As we have learned during the Covid-19 pandemic the past 18 months, regulation in order to contain the disease can change quickly. On September 20 this year, Switzerland will change covid rules for entering the country. They will also make it easier for tourists to participate in activities that require a so-called Covid certificate.
You can read about these changes below. However, make sure to also always check the official website Federal Office of Public Health FOPH for the latest information.
During the summer of 2021, Switzerland has not required Covid certificates or negative test results from travellers entering Switzerland by certain means of transport such as car, train or bus. Only travellers entering Switzerland by airplane have had this requirement. From September 20 however, all travellers entering the country will have to present a proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR/antigen test. This is regardless of how these travellers enter the country.
Certificates of the following vaccinations are accepted in Switzerland:
- Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2 / Comirnaty® / Tozinameran)
- Moderna (mRNA-1273 / Spikevax / COVID-19 vaccine Moderna)
- AstraZeneca (AZD1222 Vaxzevria®/ Covishield™)
- Janssen / Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)
- Sinopharm / BIBP (SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell))
- Sinovac (CoronaVac)
If you are not vaccinated or recovered and are entering the country with a negative test, you need to get tested again. This second test needs to be done 4-7 days after entering Switzerland. You must pay for this test yourself and have to send the results to the Canton you are staying in.
Passenger Locator form: for everyone!
Even if you are entering Switzerland with a vaccination certification, you need to fill in a Passenger Locator Form. This helps the Swiss authorities doing spot checks if everyone is following the rules. You can find more information on this form on the Swiss Health Authority website.
Swiss Covid certificate
Since September 13, you need to show a certificate when wanting to enter places like restaurants and museums in Switzerland. From the 20th of September, it’s possible for tourists to get a Swiss Covid certificate as well with help of their own vaccination passport/certificate. The easiest way to do this is to download the Swiss Covid certificate app for iPhone or Android. With this app, you can scan the QR code on the certificate you received after your (EMA approved) vaccination. This will then immediately create a Swiss certificate. This app will then allow you to enter restaurants, museums and other locations while in Switzerland.
As mentioned, covid rules change quickly and it is important to do things right. Make sure to not only read this article, but also visit the official website. The website of the Swiss Health Authority always contains the right information. Do not blindly trust any third party website when travelling to Switzerland. This article is only meant to inform you and guide you to the official information.
