink indoors.
Restaurants and bars that are open in Switzerland
This regulation also applies to hotel restaurants, although not to guests who are staying overnight.
Because guests who dine/drink indoors must have valid COVID certificates, they are not required to wear masks.
For outdoor areas, the restaurant or bar in question can impose its own regulations.
More details on restaurant and bar regulations can be found here.
Airports that are open in Switzerland
Switzerland’s busiest airports, Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, are open and commercial flights are operating.
Travelers must wear masks and abide by social distancing protocols.
Where to get a PCR test in Switzerland
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Switzerland, you can find more information on testing here.
Switzerland reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to Switzerland reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Can I travel to Switzerland right now?
Yes, you can travel to Switzerland if you are coming from a non-high-risk country or if you are traveling from a high-risk country and meet one of the following requirements:
- Swiss citizenship.
- Swiss residence permit (L/B/C/Ci permit).
- Cross-border permit (G permit).
- FDFA legitimation card.
- Switzerland-issued D visa.
- Assurance of a residence permit.
- Confirmation of notification for the cross-border provision of services up to 90 days in any calendar year (i.e, UK nationals).
- Refugee/stateless person travel document issued by Switzerland, passport for foreign nationals issued by Switzerland, valid residence permit, or F permit.
- Right of free movement.
- Situation of special necessity.
- Full vaccination with an approved vaccine.
- Under 18 and traveling with a fully vaccinated adult.
- Transit through Switzerland.
Is it safe to travel to Switzerland during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are currently 80,000+ active cases and 11,000+ deaths due to COVID-19 in Switzerland as of today. The CDC classifies travel to Switzerland as “Level 4 – Very High Risk.” If you have a pre-existing condition or any health condition that could increase your chances of serious illness, do not travel to Switzerland. Additionally, if you are unvaccinated, you should not travel to Switzerland.
Is there a travel ban in Switzerland?
Yes, travelers from high-risk countries who do not meet one of the following entry requirements cannot currently enter Switzerland:
- Swiss citizenship.
- Swiss residence permit (L/B/C/Ci permit).
- Cross-border permit (G permit).
- FDFA legitimation card.
- Switzerland-issued D visa.
- Assurance of a residence permit.
- Confirmation of notification for the cross-border provision of services up to 90 days in any calendar year (i.e, UK nationals).
- Refugee/stateless person travel document issued by Switzerland, passport for foreign nationals issued by Switzerland, valid residence permit, or F permit.
- Right of free movement.
- Situation of special necessity.
- Full vaccination with an approved vaccine.
- Under 18 and traveling with a fully vaccinated adult.
- Transit through Switzerland.
Is quarantine required to visit Switzerland?
No, there is no quarantine requirement for any traveler to enter Switzerland.
Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Switzerland?
Yes, travelers who have not been vaccinated and have not recovered from COVID-19 must present a negative PCR test result within 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative rapid antigen test result within 48 hours prior to arrival to enter Switzerland. Travelers who are staying in Switzerland for more than 4 days must also take another PCR or rapid antigen 4 to 7 days after their arrival and report their test result to the canton authorities within 2 days of getting tested.
Is a curfew in place?
No, there is currently no curfew in Switzerland.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?
No, there are currently no restrictions on intercity or interregional travel.
Are hotels open in Switzerland?
Yes, hotels in Switzerland are open.
Are airports open in Switzerland?
Yes, Switzerland’s busiest airports, Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, are all open.
Are restaurants and bars open in Switzerland?
Yes, restaurants and bars in Switzerland are open right now, but only customers with valid COVID certificates can dine/drink indoors.
Are attractions open in Switzerland?
Yes, Switzerland’s attractions are open, but only visitors with valid COVID certificates can visit indoor attractions.
Is Switzerland open to American tourists?
Yes, American tourists can visit Switzerland as long as they are fully vaccinated and can present proof of such with a Swiss COVID Certificate.
Is Switzerland open to Canadian tourists?
Yes, since Canada is not on Switzerland’s list of high-risk countries, Canadians can travel to Switzerland, regardless of their vaccination status.
Sources
We will update this guide on Switzerland reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Switzerland, you can check these official sources:
- US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Switzerland
- CDC Travel Recommendations for Switzerland
- General Switzerland Travel Advisory
- Entry Requirements for Switzerland
- More Information on Current Entry Requirements for Switzerland
- FAQ on Entry Requirements for Switzerland
- Coronavirus Certificate Requirements for Switzerland
- Travelcheck to Check Whether and Under What Conditions You Can Enter Switzerland
- Entry Form
- Current Coronavirus Measures Within Switzerland
