Travel: What are Switzerland’s Covid test requirements?
Almost everyone arriving in Switzerland will need to complete at least one Covid test. Here’s what you need to know.
Please note, the testing rules were changed again on December 20th. Here's what you need to know.
On Saturday, December 4th, Switzerland changed its entry rules, scrapping the ten-day quarantine requirement in favour of a testing scheme.
Those already in quarantine are immediately free to go since December 4th, but must do the day four to seven test (see below).
Unlike the previous quarantine requirement which only applied to countries on Switzerland’s virus variant list, the PCR test applies to almost all arrivals.
READ MORE: Switzerland to scrap quarantine requirement for all arrivals
What are the new rules?
Under the new rules, everyone arriving in Switzerland must show a negative PCR test upon arrival. The test must be no more than 72 hours old.
Those travelling via plane will also need to show the test before boarding.
Arrivals will then need to take another PCR or antigen test, between four and seven days after arriving.
Those who are staying less than four days do not need to do this.
You need to communicate your test results to the canton. Cantonal contact details are available here.
What are the exceptions?
There are several exceptions to the testing rule. People under the age of 16 do not need to be tested.
People who have recovered from the virus in the past month - and have proof - do not need to provide a PCR test, but must have no symptoms and provide a negative antigen test. More info is available here.
Arrivals who are transiting through Switzerland via air or land do not need to provide a test result.
The requirement applies to arrivals from all countries and applies regardless if you have Swiss citizenship, residency or if you do not.
People from border regions however will not need to comply. Border regions are defined as follows:
Germany: State of Baden-Württemberg and State of Bavaria.
France: Regions Grand-Est, Bourgogne / Franche Comté and Auvergne / Rhône-Alpes.
Italy: Piedmont, Aosta Valley, Lombardy and Trentino / South Tyrol regions.
Austria: Land Tirol and Land Vorarlberg.
Territories in Liechtenstein: entire Principality
Where can I get a test - and how much do they cost?
Fortunately, testing is common place in cities, towns and villages throughout Switzerland, while most airports and major transport hubs also have testing facilities.
Pharmacies, general practitioners and hospitals have testing facilities, while private facilities also exist across the country.
While PCR tests are required to enter, the day four to seven tests can either be PCR or antigen (lateral flow) tests. Self tests are not sufficient.
Depending on the provider, PCR tests cost approximately CHF 110 (€100), or CHF 195 (€175) for rapid PCR tests.
Antigen tests cost approximately CHF 45 (€ 40).
The costs of all tests need to be covered by the travelling/arriving/returning person, regardless of citizenship status.
Official information is available from the Swiss government here.
What happens if I arrive without a PCR test?
The Swiss government notes that you will be asked by airline providers for your PCR test before you board, so the chance you arrive without a test is unlikely.
However, if you do arrive without a PCR test and are required to have one, you will be liable for a 200CHF fine.
"The person must also be tested immediately after entering the country and inform the canton," the government said in a statement.
Therefore, not only will you have to pay the fine, but also for a PCR test in Switzerland, which is likely to be much more expensive than in your country of departure.
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Please note, the testing rules were changed again on December 20th. Here's what you need to know.
On Saturday, December 4th, Switzerland changed its entry rules, scrapping the ten-day quarantine requirement in favour of a testing scheme.
Those already in quarantine are immediately free to go since December 4th, but must do the day four to seven test (see below).
Unlike the previous quarantine requirement which only applied to countries on Switzerland’s virus variant list, the PCR test applies to almost all arrivals.
READ MORE: Switzerland to scrap quarantine requirement for all arrivals
What are the new rules?
Under the new rules, everyone arriving in Switzerland must show a negative PCR test upon arrival. The test must be no more than 72 hours old.
Those travelling via plane will also need to show the test before boarding.
Arrivals will then need to take another PCR or antigen test, between four and seven days after arriving.
Those who are staying less than four days do not need to do this.
You need to communicate your test results to the canton. Cantonal contact details are available here.
What are the exceptions?
There are several exceptions to the testing rule. People under the age of 16 do not need to be tested.
People who have recovered from the virus in the past month - and have proof - do not need to provide a PCR test, but must have no symptoms and provide a negative antigen test. More info is available here.
Arrivals who are transiting through Switzerland via air or land do not need to provide a test result.
The requirement applies to arrivals from all countries and applies regardless if you have Swiss citizenship, residency or if you do not.
People from border regions however will not need to comply. Border regions are defined as follows:
Germany: State of Baden-Württemberg and State of Bavaria.
France: Regions Grand-Est, Bourgogne / Franche Comté and Auvergne / Rhône-Alpes.
Italy: Piedmont, Aosta Valley, Lombardy and Trentino / South Tyrol regions.
Austria: Land Tirol and Land Vorarlberg.
Territories in Liechtenstein: entire Principality
Where can I get a test - and how much do they cost?
Fortunately, testing is common place in cities, towns and villages throughout Switzerland, while most airports and major transport hubs also have testing facilities.
Pharmacies, general practitioners and hospitals have testing facilities, while private facilities also exist across the country.
While PCR tests are required to enter, the day four to seven tests can either be PCR or antigen (lateral flow) tests. Self tests are not sufficient.
Depending on the provider, PCR tests cost approximately CHF 110 (€100), or CHF 195 (€175) for rapid PCR tests.
Antigen tests cost approximately CHF 45 (€ 40).
The costs of all tests need to be covered by the travelling/arriving/returning person, regardless of citizenship status.
Official information is available from the Swiss government here.
What happens if I arrive without a PCR test?
The Swiss government notes that you will be asked by airline providers for your PCR test before you board, so the chance you arrive without a test is unlikely.
However, if you do arrive without a PCR test and are required to have one, you will be liable for a 200CHF fine.
"The person must also be tested immediately after entering the country and inform the canton," the government said in a statement.
Therefore, not only will you have to pay the fine, but also for a PCR test in Switzerland, which is likely to be much more expensive than in your country of departure.
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