Switzerland
Summary
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Switzerland
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Switzerland’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
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The Department for Transport and the FCDO have jointly published separate guidance for the freight transport industry during the coronavirus pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
If you’re living in or moving to Switzerland, read the Living in Switzerland guide in addition to this travel advice.
Around 1 million British nationals visit Switzerland each year. Most visits are trouble-free. There has been an increase in reports of theft, especially in larger cities, at Geneva airport and on trains to/from Geneva. See Crime.
If you plan skiing or hiking, check weather conditions and follow local advice. See Outdoor sports activities.
Terrorist attacks in Switzerland can’t be ruled out. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. See Terrorism
If you need to contact the emergency services, call 112 (general emergency calls), 118 (fire), 117 (police) or 144 (ambulance).
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Update history
2024-09-05 13:26
Information on the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), planned to be introduced from November 2024 (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-07-09 10:46
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
2023-07-19 16:49
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-07-18 16:25
Information about ongoing forest fires in Switzerland (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-06-22 10:26
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-05-02 14:30
Updated information about altitude sickness (‘Safety and security’ and ‘Health’ pages).
2022-11-04 09:35
Removal of leaflet that advised on pickpocketing (‘Safety and security’ page).
2022-05-12 15:14
Clarification about current passport validity (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-05-01 23:00
Switzerland has lifted all Covid-19 pandemic restrictions – there are no social distancing or mask wearing measures in place. There is no mandatory isolation requirement if you test positive for Covid19. (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-04-29 15:14
Corrected to delete earlier update.
2022-04-29 14:59
Update to information following relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and rules for entry (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-03-29 16:34
Clarification on entry requirements for children and young people (‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-02-21 11:47
Clarification on entry requirements for children and young people (‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-02-17 19:35
Updated information for domestic coronavirus measures and entry requirements (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry Requirements’ pages)