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| Subject: | Health Alert – COVID-19 Information for Switzerland and Liechtenstein (May 1, 2020) |
| Location: | Switzerland and Liechtenstein |
| Event: |
Update for U.S. citizens regarding COVID-19 in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive health and security updates and to ensure the State Department can locate you in an emergency. Please continue to monitor the Embassy’s COVID-19 information page and local news. Please share this message with other U.S. citizens currently in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. |
| Updated Information: |
Swiss authorities have updated the three-step plan for easing the emergency measures as follows: In order to reopen, a set of precautionary measures in accordance with federal government requirements must be in place, with which all concerned can comply. Managers of businesses and institutions and event organizers are responsible for ensuring that this is the case. Cantons will monitor compliance. May 11:
More details are available here and attached to this message: https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-78948.html |
| Country-Specific Information: |
It is recommended that teleworking continues until further notice. Everyone must continue to abide by the hygiene and social distancing rules. Other exceptions are possible. For example, individuals who live or work in Switzerland. Anyone wishing to enter Switzerland must be able to prove that they meet the necessary requirements. While Border controls will remain in place, an easing of restrictions is planned beginning May 11. For Swiss and EU citizens, family reunification in Switzerland will become possible again. Applications for admission by workers from the EU/EFTA area and from third countries that were submitted before March 25 will be processed. |
| Flights to the U.S.: | Flights to the United States from Switzerland International commercial flight options currently exist in Switzerland. U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make commercial arrangements as soon as possible unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. The U.S. government does not anticipate arranging repatriation flights in Switzerland and Liechtenstein at this time. The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens have a plan to depart from Switzerland and/or Liechtenstein that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Direct flights: There is only one remaining direct flight from Switzerland to the United States in operation, the Zurich to Newark route operated by Swiss International Air Lines. This flight is currently scheduled 3 times a week, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, however this may change it any time and without prior notice. The flight can be booked directly through Swiss or most travel arrangers. Transit flights: Many countries have closed their national borders. Travelers flying to the U.S. by transiting through a third country should work directly with the airline to confirm that they are allowed to transit.The Department of State does not endorse any private company and assumes no responsibility or liability for services provided by private companies. Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions affecting travel to the U.S. For more information visit Embassy Bern’s COVID Information Page FAQs: https://ch.usembassy.gov/embassy/liechtenstein/u-s-citizenship-services/covid-19-faq/ |
| Local Resources: |
For the most up-to-date information on numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Switzerland and Liechtenstein: |
| Assistance: |
U.S. Embassy Bern, Switzerland State Department – Bureau of Consular Affairs Swiss Federal Office of Public Health Hotline Switzerland Country Specific Information |
To manage your subscription to these notifications please visit Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
