Embassy of Switzerland in the United States of America
Given the current circumstances, the Embassy of Switzerland and its consular services are operating at reduced capacity. Consular services continue to be available for urgent and essential cases. In order to follow the recommended measures of social distancing, please limit your visits to the Embassy to appointments that have been scheduled in advance. Please contact us by e-mail to schedule your appointment.
COVID-19: INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND
To see what rules apply to your particular situation when entering Switzerland please consult the online travelcheck questionnaire.
Every traveler entering Switzerland from the United States must present a completed entry form . It is important to fill out the electronic entry form on a computer or smartphone at the earliest 48 hours before the travel in order to receive a QR code by email. This code needs to be kept at hand for inspection upon arrival in Switzerland. The controlling authority can impose a fine if the entry form is not completed or if the information provided is false.
Restriction for travelers coming from the United States
Vaccinated travelers:
Vaccinated travelers are authorized to enter Switzerland provided they present:
- a VALID COVID-19 vaccination certificate proving full vaccination with an approved vaccine.
Validity of the COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter Switzerland :
- Until January 31, 2022 => 365 days from the last vaccine dose;
- From February 1, 2022 => 270 days from the last vaccine dose;
For more information, see the section entitled Entering Switzerland – Which COVID-19 vaccines allow entry to Switzerland? on the FOPH’s website.
Unvaccinated travelers:
1. Unvaccinated travelers are currently not authorized to enter Switzerland, unless they:
- are under 18 and travelling with an adult who has been fully vaccinated (parents, siblings, grandparents or other caregivers)
- or possess a valid Swiss, EU, or EFTA passport or residence permit
- or belong to another category authorized to enter Switzerland
- or benefit from the right of free movement – for example spouses and minor children of Swiss / EU / EFTA citizens
- or find themselves in a case of special necessity
The lists of exceptions allowing entry into Switzerland are available under the 3 sections entitled Entering Switzerland → Who can enter Switzerland? / Freedom of movement / Situations of special necessity on the SEM’s website.
and
2. Must present the following medical documents (only from the age of 16):
- a negative COVID-19 PCR test (taken within the previous 72 hours) or a rapid antigen test (taken within the previous 24 hours) before departure from the first point of embarkation
General information for all travelers:
If your trip to Switzerland includes transit through another foreign country, you must also check that country’s entry restrictions.
Please note that each airline decides which passengers they are prepared to carry and under what conditions. The Swiss authorities have no influence over this decision and cannot take any responsibility if you are denied boarding.
Please be advised: public health and entry requirements may change on short notice. The Swiss representations in the USA cannot guarantee that the above-mentioned information will be valid at the time of your travel and do not bear any corresponding responsibility. Please consult this website regularly and follow the instructions of your airline.
Quarantine
Currently, travelers arriving in Switzerland from the USA do NOT have to go into quarantine.
For more information and to follow the requirements, refer to the page entitled Isolation and quarantine on the FOPH’s website.
Swiss digital COVID certificate
While a valid US vaccination certificate (CDC vaccination card) is sufficient to enter Switzerland, you will need to convert it into a Swiss digital COVID certificate to enter restaurants, bars and many other events or facilities in Switzerland.
You must apply for your Swiss digital COVID certificate at the cantonal authority responsible for the place where you will spend the majority of your stay in Switzerland. You can find information about how to obtain a Swiss COVID certificate at the following link: National COVID certificate application platform
Information for Swiss Citizens
The Federal Council recommends to avoid non-urgent foreign travel whenever possible.
Dual citizens should be aware that U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and leave the United States with a U.S. passport.
For travels to or via the United States, only the U.S. authorities can give you the necessary information. Please consult the following websites:
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC
For urgent requests, contact the FDFA Helpline (Tel. +41 800 24-7-365/ +41 58 465 33 33) or your Swiss representation in the USA (Washington, Atlanta, New York or San Francisco).
For information related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) consult the information and directives of the local authorities and the recommendations of the World Health Organization WHO.
In Switzerland, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) provides information about the new coronavirus.
The Travel Advice Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland (FDFA) offers travelers basic information by informing on possible risks and certain precautions (in German, French and Italian). They are to be considered as a complementary source of information.
What we do
Through the Embassy, the Consulates General, the Swiss Business Hub USA and the offices of swissnex, Switzerland promotes exchange between Switzerland and the US in the fields of business, politics, science, technology and culture.
For Swiss living in the United States the Embassy and the Consulates General offer services of administrative matters and consular protection.
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.
