Switzerland Update: COVID-19 Update

With its decision of June 23, 2021, the Federal Council has once again significantly reduced the border medical measures for entry into Switzerland, taking into account the positive developments in the epidemiological situation and the upcoming holiday travel season. The decision will be enforced on June 26, 2021.

No more quarantine obligation for those entering from the Schengen area

The quarantine obligation for people entering from the Schengen area will essentially be lifted. A negative PCR or antigen test will only be required for persons who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 and who enter the country by air. These persons will also be the only ones required to provide contact details. 

Entry from a country with a virus variant of concern / FOPH risk list

The FOPH’s (Federal Office of Public Health) risk list will be reduced and will only include countries or areas where a virus variant of concern is prevalent. Currently, these are e.g. India and Great Britain, where the delta variant is very dominant. 

Vaccinated and recovered persons entering from such a risk area do not need a negative test and do not have to go into quarantine after entry. In contrast, persons entering who have neither been vaccinated nor recovered need a negative PCR or antigen test and still have to go into quarantine immediately after entry.

The FOPH’s updated risk list will be published as of the date the latest decisions will be enforced, i.e. as of June 26, 2021.

Easier entry from third countries / SEM risk list

The existing entry restrictions for third-country nationals will be eased. Vaccinations with a vaccine approved in Switzerland (Swiss Medic) or in the EU (EMA) are required. 

The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) has amended its list of risk countries accordingly. E.g. third-country nationals from the USA are again allowed to enter Switzerland as long as they are vaccinated.

The SEM’s updated risk list will also be published on its homepage in the next few days. 

By Urs Haegi, Vischer, Switzerland, a Transatlantic Law International Affiliated Firm.

For further information or for any assistance please contact switzerland@transatlanticlaw.com

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