New updates on entering Switzerland in the coronavirus pandemic times
In response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, there are special rules for people entering Switzerland. Depending on the type of travel, you might have to fill out a form for incoming travelers, show proof of a negative test, and/or go into quarantine.
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These rules apply to all people who are permitted to enter Switzerland. That means they also apply if you are Swiss and returning to Switzerland after being abroad. You will find information on the individual rules and requirements in the relevant sections of this site:
Entry Form
The electronic entry form for incoming travelers is available at swissplf.admin.ch. Important: Fill out the form before your entry to Switzerland.
Who has to fill out the entry form?
Almost everyone who enters Switzerland must fill out the entry form. Children can be included in the form of an adult traveling with them.
Exception: If you’re entering from a region on the border with Switzerland you don’t need to fill out the entry form.
Further exceptions to the entry form requirement:
There are various situations in which you do not have to fill out the form:
- If you are entering from an area on the border with Switzerland with which close economic, social, and cultural exchanges take place.
- From 22 February 2021: If in the course of your professional activities you transport passengers or goods across borders.
- From 22 February 2021: If you are entering Switzerland solely for transit purposes and are traveling directly to another country.
- If you are entering by your own means of transport, e.g. by car. However, this exception only applies if you have not stayed in a country or area with an increased risk of infection within the last 10 days (see below).
When and how can the entry form be filled out?
You can fill out the electronic entry form on a computer or smartphone before or during travel. Once you’ve filled out the form you’ll be emailed a QR code as confirmation. Have this code ready for inspection when you enter Switzerland. If you are controlled you can show the QR code on your smartphone or produce a printed confirmation.
If you are unable to complete the entry form online: You can either ask for the paper version of the form from the staff before boarding the transport. Or you can print out the paper version of the entry form and fill it in.
Further information on the entry form
Negative test result
You must be able to show proof of a negative coronavirus test in two situations:
- If you enter Switzerland by air.
- If you have stayed in a country with an increased risk of infection (or check below) within the ten days before entering Switzerland. In this case, you must always be able to show proof of a negative test result, even if you enter Switzerland by bus, rail, car, etc.
Exceptions: Children under age 12 are not subject to the testing requirement and do not need proof of a negative test result. There are other exceptions in addition to this. You’ll find details in the Exemptions from the Testing and Quarantine Requirement section.
In what cases can you fly without proof of a negative test result despite the test requirement? What do you do if the result of the test is positive? You’ll find answers in the frequently asked questions (FAQ). You will find the self-declaration “No way of being tested” under the tab Documents.
Controls of negative test results
If the test requirement also applies to your journey, depending on the type of travel, you must be able to show proof of your negative test result once or twice.
- Boarding control – applies only to flights: The airlines will systematically check your test result onboarding. If despite the test requires you do not show proof of a negative test result, you basically cannot board the aircraft.
- Border control – applies to all types of travel: When you enter, customs at the Swiss border will check proof of your negative test result on a random basis. If you cannot show proof of a negative result, you must have a test at your own expense immediately after entering Switzerland.
Type of test and requirements the result must meet
Basically, the negative result must be from a PCR test conducted less than 72 hours previously.
Valid from 22 February 2021: If, for example, you are traveling too long or the result of the PCR test is not available quickly enough, a rapid immunological test conducted less than 24 hours previously is also permitted for the boarding check. However, you need the negative result of a PCR test carried out less than 72 hours previously at the latest for the second check that may possibly be carried out at the Swiss border. If you cannot show proof of a negative result at that point, you must have a test at your own expense immediately after entering Switzerland.
Negative test result
You must be able to show proof of a negative coronavirus test in two situations:
- If you enter Switzerland by air.
- If you have stayed in a country with an increased risk of infection (see below) within the ten days before entering Switzerland. In this case, you must always be able to show proof of a negative test result, even if you enter Switzerland by bus, rail, car, etc.
Exceptions: Children under age 12 are not subject to the testing requirement and do not need proof of a negative test result. There are other exceptions in addition to this. You’ll find details in the Exemptions from the Testing and Quarantine Requirement section.
