Last Updated: June 13, 2022
As of 12:01 a.m. on June 12, 2022, air travelers to the United States are no longer required to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States. For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control order.
Proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still required.
For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.
Effective November 8, all travelers to the United States must show proof of vaccination status.
There are different requirements for different categories of travelers (U.S. Citizens, LPRs, NIV/ESTA travelers) so please read the following information carefully.
All non-U.S.-citizen, nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa) airline passengers traveling to the United States, must demonstrate proof of vaccination as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Order prior to boarding a U.S. bound aircraft. More details regarding what constitutes full vaccination are available on this page of the CDC website. Please note that a person who has recovered from COVID-19 and only received one shot is not considered fully vaccinated per the CDC’s requirements to enter the United States.
Passengers will need to show their vaccination status, and airlines will need to:
- Match the name and date of birth to confirm the passenger is the same person reflected on the proof of vaccination.
- Determine that the record was issued by an official source (e.g., public health agency, government agency) in the country where the vaccine was given.
- Review the essential information for determining if the passenger meets CDC’s definition for fully vaccinated such as vaccine product, number of vaccine doses received, date(s) of administration, site (e.g., vaccination clinic, healthcare facility) of vaccination.
Airlines must deny boarding to passengers who do not meet these requirements or those who test positive for COVID-19.
For additional information or if you have specific questions, please contact your airline and visit the CDC’s website.
The U.S. Embassy will not provide responses regarding specific vaccine and testing requirements. All questions should be directed to the Centers for Disease Control or the airline.
Testing Locations in Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Switzerland and Liechtenstein have many COVID-19 testing locations. Find your canton and testing locations here: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov/testen.html#197439718.
Testing is also available at the Zurich Airport: https://www.flughafen-zuerich.ch/en/passengers/news/corona/general-information
U.S. Citizen Travelers
As of 12:01 a.m. on June 12, 2022, air travelers to the United States are no longer required to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States. For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control order.
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Travelers
As of 12:01 a.m. on June 12, 2022, air travelers to the United States are no longer required to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States. For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control order.
Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) and ESTA Travelers
As of 12:01 a.m. on June 12, 2022, air travelers to the United States are no longer required to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States. For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control order.
Proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still required.
For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.
Previously issued National Interest Exceptions or Exemption travel letters are no longer valid and do not exempt travelers from vaccine requirements.
Visa Application Process
U.S. Embassy Bern is scheduling very limited visa appointments only. We are prioritizing services for those who are citizens and residents of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. If you do not live in Switzerland or Liechtenstein or hold a border crossing card (G) permit and you have an urgent need for a visa appointment, you must request an expedited appointment with a U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you reside.
Travelers who cannot obtain ESTA must apply for their visas through www.ustraveldocs.com. Applicants who have had their visa appointment cancelled but need to urgently travel may qualify for an expedited visa appointment. Information on requesting an expedited visa appointment is found here: https://ustraveldocs.com/ch/ch-niv-expeditedappointment.asp. If your ESTA has previously been refused, please mention this in your expedited appointment request. We also advise you to mention if you hold a Swiss or Liechtenstein residency permit or border crossing card.
Pending Visa Application (221g)
Applicants who have previously had their visa applications put on hold due to the travel restrictions can now send us their passport and all necessary supporting documents to the address below to continue processing of their visas.
U.S. Embassy Bern
Visa Section/ 221g
PO Box
3001 Bern
Due to high demand, please expect longer wait times to receive the visa. If you have a pending visa application, you are required to finalize the visa case at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate where you began the process. Having a pending visa case (221g) will lead to an ESTA denial. If you have not received a response with 14 days of sending your documents, please emails us at bernniv@state.gov.
Difficulties Entering the United States
Admission to the United States remains subject to a determination by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at ports of entry. If travelers are stuck at the airport, please contact the airport’s CBP liaison directly: https://www.cbp.gov/contact.
