On 17 September 2021, the Federal Council announced new testing and administrative requirements for entering Switzerland.
The move comes at a time of concern over the impact of approaching cold weather and autumn holidays on the spread of the virus. Last year, the number of Covid-19 patients in Swiss hospitals rose sharply in October. At the beginning of October 2020 there were around 260. By 2 November 2020, there were more than 3,000 Covid-19 patients receiving hospital treatment.
Last week, the Federal Council said that there is no doubt that returning holidaymakers contribute to the spread of the virus. Data from the cantonal contact tracing offices indicates that returning travellers contributed to the worsening situation after the summer, said the federal government.
Entry form required for everyone
From 20 September 2021, those entering the country by any means will need to fill out an online form – Swiss PLF. This requirement will apply to the vaccinated, unvaccinated and recovered.
Compulsory testing on entry for travellers who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered
Those who are neither vaccinated or recovered will also need to present a negative test (antigen or PCR) on entry and test again within 4 to 7 days of arrival. This test is subject to a fee and the results must be sent to the relevant cantonal authority.
The vaccinated or recovered must present a valid Covid certificate on entry but are not required to test.
Anyone failing to follow the reporting and testing rules will risk a fine of up to CHF 200. The fines are CHF 100 for incomplete forms and CHF 200 for missing test certificates.
Exceptions
The test and entry form requirements do not apply to travellers in transit through Switzerland without stopping, drivers who transport people or goods professionally, and cross-border commuters or people entering from border areas. Children under 16 are also exempt from the test requirement.
Swiss Covid certificates for individuals vaccinated or recovered abroad
From 20 September 2021, anyone who has been vaccinated abroad with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency will be able to obtain a Swiss Covid certificate. This includes tourists. Applications will be processed by cantonal authorities.
More on this:
Government press release (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
For more stories like this on Switzerland follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
M L Allen-Voegeli says
How can I know seat number 3 weeks before departure????????????
Lynx says
It’s obvious to a blind man that travelers spread the virus. How did it get from China to here, for example? All Governments should have prevented all travel outside people’s local area apart from for fully vaccinated people.
Susan says
My husband and I were both vaccinated in UK with Pfizer vaccine.
We are now at our home in Les Diablerets.
It seems that at the moment the NHS vaccine App cannot be put onto the SwissCovidCert App
We are therefore currently having a covid test every 48 hours
Is anybody else having this problem….or found a solution ?
Le News says
According the Vaud website it’s possible to get a Covid certificate if you’ve received a full course of the Pfizer/Biontech, Moderna or Johnson&Johnson vaccines and have proof. The information is contained in the 7th item on this FAQ list: https://www.vd.ch/toutes-les-actualites/hotline-et-informations-sur-le-coronavirus/faq-covid-et-sante/certificat-covid/ It appears you need contact them to do it. Here are the contact details: covid.certificats@vd.ch and 058 715 11 00.
Anna says
Yes, indeed. We changed ours done in US with a Swiss one. You just gave to send an email providing the passport photo, residence card, the proof of the vaccinations appointment and the vaccination card.
Julienna Durant says
There must and should have a GREENPASS or Covid Certificate Vaccinations for all people entering any Countries. Switzerland must and should have a Strict Compliance for all those people including border workers from France and Italy because most of the workers do not have a Greenpass and should pay a penalty of 200Swissfrancs., to give them a good kesson !!!
Belinda Nash-Smith says
I own a house in Switzerland but banks in Switzerland demand me to acquire a Permit from the Gemeinde to allow me to open a bank account to pay my tax and utility bills.. This kind of law is a dictatorship and protectionist idea, the last thing I expect of Switzerland being the most democratic country in the world.
Lynx says
There are 2 ways of doing things in life. The easy way and the Swiss way. I’m sure they deliberately create stress, as life here is just too easy otherwise.