Corona virus (COVID-19)
Update 8 September 2020
Visa
Switzerland has suspended the processing of most types of visas, including any type of Schengen visas. The Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal, until further notice, is not handling visa applications for Schengen visa (short stay up to 90 days, visa type C, for example for tourists, business purposes, visits of friends or family and visas to attend events).
In certain exceptions (i.e. hardship cases under the COVID-19 Ordinance, foreign spouses of Swiss citizens, non-married couples) an application for a Schengen visa can be submitted. For additional information please consult the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration SEM or contact the Embassy.
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.
Mandatory Quarantine for persons arriving in Switzerland:
From 6 July, travellers entering Switzerland from certain countries (new infections above 60 per 100’000 within last 14 days) will have to undergo ten days in quarantine. Upon arriving in Switzerland from 28 September, travellers from Nepal entering Switzerland are subject to the mandatory quarantine regulations. The mandatory quarantine does not apply to travellers entering Switzerland for the purpose of transiting directly to another country (see ordinance for details). The Federal Office of Public Health regularly updates the list of countries concerned.
Information regarding Nepali visa and visa extension:
The Department of Immigration has decided to resume its regular services from 13th September. Swiss citizens already in Nepal are therefore requested to regularize their situation if needed. Holders of Tourist visas stranded in Nepal in consequence of Covid-19 measures will be exceptionally authorized to extend their visa until 15th December.
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.
Please check the information on the web page of the Department of Immigration:
Repatriation of Swiss Travelers Concluded
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs has concluded its worldwide efforts to repatriate Swiss travelers in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Embassy has therefore stopped to update its website with regular information regarding return flights leaving Nepal and thanks Swiss travelers and citizens living in Nepal who have returned to Switzerland to inform the Embassy. Information on existing commercial flight options might be obtained through travel agencies.
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.
