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.
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
Due to the current situation, the Swiss Government has decided to stop the issuance of Schengen visas until further notice. Therefore, the embassy’s visa section will remain closed for the issuance of C type Schengen visas that do not require authorization in cases of special necessity.
Applications for national visas for Switzerland (long stay of more than 90 days) are accepted by appointment only.
Inquiries and appointment requests should be submitted via e-mail to doha.gcc@eda.admin.ch .
General information on current entry restrictions to Switzerland and on the resumption of the issuance of Schengen visas can be found on the webpage of the State Secretariat of Migration of Switzerland:
Quarantine
Quarantine applies for 2 categories of persons:
- People who have been in close contact with a person who had tested positive
- People who arrive in Switzerland from a high-risk country or region. The high-risk list is in constant evolution. We therefore recommend that you regularly check the following website for information on new developments
Please note that it is not possible to enter Switzerland from a high-risk country on a transit flight via a low-risk country to avoid quarantine.
For further information you can contact the Federal Office of Public Health through their website or by phone +41 58 464 44 88.
PCR Test and Contact tracing
Since 8 February 2021:
- the following persons need to show a negative PCR test result (not older than 72 hours):
- persons arriving in Switzerland from a country or region with a high risk of infection
- all persons arriving by air before boarding the plane even from a country that is not considered high risk
- all persons arriving in Switzerland, regardless of their countries of departure and their transportation, must complete an online form on arrival to be able to identify any transmission chains
Travel
The Federal Office of Public Health FOPH still recommends to refrain from unnecessary trips abroad. 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:
