Entry and Exit Requirements: Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? The travel restrictions do not apply to EU citizens (including citizens of the UK) and their family members, as well as citizens from Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Lichtenstein and their family members. Bring your full Irish driving license and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance, Traffic regulations are strictly enforced in Switzerland and any serious breach of the rules, particularly drink driving, can result in heavy fines, loss of licence and imprisonment, Be aware of Switzerland’s traffic laws, such as speed limits. Ireland applies the EU’s traffic light system to travel from the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland: Travelers arriving from areas that aren’t marked green, for low-risk, are asked to self-isolate for 14 days. a hotel or holiday apartment). Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Before booking a trip, consult your travel agent and/or your travel insurer to find out what cover they offer. Since then, the list has been updated several times. Read the country information page. Disclaimer: Switzerland's reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities. I’m Nigerian but have been in turkey for about 1 month . You should also observe all written warnings and notices and stick to marked slopes and trails. What to do upon entering Switzerland or Liechtenstein from Ireland Entry into Switzerland by land will be possible for people who have entered the Schengen area legally. This means that an American with a partner in Switzerland can how have the chance to reunite, even with the current bans. Entering Switzerland. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Ireland. Crime remains relatively low in Switzerland although petty theft does happen, especially around main train stations, filling stations, on public transport, at airports and in city centres. ... (not including Ireland). On June 30th, The EU officially published the list of countries that will be allowed to travel to the European Union for the purpose of tourism starting on July 1st, 2020. There are 11 ways to get from Switzerland to Ireland by plane, bus, train, bus and ferry, car or car ferry. The EHIC is not a substitute for proper travel insurance provided by a reputable insurer. Anyone who fails to comply with the quarantine requirement or the duty to report to the authorities is committing an offence under the Epidemics Act, which can be punished by a fine of up to CHF 10,000. As of 31 August, it will no longer be possible to enter Switzerland from a high-risk country on a transit flight via a non-high-risk country. 2nd Floor Latest travel advice for Switzerland including how to stay safe during the coronavirus ... Switzerland has lifted entry restrictions from some third countries. Travel is mostly possible between Switzerland and the European Union and EFTA countries. Travelling outside of Ireland . Until now, it has been possible to circumvent the entry … Apply for your EHIC and find out more information. Is a negative COVID-19 test … We encourage all citizens to check this list before travel, as it may be updated at short notice. You should monitor the local media about possible demonstrations. The mandatory quarantine requirement is governed by the list valid at the moment of entry into Switzerland or Liechtenstein. Honorary Consul of Ireland Limited transportation options are available, and some businesses are operating, usually with significant restrictions. EU/EFTA citizens can travel from Ireland to Switzerland; freedom of movements has been re-established. Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.. If you’re a victim of a crime while in Switzerland, report it to the local police immediately. The country-by-country overview of travel restrictions and Covid-19 testing requirements across Europe highlights the terrible effects of Christmas and New Year travel in … witzerland is not currently included in the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s mapping system. Non-EU/EFTA citizens can still face entry restrictions to Switzerland. Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. Learn more about what to do if your passport is lost/stolen. For the latest re-opening Travel News and discussions, join our: Facebook Community, Originally published July 1, 2020 with updates. Sources: Federal Council of Switzerland / myswitzerland.com. Earlier this month, the Swiss government discussed the possibility to abolish the restrictions for these 21 countries, following a recommendation by the European Union. The list of countries will be updated continuously. Ireland implemented the ECDC's traffic light map of travel restrictions for the first time, meaning it adheres to the same guidelines as most other EU countries. Image: Download the COVID Tracker app . Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. If you buy an appropriate travel insurance policy, these costs will be covered, provided you haven’t broken the terms and conditions. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Flights from the newly approved ‘third-party’ countries are also starting to resume. You are wholly responsible for making decisions about your own travel. This new regulation aims to prevent people circumventing the entry requirements by travelling in transit via countries not on the high-risk list. To avoid delays when arriving or departing, the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) recommends that unaccompanied minors, or those travelling with only one parent or legal guardian, carry a letter of consent from the absent parent or guardian. For more details, check out our Switzerland Reopening For Tourism guide. Failure to pay can result in future difficulties when entering or leaving Switzerland, Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights, All cars must be fitted with winter tyres when driving in Switzerland during the winter months. Ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all activities you plan to try. is 18. Snow chains may also be required for mountainous routes, A motorway tax, or vignette, must be paid by all users of Switzerland’s motorways, including short-term visitors. Your entire trip, from departure to return. You can find further information on the current situation regarding COVID-19 in Switzerland from the Federal Office of Public Health here. Like I mention in the article, I believe that some areas of France will require a 10-day quarantine upon arrival into Switzerland. The Swiss government recently made some changes to their entry requirements and are now allowing un-married, inter-national couples to reunite in Switzerland. Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox, UK Lifts 14 Day Self Isolation For These Countries, Cancun Is Ready To Provide Easy Covid Testing For All American Travelers, U.S. Will Require Quarantine For All International Arrivals, Countries Reopening Their Borders For Tourism: The Complete List, Canada Warns Of New Travel Restrictions Including Hotel Quarantine, Sri Lanka Officially Opens For International Tourism, Mexico: COVID-19 Entry Requirements For Travelers, Have proof they are in a real relationship with actual face-to-face meetings before the pandemic set in. See more details. Cross-border commuters (including students and school children) do not have to self-quarantine. We have the full country list updated below, which includes the EU/EFTA nations that can currently travel to Switzerland, as well as the third-party countries outside the EU that have just been given permission to travel to Switzerland starting on July 20, 2020. With effect from 13:00 12 January 2021, if you arrive in Switzerland or Liechtenstein having travelled from Ireland, you must quarantine on arrival. Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland were among those that announced bans on Sunday, with others expected to follow. For the approved countries listed above in black text, at this time, there is no mandatory testing or quarantines upon arrival. Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible. Switzerland has a continental climate, which is also influenced by the Alps. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports). The weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can change suddenly. Travelers from Northern Ireland are exempt. Image: Travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic . If you are unable to maintain this distance, it is recommended that you wear a mask. All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay. spirits, alcopops, etc.) Switzerland is a federal country and each individual canton has its own laws and law enforcement agency. What to do upon entering Switzerland or Liechtenstein from Ireland. (accurate as of Jan 1). The EU proposal of an entry ban for non-essential travel is extended until 15 June 2020. No. I believe Hauts is North by La Manche (the English Channel) and Ile de France is around Paris, Versailles – so I should be fine! Monitor regional weather forecasts and take local advice. COVID-19 Travel Advice Given the current domestic and international situation, the safest thing to do is not to travel abroad. Persons who enter Switzerland and who have stayed in a country or territory with increased covid-infection risks in the past 14 days prior to entry into Switzerland, are obliged to immediately travel directly to their home or another suitable accommodation. 24-hour emergency service and assistance. The Alps act as a barrier – southern Switzerland, is influenced by the Mediterranean and has a much milder climate than northern Switzerland. Information is available if you are arriving from within the Common Travel Area on the following page: Mostly everything is open in Switzerland, even if it may have different capacity levels or operating hours. Please note that there is no possibility for a test pre- or post- arrival to shorten the time in quarantine. However, passengers travelling from a non-high-risk country will be able to enter Switzerland even if they have a stopover in a high-risk country, provided they do not leave the transit area of the airport. Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home. Travel restrictions imposed by the different countries may be tightened again at short notice depending on the epidemiological situation, and transport connections scaled down again. Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged). The mountains make for spectacular differences in the weather among different regions. Can I travel to Switzerland ? Passengers should expect a health screening from a border officer, as well as agree to temperature scans. Yes. Fax: +41 31 352 1455, Mr Stefan Studer Ensure that you get or renew your EHIC (the new name for the E111) before you go, and remember, you need one for every person travelling in your group. “Switzerland remains cautious and only relaxes its entry restrictions with restraint,” the Swiss justice ministry pointed out in a Twitter post on Thursday. The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management. If you are coming to Northern Ireland and have been in a country which is not exempt from travel restrictions and is not part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) in the previous 10 days, then you must complete the full 10 day self-isolation period. If you’re travelling to Switzerland, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information. These are often aimed at international organisations and international meetings. In Northern Ireland, people have been told to "avoid all unnecessary travel" from 26 December, when a six-week lockdown starts. Travel by APPROVED categories of travellers (as in: Swiss national returning home, essential workers, spouses of EU nationals, etc) is possible from the below high risk nations, but with a mandatory 10-day quarantine period. Exclusions: You should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents. Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Avalanches, snow drifts, flash floods and mudslides are a danger in alpine areas. Switzerland will now recognize un-married couples who: More information on how to apply can be found here. It is common to move from a cold and cloudy landscape to a beautiful clear blue sky in just a few minutes. . Switzerland’s official government tourism site posted the announcement on June 5th 2020 stating: “Switzerland will open the borders to all EU and EFTA states and Great Britain on June 15”, *People arriving in Switzerland from red countries and areas are required to go into quarantine for 10 days. Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. The EU Council recommends a gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on travel into the EU (including Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) from 1 July 2020. The mandatory quarantine requirement is governed by the list valid at the moment of entry into Switzerland or Liechtenstein. Visit the website of the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C. for the most current visa information.. Any citizens who are considering travel abroad, or those already abroad, are advised to monitor our travel advice, and follow us on. Protests and demonstrations do happen, mainly in Zürich, Geneva, Bern or Basel. Cheers! Cold and dry northerly winds can make temperatures drop very quickly, even in clear weather. Possession of drugs carries heavy fines and prison terms in Switzerland, which can vary depending on the amount and type of drugs involved. As a result, call charges to and from Irish mobile phones can be high. Claridenstrasse 25 Hi Kashlee I’m British and been staying in Aude, South of France for the last month. You can contact the emergency services in Switzerland by dialling the following numbers: You need a valid passport to visit Switzerland and we advise you to bring a number of photocopies of your passport with you. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy or Honorary Consul if you need help. Any attempt to cross the Swiss border carrying drugs (for instance changing flights in Switzerland via Zürich airport) automatically constitutes trafficking charges. You should take sensible precautions. A negative test result does not exempt you from the mandatory quarantine requirement or shorten the quarantine period.This is because a negative test result does not rule out an infection with the new coronavirus. As an Irish resident you are entitled to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there. If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. The current annual fee is CHF40 and can be obtained from the Swiss Federal Customs Agency at border crossing points. Travelling to Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic . Postfach 2172 Up-to-date information on the rules for entering Switzerland during the COVID … The restrictions do not apply to European citizens or residents “independent of the purpose of travel,” according to the official recommendation, nor to … There has been a noticeable increase recently in the number of thefts in the Geneva area, both of personal items and cars. Travel to Europe is going to get slightly more complicated in 2021. You will find the biological explanation for this on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. CH-3000 Berne 6 Until now, it has been possible to circumvent the entry restrictions by travelling via airports in countries not on the high-risk list. [Read our 2021 Travel questions and answers guide on restrictions, vaccination and more.]. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times. Those wanting to learn about restrictions and the … Switzerland, Tel: +41 31 350 0380 For example, it is no longer possible for third-country nationals to fly to Switzerland from the USA via Toronto. Kirchenfeldstrasse 68 Monitor local weather and safety conditions, follow advice from local authorities, equip yourself appropriately, plan your activities carefully and inform someone of your plans. For further information on the quarantine requirements please find the official guidance and instructions for quarantine here. The letter should contain details of the parent/guardian, and attach a copy of the parent's/guardian's valid passport or ID. However, passengers travelling from a non-high-risk country will be able to enter Switzerland even if they have a stopover in a high-risk country, provided they do not leave the transit area of the airport. Read More: See our complete guide of countries now reopen for international tourism, which countries are expected to be able to travel to the EU, and which cruise ships have reopened for sailings. Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. Travellers from the UK who have an exemption to enter Switzerland must quarantine for 10 days from arrival in Switzerland; See Entry requirements for more information before you plan to … The European Council has adopted a Recommendation on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU on 30 June. If you are arriving in Switzerland from one of the countries with a high risk of infection you will be required to: Avoid public transport if possible. The drinking age for beer, wine and alcoholic cider is generally 16 (although higher in some cantons or individual shops), while the age for any other alcohol (e.g. