Editor's Note: The COVID-19 policies and procedures listed below are up-to-date as of press time. However, we encourage all readers to head to each individual country’s governmental tourism website prior to travel to confirm the information regarding entry protocols.
Following the long-awaited announcement that Swiss borders would reopen on June 26, the Switzerland Tourism team was clearly elated to share details of the country’s tourism restart during a recent webinar for its media and travel trade partners.
After more than a year away, American travelers can once again visit Switzerland, as long as they are fully vaccinated (within the last 12 months); can provide official proof that they have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months; or provide the negative results of either a PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours. Travelers under the age of 16 do not have to show proof of a negative test unless they are traveling to Switzerland alone. All visitors who are arriving by air are also required to complete an online form from the Federal Office of Public Health.
To make it as easy as possible for travelers to navigate and comply with all entry requirements, Switzerland has introduced the new Travel Check website, which allows potential visitors to confirm whether they can enter and the specific conditions that they need to meet, depending on their departure country.
Switzerland Tourism also shared details of what travelers can expect once they arrive in the destination. One of the most important notes for clients is that a mask mandate remains in place for the indoors and on public transportation; no masks are required when outside.
When asked how open things are in Switzerland now, the team noted that a lot of in-destination regulations were lifted on June 26 along with the border reopening, saying that most, if not all, attractions are now open (though minor restrictions might still be in place) and businesses are operating under fairly normal conditions. For added peace of mind, the country’s tourism trade associations have also introduced the Clean & Safe label, which indicates an establishment’s commitment to safety concepts for hygiene and behavior, public health and employee protection.
Prospective travelers will also find increased airlift this summer from Swiss, as the airline has returned to a variety of U.S. hubs with regular departures this summer. Clients will benefit from flexible rebooking policies offered through July 31, as well as the launch of Premium Economy service on long-haul flights, which was recently announced for the fourth quarter of 2021.
The Details
Switzerland Tourism
