Corona virus (COVID-19)
Update 1 February 2021
Visa
Switzerland and Schengen have suspended the processing of most types of Schengen visas (visa type C, short stay up to 90 days, for example for tourists, business purposes, visits of friends or family and visas to attend events). The Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal is therefore not handling Schengen visa applications until further notice.
In certain exceptions (i.e. hardship cases under the COVID-19 Ordinance, foreign spouses of Swiss citizens, non-married couples, medical emergencies, official missions, visits to family and close acquaintances in case of an absolute necessity), an application for a Schengen visa can be submitted if conditions are met and documented. For additional information please consult the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration SEM or contact the Embassy.
Visa applications on behalf of Poland, Slovakia and Latvia are completely suspended until further notice.
National visas (for stay of more than 90 days, visa type D) are processed. A prior appointment to submit the visa application is necessary (for both type C and D visas). To make an appointment please send an e-mail to kathmandu@eda.admin.ch. Please note that visitors are subject to a strict hygiene protocol and will have to wear a mask when entering the Embassy compound.
At its meeting on 27 January, the Federal Council took a range of decisions to further contain and overcome the coronavirus pandemic. The following rules will apply from 8 February 2021:
PCR Test
All persons arriving by air - even from a country that is not considered high risk like Nepal today - must be able to show a negative PCR test result that is no more than 72 hours old. Boarding will only be allowed for travelers who hold a negative PCR test result.
Contact Tracing
Until now, only the contact details of people arriving in Switzerland from a high-risk country or region have been recorded. From now on, all persons arriving from abroad by air, boat, bus or train must complete an online form on arrival. With this information, cases of infection can be identified more easily and transmission chains broken more rapidly. Please consult the website of the Federal Office for Public Health for the complete information regarding the changes.
Mandatory Quarantine
People arriving in Switzerland from countries and areas with an increased risk of infection are required to go into quarantine. Travelers entering Switzerland from Nepal are currently not required to undergo a mandatory quarantine.
The Federal Office of Public Health defines a list of countries and areas with an increased risk of infection. Anyone entering Switzerland from a country or area on this list must go into quarantine. You will find all the relevant information on the page Mandatory quarantine for persons arriving in Switzerland.
Information regarding Nepali visa and visa extension:
The Department of Immigration has decided to ease its visa services since 13th September. Visas and entry to Nepal remain restricted but may be permitted under special conditions and requirements.
Swiss citizens already and still in Nepal are therefore requested to regularize their situation if needed.
Holders of Tourist visas stranded in Nepal in consequence of Covid-19 measures have been exceptionally authorized to extend their visa until 15 December.
From 15 December, for those unable to return to their home country due to Covid-19 pandemic, an exceptional authorization to extend their visa until 31 December may be given (conditions may apply).
We kindly request Swiss citizens to comply with applicable laws regarding length of stay and current regularization conditions, in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Immigration.
Situation related to Covid-19
For information on the situation related to Covid-19 in Nepal, please refer to the official website of the World Health Organization.
Movement Restrictions
In order to prevent and combat the spread of the Coronavirus, the Government of Nepal has introduced a number of restrictions, which are regularly adapted according to how the situation evolves.
Regarding the resumption of domestic and international flights, kindly refer to the communications of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
Further Information
If you are sick and show symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing, please call the Covid-19 hotline under +977-9851255839; +977 9851255837 or +977 9851255834. After consultation with a medical staff per phone/hotline, visit the nearest hospital has been designated by the Government of Nepal to treat cases of Covid-19 infection. Here is a non-exhaustive list of hospitals:
In Kathmandu : Sukraraj Infectious and Tropical Disease Hospital (STIDH), Patan Hospital, Bir Hospital, Grande International Hospital, Star Hospital, HAMS Hospital
In Dhulikhel : Kathmandu University Hospital in Dulikhel
In Pokhara : Pokhara Academy of Health Science
For Covid-19 PCR testing: Every Province is now equipped to perform Covid-19 PCR tests. Please contact the Provincial Hospital for more information.
Note
All information is subject to change and the Embassy of Switzerland cannot take any guarantee of completeness and correctness of the above mentioned information.