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property). Also, some private hospitals may not accept the EHIC, so you should check with the hospital administrator beforehand. If you are coming from, or have transited through these areas on your way, you will need to quarantine once you enter: Region Hauts-de-France, Region Île de France. Additional advice and information on COVID-19 can be found via the following links, Federal Office of Public Health (Switzerland). CH-8027 Zürich, Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), available by, instructions on quarantine (PDF, 349 kB, 29.12.2020), Apply for your EHIC and find out more information. Direct flights are coming in from almost every major city throughout the EU on airlines like: Swiss Air, EasyJet, Eurowings, Air France, Edelweiss Air, Austrian Airlines, and more. Upon arrival, go immediately to your home or to other suitable accommodation (e.g. Switzerland originally responded to the EU’s suggestion of opening its borders to 14 of the 15 approved countries. A negative test result does not exempt you from the mandatory quarantine requirement. In Scotland , people living in … Please note that if you require assistance in the case of emergency while the Embassy is closed, contact the main Embassy number, +41 (0)31 350 03 80, to obtain the number of the Duty Officer. Check with your mobile provider before travelling to Switzerland. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million. Citizens and residents of non-Schengen countries can enter Switzerland only in … Embassy of Ireland To slow down the spread of coronavirus and protect the health and well-being of all Europeans, some travel restrictions have been necessary. Avoid affected areas and follow the advice of local authorities. In certain cases, such as traffic regulations, federal law applies. It doesn’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. With effect from 13:00 12 January 2021, if you arrive in Switzerland or Liechtenstein having travelled from Ireland, you must quarantine on arrival. We can’t pay for emergency medical repatriation, repatriation of remains, or for expenses as a result of a personal emergency while you are abroad. Border Control from the Federal Justice and Police Department in Switzerland gave us this statement: “Nationality is not determinative for entry. Although the threat from terrorism in Switzerland is generally low, there is still a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates. Only essential cross-border traffic – including goods transport, cross-border commuting and travel by keyworkers – is possible. Switzerland categorises countries or regions as high-risk and updates the list of high-risk countries regularly. During your stay, you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times. For the latest update please read the General COVID-19 Travel Advisory >, Security Status Last Updated: 17 March 2020. Ireland is to lift all domestic travel restrictions on June 29.From July 20, theatres, cinemas and nightclubs will be allowed to resume operations. Speeding is taken very seriously and could result in a hefty fine, which can be sent to you even after you have left Switzerland. Some protests have become violent in the past. The rules of the road in Switzerland are broadly similar to those in Ireland, and roads are modern and well maintained. Switzerland first reopened to EU and EFTA tourists on June 15th 2020. The European Commission is doing its utmost to allow people to meet friends and family and to ensure free movement of citizens, goods and services – with full respect of health and safety measures. However, various people are exempt from the quarantine requirement in Switzerland. Box 262 Please note that additional regulations may be in place depending on the decision of cantonal authorities. Yes, flights from all over the EU are flying directly into Swiss airports multiple times daily. As of 31 August, it will no longer be possible to enter Switzerland from a high-risk country on a transit flight via a non-high-risk country. I’m driving to Geneva the shortest route to see my son who is resident there, anything I need to do for the border? On the way there, keep a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from other people. Country of departure now counts, not stopover country. As Switzerland is not in the EU or EEA (European Economic Area), roaming charges are not covered by the EU Roaming Regulation. Can I come from Hong Kong to Switzerland? Mandatory 10 day quarantine for persons arriving in Switzerland from certain countries; All persons who have entered Switzerland from the UK and South Africa countries since December 14 must go into quarantine for 10 days. Switzerland lifted entry restrictions involving EU/EFTA states on 15 June 2020. In line with EU guidelines, Switzerland has lifted entry restrictions for the following third-party countries: (accurate as of Jan 1). Under the new rules, which apply from 31 August, the country of departure, not the stopover country, determines whether travellers may enter Switzerland. Quarantine measures or entry restrictions are in place for U.S. citizen travelers. Entry restrictions apply to persons arriving directly in Switzerland by plane from a country for which we have not yet opened our borders.”. We can’t be held responsible for any injury or loss you may suffer as a result of relying on our travel advice. The list of third=party countries is to be regularly updated, at least every two weeks. Contact our Embassy in Berne or the Honorary Consul in Zürich for assistance. Image: Travelling outside of Ireland . P.O. Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility.