The Swiss government has announced that it will ease entry restrictions for third-country nationals wishing to travel to the country.
According to the Federal Council, travelers from third countries who can provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be in line with specific draft approvals for easing measures from the 28th.
Strict entry restrictions are in place for third country nationals from June 19, 2020, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections and their mutation. Since then, the Federal Council has steadily relaxed these restrictions, reports SchengenVisaInfo.com.
Due to the improving coronavirus situation and rapid vaccination rates, the Federal Council has also proposed that border restrictions for travelers from countries in the Schengen area be significantly relaxed. This means that anyone entering Switzerland from any of the Schengen Area countries is not required to self-isolate upon arrival in Switzerland.
The obligation to submit negative COVID-19 test results is mandatory only for those who have not yet been vaccinated or who have not been approved by the Swiss authorities.
Entry into Switzerland should be made easier. The Federal Council decided on this at its meeting on June 11, 2021. Border health measures must now focus on people in countries where a worrying virus is spreading. Quarantine requirements for people in the Schengen area should be increased. In addition, the existing entry ban for travelers from third countries is to be removed if they are vaccinated.” Read the statement of the Swiss government.
On the other hand, the authorities decided to implement health measures only for those arriving from countries with a worrying virus mutation.
The following countries are included in the list of countries with a worrying increase in COVID-19 in Switzerland:
- Brazil
- Canada
- in the event that
- Nepal
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
However, persons entering from the UK, Canada or any other country listed above are allowed to skip the testing and quarantine requirements, provided they have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19.
“In the case of new mutations of the virus against which a vaccination no longer protects, the obligation to test and quarantine may be extended to those vaccinated and treated.” Government added.
The Federal Council on June 11th proposed the above changes for travelers from Schengen countries, easing restrictions on third-country nationals and lifting the quarantine requirement. The proposal is open for discussion until June 16, and if approved, the changes are expected to take effect on June 28.
Swiss authorities previously lifted quarantine rules for five countries and several regions in France, Germany and Italy.
