This blog briefly outlines these restrictions. However, as the rules on travel in and out of Switzerland are subject to change at short notice, all travellers are strongly advised to consult the Swiss government website prior to travelling.
Which countries are not considered to be high-risk countries?
All Schengen states as well as Andorra, Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Holy See, Ireland, Israel, Monaco, New Zealand, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand are considered non-high-risk countries per Annex 1 of the COVID-19 Ordinance 3.
Please note that if you travel from one of the above-named countries to Switzerland and transit via an airport in the UK, you will still be considered under Swiss rules as having travelled from a non-high-risk country, regardless of how long you stay in the UK airport’s international transit area, provided you do not leave said area.
Can I enter Switzerland from the UK?
Generally, anyone entering Switzerland from the UK (a high-risk country) will not be permitted to enter unless one of the following applies:
- You are a Swiss national
- You hold a travel document (e.g. a passport or identity card) and
- a residence permit, i.e. a Swiss residence permit (L / B / C / Ci permits);
- a cross-border permit (G permit),
- an FDFA legitimation card;
- a D visa issued by Switzerland;
- a C visa issued by Switzerland after 16 March 2020 in a valid exceptional case or in order to work on a short-term contract;
- an assurance of a residence permit from a cantonal migration authority or an entry permit with a visa issued by Switzerland.
- From 1 January 2021, you must have confirmation of notification under the online notification procedure if you are a service provider and wish to work in Switzerland for up to 90 days in any calendar year.
- You hold a refugee’s or stateless person’s travel document issued by Switzerland, a passport for foreign nationals issued by Switzerland, a valid residence or permanent residence permit or an F-Permit.
- You have rights of free movement. Please click the link to find out “who has rights of free movements?”
- In certain cases: you are simply travelling directly through Switzerland with the intention to enter another country. Please click the following link to see if you are eligible.
- You are in a situation of special necessity. The border control authority will assess the necessity of the situation.
Swiss Visa Application Centres in the UK remain closed
As per the COVID-19 Ordinance 3, Switzerland is currently not issuing Schengen visas for periods of stay of up to three months (commonly referred to as Short-Stay visas) for foreign nationals from high-risk countries who do not have rights of free movement and do not fall under any exceptions contained therein. Furthermore, Swiss visa application centres in the UK still remain closed until further notice. Please refer to TLS visa application centre’s official website for more information.
Gherson has extensive experience in helping clients apply for Short-Stay Schengen Visa applications. We continue to closely monitor updates in relation to travel restrictions implemented by all Schengen countries.
If you have any queries, or are interested in talking to us about your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us for further advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date.
The information in these blogs is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in these blogs. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2021