Embassy of Switzerland in Qatar
As the official representation of Switzerland, the Embassy covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between the two countries. It represents Swiss interests in the areas of political, economic, financial and legal affairs, as well as science, education and culture.
President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin: National Day 2021 greetings for the Swiss abroad
© WBF / swissinfo.ch
COVID-19: Information for Swiss citizens
Current situation in Switzerland
Many countries, including Switzerland, are adapting their measures and entry regulations in line with the current epidemiological situation. Those measures apply either throughout Switzerland either by Cantons. You can find all the relevant information on this webpage.
It is compulsory to wear a face mask correctly in different places or situations that you can find specified on this webpage.
Embassy operations during the continuing COVID-19 situation
The Embassy of Switzerland is operating normally with a reduced number of staff. However, please make an appointment, should you need to come to the Embassy.
In an emergency outside office hours, Swiss citizens can call the FDFA helpline +41 800 24-7-365 / +41 58 465 33.
Visas and entry restrictions into Switzerland
Thanks to the improved epidemiological situation, the Swiss Government decided on 23 June 2021 to ease entry restrictions for persons from third countries such as Qatar and Kuwait.
Travelers from Qatar:
Effective from 19 July 2021, Qatar is not considered a high-risk country anymore and therefore regular entry requirements will apply again.
Travelers needing to apply for a visa to enter Switzerland may submit their applications at the VFS office in Doha. For appointments and requirements click on the following link.
Only a limited number of appointments are currently available and additional visa processing time is to be expected. The Embassy of Switzerland in Doha is not able to help you for an earlier appointment.
To see what rules apply to your own particular situation when entering Switzerland, consult the online Travelcheck (e.g. PCR test, quarantine, contact information).
If your trip to Switzerland includes transit through another country, you are responsible for verifying the travel restrictions in place of that country.
For further information, please consult the webpage of the State Secretariat of Migration (SEM) and of the Federal Office of Public health (FOPH).
Travelers from Kuwait:
Kuwait is still considered a high-risk country and therefore only fully vaccinated travelers and children under the age of 18 are allowed to enter Switzerland.
Fully vaccinated travelers and children under the age of 18 needing to apply for a visa to enter Switzerland may submit their applications at the VFS office in Kuwait. For appointments and requirements click on the following link.:
Only a limited number of appointments are currently available and additional visa processing time is to be expected. The Embassy of Switzerland in Doha is not able to help you for an earlier appointment.
To see what rules apply to your own particular situation when entering Switzerland, consult the online Travelcheck (e.g. PCR test, quarantine, contact information).
If your trip to Switzerland includes transit through another country, you are responsible for verifying the travel restrictions in place of that country.
For further information, please consult the webpage of the State Secretariat of Migration (SEM) and of the Federal Office of Public health (FOPH).
Non-vaccinated persons: For this group of persons Covid19 restrictions remain and entry to Switzerland is only possible in a situation of special necessity. Further information can be found on the following webpage: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM): FAQ. If you think your travel purpose qualifies for a hardship please send your request including to the following e-mail-address: doha.gcc@eda.admin.ch.
Travel
Swiss nationals traveling abroad are encouraged to register on the Travel Admin App of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
Transit through Qatar
Transit passengers (Swiss citizens and residence permit holders for Switzerland) can still use Hamad International Airport as transit hub to Switzerland. Please check Qatar Airways website for further updates.
Current situation and entry restrictions into Qatar
The Embassy of Switzerland in Qatar urges its citizens to comply with the instructions of Qatari authorities. This is crucial, as in any other country, to control the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hefty fines and imprisonment have been introduced by the Qatari Government to punish violators.
Please follow Qatari news sites, social media channels and websites of the Qatari Government regularly (see some links further below).
Under the instructions of the Qatari Government, entry to the State of Qatar is currently only allowed for Qatari nationals, children and spouses of Qatari citizens, permanent resident permit holders and regular resident permit holders currently in the State of Qatar who will automatically receive an exceptional entry permit upon departure.
For details about the process for returning to the State of Qatar, details of the countries designated as low-risk and quarantine measures in place, please visit the Ministry of Public Health website, Qatar Portal website or the Ministry of Interior Website.
As the situation is evolving, please keep yourselves on those webpages.
Cargo operations remain unaffected.
More information
FDFA Travel Advices and Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the new coronavirus
Services and Visa
All consular services and visa support for residents of the countries listed below are provided by the Regional Consular Centre GCC. Information can be found on the websites concerned:
