International travelers, borders custom: Switzerland
The Swiss Federal Council decided that, since July 6, anyone entering Switzerland from certain regions must quarantine themselves. A quarantine requirement applies to people entering Switzerland after having stayed in a state or territory with a high risk of infection. It is not just a recommendation. This obligation is based on the law on epidemics.
Is Switzerland ready to welcome travelers?
Local outbreaks of coronavirus infections linked to travelers who have been infected abroad have been observed in recent weeks in several cantons in Switzerland. According to the OFSP, between 15-20% of new cases of coronavirus in the past 2 weeks in June were "imported" from abroad. In Graubünden, a group of six young men returning from Belgrade, Serbia, where they danced in a discotheque, were infected with the coronavirus. More than 70 people have been quarantined in the canton, the majority in connection with travelers.
Health safety first
To reduce the risk of coronavirus outbreaks linked to travel abroad, the Swiss authorities have decided to impose, as of Monday, July 6, 2020, compulsory quarantine of anyone arriving from around thirty countries and regions with high risk, including the Balkans, America and Sweden.
People who have stayed in a high-risk state or area COVID-19 at any time during the 14 days before their entering Switzerland are required to go immediately in their accommodation or other suitable accommodation. They have to stay there permanently for 10 days after entering Switzerland.
Additional borders custom measures
Switzerland has authorized travel since 15 June to the Schengen countries, the EFTA countries and Great Britain. However, this is not necessarily reciprocal. Some countries keep their borders closed (for example Finland, Denmark and Norway for the time being), or gradually open them, sometimes only for defined groups or reasons, sometimes under conditions such as compulsory quarantine (Great Britain and Ireland for example), self-monitoring of health status, or a negative COVID-19 test. It is therefore important to learn about the entry conditions before planning a trip. Until at least July 20, entry restrictions will remain in effect for people from countries outside the Schengen area.
