Switzerland Post-Pandemic: Updates on Travel Restrictions

Back in 2020, the Covid-19 global pandemic hit Europe hard. So much so that countries in the continent, many of which are top tourist destinations, had to close their borders and go on respective national lockdowns. For a time, Switzerland took this course of action as well. The country came from what used to be one of the most visited countries in the world to virtually a ghost town! However, this 2021, it looks like things are about to change for the better. Here are some of the latest updates on Switzerland's travel restrictions.

For now, according to SchengenVisa Info, Switzerland still imposes its quarantine rules to all travelers entering the country. Though authorities have created two lists, one includes 'low-risk' countries and another 'high-risk' countries, in which the level of travel restrictions apply. Those coming from low-risk countries, which mostly consists of EU member states, are not subjected to travel restrictions and are allowed to enter Switzerland for non-essential purposes. Those coming from high-risk countries, on the other hand, will be required to show negative PCR tests and to self-isolate for a quarantine period of at least 10 days.

Nevertheless, all travelers entering the country, regardless of whether they came from 'low-risk' or 'high-risk' countries, are still required to fill up entry forms prior to arriving in the country. They can fill up the forms on their mobile gadgets and once finished, they will get a QR code. Upon arriving at the Swiss border, all travelers will be required to scan their QR codes and wait for further instructions. Only those coming from Switzerland border countries—namely France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein—and those importing goods to the country will be exempt from this requirement.

Despite that, it's possible that Switzerland may soon fully reopen its borders considering that the country has had a massive drop in infection rates. As reported by Forbes magazine, this is all thanks to the country's successful vaccination effort. Switzerland currently has the fourth-highest number of fully vaccinated people and this is despite the fact that its vaccination rate is 30 per 100 people, more or less. What really helped, however, is that the country focused on getting the most vulnerable their second doses instead of giving more people their first doses. Hence, the infection rates took a nosedive.

Moreover, although Switzerland isn't part of the EU, its cost ties with the Union may help them become part of the Digital Green certificate system. This is a new type of vaccine passport, announced back in March, that will allow travelers, both within and from outside the EU, free movement within the region. These 'certificates are electronic documents that will serve as proof that the traveler has been vaccinated, tested negative, or has fully recovered from Covid-19. Upon full implementation in June 2021, this may replace Switzerland's requirement of a negative PCR test to gain entry into the country.

Although Switzerland's travel restrictions remain in place, the country's success in vaccination and the progress of its neighboring countries may see its borders reopening sooner than expected. But for now, all travelers must comply with the country's impost health protocols.

Don't forget to book a luxury home in Switzerland when you get here! That will make your trip even more worthwhile!