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. 

Swiss Authorities still categorize the situation in Switzerland as extraordinary under the terms of the Epidemics Act.  However, mandated restrictions are being gradually eased.  All businesses and institutions must put in place a set of precautionary measures and everyone must observe hygiene and social distancing rules.

For a list of open/permitted activities please visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 information page

Permitted from 28 May

All forms of religious services and religious celebrations, privately or in a community (Requirement: Attendance list of all participants)

 Expected to open or be permitted from 8 June, Phase 3

(pending Federal Council decision on 27 May)

• Gatherings of more than 5 people
• Swimming pools (open to the public)
• Theatres and cinemas
• Upper secondary schools, higher education and other educational institutions
• Zoos, botanical gardens, animal parks, mountain transport services

Expected to be permitted from 15 June

(pending Federal Council decision on 27 May)

• Border crossings to and from Germany, France and Austria

Closed/prohibited until 31 August

• Public and private events for 1000 or more people

It is recommended that teleworking continues until further notice. 

  Keep your distance.
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Don’t shake hands.

 Cough and sneeze into a paper tissue or the crook of your arm.
Stay at home if you experience symptoms.

Always call ahead before going to the doctor’s or the emergency department.

 Recommendation: If it’s not possible to keep your distance, wear a mask.

  Continue to work from home if possible.

For current hygiene and social distancing rules, see:

https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov.html

Generally, all foreign nationals who wish to enter Switzerland and do not hold a valid residence or work permit will be refused entry.

 Exceptions are possible and new categories for cases of special necessity are added regularly. In cases of special necessity, it is possible to enter Switzerland despite the entry ban. For a full list of persons exempted by the entry ban please visit the website of the Swiss Migration Authority (SEM).

Business Travelers

There is the possibility to enter Switzerland for important business appointments which cannot be postponed and have to be in person. At the moment a special entry permit is needed to enter Switzerland for business travel. This application can be sent directly to corona@sem.admin.ch, including for example the following documents: appointment confirmation, copy of passport, travel itinerary, reason for urgency of appointment/visit, and the reason for the need to be present personally.

 Border to Germany and Austria

Switzerland, Germany and Austria have agreed that from 16 May unmarried couples in long-term cross-border relationships will be able to cross the borders between the three countries to visit their partners. The same will apply to people wishing visit relatives or attend important family events. In addition, people may cross the border if they maintain a property, make use of agricultural and hunting land or woodlands or need to tend to animals in a neighboring country. Persons crossing the border for any of the foregoing reasons must complete and produce a self-declaration. Switzerland is also in talks with France with a view to agreeing on similar arrangements. A general opening of borders between Switzerland, Germany, France and Austria is planned for 15 June 2020 provided the coronavirus pandemic situation permits.

Border to France

Switzerland is also in talks with France regarding similar arrangements as with Germany and Austria. A general opening of borders between Switzerland, Germany, France and Austria is planned for 15 June 2020 provided the coronavirus pandemic situation permits.

 Border to Italy

All travel restrictions at the border to Italy will remain in place until further notice.

 For questions on entry requirements and permitted stay please visit the website of the Swiss Migration Authority (SEM)

Swiss International has announced plans to resume additional direct flights from Zurich to the United States in June, as follows: Zurich to New York (JFK) 4 times a week (days to be determined); and Zurich to Chicago 2 times a week (days to be determined).

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/

 State Department – Bureau of Consular Affairs 
+1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada)
+1-202-501-4444 (from other countries)

Swiss Federal Office of Public Health Hotline
+41 58 463 00 00 (staffed 24 hours in German, French, Italian and English)
Switzerland Country Specific Information

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