In what cases can you fly without proof of a negative test result despite the test requirement? What do you do if the result of the test is positive? You’ll find answers in the frequently asked questions (FAQ). You will find the self-declaration “No way of being tested” under the tab Documents.
Controls of negative test results
If the test requirement also applies to your journey, depending on the type of travel, you must be able to show proof of your negative test result once or twice.
- Boarding control – applies only to flights: The airlines will systematically check your test result onboarding. If despite the test requires you do not show proof of a negative test result, you basically cannot board the aircraft.
- Border control – applies to all types of travel: When you enter, customs at the Swiss border will check proof of your negative test result on a random basis. If you cannot show proof of a negative result, you must have a test at your own expense immediately after entering Switzerland.
Type of test and requirements the result must meet
Basically, the negative result must be from a PCR test conducted less than 72 hours previously.
Valid from 22 February 2021: If, for example, you are traveling too long or the result of the PCR test is not available quickly enough, a rapid immunological test conducted less than 24 hours previously is also permitted for the boarding check. However, you need the negative result of a PCR test carried out less than 72 hours previously at the latest for the second check that may possibly be carried out at the Swiss border. If you cannot show proof of a negative result at that point, you must have a test at your own expense immediately after entering Switzerland.
Quarantine for persons arriving in Switzerland
Adults and Children 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 the FOPH list of high-risk countries.
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.
Exceptions: Certain people are exempt from the quarantine requirement. You’ll find details in the Exemptions from the Testing and Quarantine Requirement section.
The following do not exempt you from the mandatory quarantine requirement or shorten the quarantine period:
- A negative test result. This is because a negative test result does not completely rule out an infection with the new coronavirus. You will find the biological explanation for this on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.
- A COVID-19 vaccination. This is because while the vaccination provides protection from the disease, it is not yet clear whether it also prevents you from infecting other people.
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 meters 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 in the document instructions on quarantine (PDF, 376 kB, 11.02.2021). This document is also available in the languages of the migrant population.
- From 8 February: There is the possibility of shortening travel quarantine from day 7 onwards. You’ll find information on the Isolation and Quarantine site.
The cantonal authorities are responsible for monitoring quarantine, and they conduct spot checks. Anyone who fails to comply with the quarantine requirement is committing an offense under the Epidemics Act (in German), which can be punished by a fine of up to CHF 10,000
Coronavirus: FOPH list of risk countries
The list of countries and areas with an increased risk of infection is updated on a regular basis. The latest list was published on 24 February 2021. Anyone arriving in Switzerland from one of these countries or areas must, among other things, go into quarantine.
Explanation of the list
The federal government maintains a list of countries and areas in which there is an increased risk of infection with the coronavirus. The Federal Office of Public Health FOPH compiles the list on behalf of the federal government according to certain criteria. As the epidemiological situation is constantly changing, the list is updated on a regular basis. As a rule, the list is updated every 14 days.
FOPH list of risk countries
The newly added countries and areas are written in bold in the respective list.
Areas of neighboring countries:
Austria:
- Land Kärnten
- Land Niederösterreich
- Land Salzburg
- Land Steiermark
France:
- Région Centre-Val de Loire
- Région Hauts-de-France
- Région Île de France
- Région Normandie
- Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Région Occitanie
- Région Pays de la Loire
- Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Italy:
- Regione Abruzzo
- Regione Campania
- Regione Emilia Romagna
- Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia
- Regione Liguria
- Regione Marche
- Regione Molise
- Regione Puglia
- Regione Toscana
- Regione Umbria
Countries and areas*
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Brazil
- Chile
- Czechia
- Estonia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Maledivas
- Malta
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Peru
- Portugal
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- 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.
Summer inspirations for your holidays in the Alps:
- Italy – Lago di Sorapis: a Hidden Gem in the Italian Dolomites
- Austria – Lake Ossiach: Where all your Boldest Dreams come true
