Switzerland is opening its borders
Switzerland will open its borders to all the countries of the European Union (EFTA / EFTA) and the United Kingdom on June 15. Federal Councilor Karin Keller-Sutter had already announced in mid-May the reopening of the borders with Austria, Germany and France for this date. In view of the favorable epidemiological situation, this will now also be the case with all the other EU / EFTA countries and the United Kingdom on 15 June. The decision was taken after an informal videoconference of the interior ministers of the Schengen states, the Federal Council said on Friday. However, no opening has been announced for third countries.
Is it safe to travel from or to Switzerland?
The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is currently analyzing whether sanitary measures will be necessary at land borders and at Swiss airports, taking into account the measures taken by other states. Each country decides for itself the conditions of entry, the Swiss will have to inform themselves before their voyage. Arrival quarantines (UK for example) or measures such as wearing a mask, may be required depending on the country. Due to the uncertain health situation with the resumption of travel and the movement of large numbers of people, the specific conditions of entry into Switzerland can change quickly depending on the country of origin and the border post. It may be necessary to fill out a health questionnaire or to take the temperature of travelers (airports).
Tourism on the rise in Switzerland
Mountain railways, campsites, tourist attractions (such as summer toboggan runs and tree climbing) open June 6, as well as recreational facilities such as swimming pools, spas & wellness centers. wellness”, amusement parks, zoos, botanical gardens and casinos.
Holiday camps for children and adolescents will be possible from June 6 with certain protective measures.
Groups of 30 people: the authorization for gatherings in public spaces, on hiking trails and in parks, will increase from 5 to 30 people from May 30, and up to 300 people from June 6 (private events and audiences such as weddings, large family celebrations, fairs, concerts, theater shows or film screenings, etc.). On June 24, the Federal Council will decide on the eventual authorization of events for up to 1,000 people.
In restaurants, the limit of the number of people per table will be increased from June 6 and activities such as billiards will be authorized. Groups of more than 4 people must give the contact details of one guest per table. All establishments (bars, restaurants, nightclubs and nightclubs) must close at midnight and keep attendance lists (no more than 300 entries are possible per evening).
Family reunification will be possible again from June 8 for all persons holding a residence permit, a temporary residence permit, as well as for those temporarily admitted under the usual conditions.
The menace is not over, let’s stay cautious
The rules of hygiene and social distancing must always be respected in Switzerland: distance of 2 meters (or if not possible, wear a mask), wash / disinfect your hands, avoid handshakes, sneeze / cough in your elbow. Travelers must monitor their health. Anyone with symptoms of COVID (fever, cough, etc.) should be tested and, if positive, stay at home or at the hotel in self-isolation for at least 10 days (and until 48 hours after complete cessation of symptoms). Anyone in close contact with people who are sick or tested positive must quarantine themselves and be tested. A mobile phone application will soon be available to the general public, which will be very useful in warning people who have come into contact with a patient in public spaces.
