CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

The Embassy strives to provide the Swiss citizens with the most recent information. However, please note that regulations can change quickly and sometimes without prior notice.

The Swiss government recommends that Swiss travellers abroad return home as soon as possible. There are different commercial flights available from New Zealand (Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines). Please check with the airline directly or get in touch with your travel agent.

We advise all Swiss citizens in New Zealand to comply with the recommendations and regulations of local authorities and the Department of Health. Please keep yourself updated.

Please be advised that entry to New Zealand is currently only possible for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. For more information about New Zealand's border restrictions, please consult the following website: covid19.govt.nz  Please also consult the website of Immigration NZ Covid-19 regularly for updates and current information.

Please also follow the travel advice "Focus novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)" of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH):

FOPH

Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

New Zealand Unite Against Covid-19

New Zealand Ministry of Health

PCR Test and Quarantine requirements for travel to Switzerland

Since 08.02.2021, there are new special provisions for entry into Switzerland: COVID-19 Ordinance Measures in the field of international movement of persons (as of 22.02.2021). The FOPH list of risk countries regulates who must be quarantined on arrival in Switzerland.

The following regulations apply to entry by air:

• Electronic Entry form
• Negative test*

For entry from a country that is on the FOPH list of risk countries, the following regulations apply:

• Electronic Entry form
• Negative test*
• Quarantine

*Negative Covid test before departure to Switzerland:

Either PCR test (molecular biological analysis for Sars-CoV-2, carried out maximum 72 hours before departure) or Sars-CoV-2 rapid test (carried out maximum 24 hours before departure).

• The FDFA does not decide on exceptions to the requirement of a negative test result.
• The FDFA has no authority to issue instructions to airlines.
• Airlines themselves decide on the admission of passengers to the aircraft.

*Negative Covid test on entry into Switzerland

If the negative Covid test was carried out more than 72 hours prior to entry into Switzerland, persons entering Switzerland must be retested immediately on arrival in Switzerland at their own expense.

Exemptions from the testing and quarantine obligation are listed in Article 8 of the Covid 19 Regulation Measures in the area of international movement of persons. According to the FOPH's FAQ, the exceptions also include persons with Swiss citizenship or a residence permit issued by Switzerland with no possibility of being tested within a reasonable time or at reasonable expense. The self-declaration "Lack of possibility of testing" can be found on the FOPH website under "Documents" in German and English.

• The FDFA does not issue confirmations for medical certificates.
• The FDFA does not translate Covid test results or medical certificates.

The foreign representations do not provide information on the provisions of the exemptions from the testing and quarantine obligation. Persons concerned should contact the FOPH directly.

Further information can be found on the FOPH website and in its FAQ.

Important information "Visa for Switzerland"

New Zealand is not on the list of high risk countries of the Swiss Government. Therefore New Zealand nationals, as well as permanent residents (as long as they have the necessary Schengen visa), are again allowed to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days.

A current list of high-risk countries can be obtained here

Short-term visa applications for tourism, visits or business are therefore accepted and processed (permanent residents only!). Please note that visas for Hungary are not processed until further notice. Long term National visas D (study, work & family reunion) are processed and applications are accepted.

All foreign nationals who are holders of a Swiss residency permit or an assurance of a residence permit from a cantonal migration authority or an entry permit with a visa issued by Switzerland can enter Switzerland.

Swiss citizens and citizens of EU/EFTA countries can enter Switzerland at any time.

For updates on the situation and detailled information please refer to the following link: Corona: Questions and answers on entry and stay in Switzerland, the exceptions and suspension of visas

You must be able to prove that you meet the entry requirements. Suitable documentary proof must be produced at the border.

Please note that the airlines themselves decide on the conditions on which they carry passengers. If this is relevant to your situation, please ask the airline concerned about the conditions that they apply.

Immigration NZ / Transiting through NZ

Swiss Citizens transiting through New Zealand to retun home do not require a transit visa as long as they have a confirmed flight out of New Zealand within 24 hours to a port which wil accept them. In most cases transit passengers must hold an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travel. Please see Information about NZeTA for further detail.

Transit information

Please consult the website of Immigration NZ before travelling as requirements can change without prior notice.