Switzerland reopening its borders to US travelers
While the final decision is only expected on June 23, the Swiss Tourist Board has already announced that fully vaccinated third-country nationals, including American, British and Canadian travelers, will be able to cross Switzerland’s borders without restrictions from June 28.
This means that vaccinated American tourists will be able to visit Switzerland later this month with no restrictions, just in time for the summer travel season.
Switzerland a ‘natural choice for a post-COVID holiday’
Claudio Zemp, Director Americas for Switzerland Tourism recently said in a statement, “I have long believed that Switzerland, with its small boutique towns, rustic villages dotted along picturesque valleys, and wide-open alpine landscapes is the natural choice for a post-COVID holiday.”
“Now that the borders will be open, together with everybody in the Swiss tourism industry, we can’t wait to welcome each one of you,” he added.
What do you need to visit Switzerland?
To be able to take Switzerland up on its welcoming offer, travelers need to show proof that they have received one of the vaccines on the list approved for use by the European Medicines Agency. These include AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna or Pfizer and the visitor must be fully vaccinated against the virus.
However, anyone who has recovered from COVID-19 is also permitted to enter Switzerland, as long as they can provide proof of infection and recovery in the form of official health documents. Those children under the age of 18, traveling with vaccinated parents or guardians, are not required to be vaccinated.
Besides this welcome news, authorities in Switzerland also eased some COVID-19 restrictions on June 18. These include an increased capacity in bars, restaurants and sporting venues, along with the removal of masks in certain outdoor public spaces. For those who love to party the night away, nightclub are also expected to reopen to vaccinated patrons.
What does Switzerland have to offer?
As mentioned by Zemp, Switzerland is, indeed, the perfect location for a post-COVID-19 vacation. Its gorgeous landscapes offer skiing and snowboarding in Bernese Oberland, Central Switzerland and Graubünden in the winter months.
However, spring and summer turn those same gorgeous mountains green, making the area perfect for hiking and biking, enjoying time by beautiful lakes and vineyards. Visitors can also explore the landscapes in a hot-air balloon or using a parachute, or paddle on the rushing rivers in a white-water raft.
Meanwhile, besides rural Switzerland, its cities are also striking and welcoming, including its capital Bern, with its medieval old town, modern art and bold architecture. On the other hand, beautiful Geneva lines Europe’s largest lake, while Lausanne attracts the party crowds, along with Zürich with its riverside bars and reinvented industrial west district.
If you are fully vaccinated, experience Switzerland this summer for the vacation of a lifetime.
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