Switzerland has lifted all restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic – there are no social distancing measures or wearing masks. There is no mandatory isolation requirement if you test positive for Covid19. Local restrictions or mandatory masks and proof of vaccination may exist in hospitals or nursing homes. In order to stop the spread of the coronavirus, many countries have also imposed measures inside the country that you should be aware of during your stay. You may find that in some countries your freedom of movement is restricted or you are required to wear a face mask in certain places. Foreign representations in Switzerland will inform you of these measures. Review the information provided and follow the applicable rules and regulations during your stay in the country. What to do in case of symptoms and after contact with an infected person? Information on isolation and quarantine On 12 January 2022, the Federal Council decided to reduce the COVID-19-related isolation and quarantine period from 10 to five days for persons infected or who have been in close contact with an infected person. The amendment to the Ordinance on Special Situations Related to COVID-19 entered into force the following day, 13 January. Persons who are vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19 or carry out an activity of great importance to society and for whom there is an acute shortage of staff are exempt from the quarantine obligation. (Ordinance on Special Situations COVID-19, Art. 7 para.
2.) According to the Federal Council`s press release, the shorter isolation and quarantine period is due to the shorter interval between infection and transmission of the virus in the Omicron variant. Increase in employee absencesDespite the relief provided by shorter quarantine and isolation periods, an increase in staff absences is expected. In this context, the Federal Council stresses the importance of the obligation to work from home. This requirement goes a long way toward preventing transmission in the workplace. According to the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FOAE) and the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), the infrastructure to ensure economic supply and critical infrastructure are well prepared for higher staff absenteeism rates. On 12 January 2022, the Confederation announced that the isolation and quarantine period in Switzerland would be reduced to five days with immediate effect. You must respect the hygiene and social distancing rules applicable in Switzerland. In public places such as restaurants, shops and museums, you must follow the rules set out in the applicable precautions. This information is provided locally. Strict compliance with hygiene and social distancing rules remains essential. Entry conditions can change very quickly depending on the epidemiological situation.
Check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country if entry is possible on that day without restrictions or if there are any new entry requirements. No travel is without risk during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or introduce new rules in the short term, for example due to a new variant of COVID-19. Check with your travel agent or airline for transportation changes that could delay your return trip. Reduction of the isolation and quarantine period to 5 daysThe Federal Council has decided to reduce it from ten to five days from Thursday 13 January 2022. To come out of isolation, the affected person must be asymptomatic for 48 hours. Neighbouring countries can introduce border restrictions and carry out health checks. Check out travel tips for each country you need to travel to.
In our travel advice for France and Germany, you will find the latest transit rules from these countries to/from Switzerland. Personal responsibility remains important: Washing your hands regularly with soap and water and keeping your distance are always the best ways to prevent infections. Continue to observe the rules of hygiene and social distancing, as the coronavirus is not allowed to spread again. SWI swissinfo.ch regularly updates this report with the number of confirmed cases and deaths as well as important new measures taken by cantonal and federal authorities.