Switzerland Prepares To Welcome International Travelers In May
Switzerland is joining the growing list of European countries to drop COVID-19 entry restrictions in May. What’s more, in April, this beautiful country has also dropped any remaining domestic restrictions. Read on to find out the latest news for travelers in Switzerland.
Switzerland drops COVID-19 restrictions
During April, Switzerland dropped all its remaining domestic restrictions, including the need to wear a face mask. Visitors and locals who get a positive COVID-19 test result are no longer required to quarantine or self-isolate. On top of this, the Swiss COVID-19 certificates, previously required to enter public venues, have also been done away with.
With its Alpine mountains, lovely scenery, beautiful cities and quaint chalets, Switzerland is an ideal destination in summer or winter. Now, after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country is finally getting ready to welcome travelers from May 2.
As noted by Schengenvisainfo, the country is finally ready to drop all pandemic rules at its borders as Switzerland’s mountain and lakeside resorts get ready for a busy summer season. Visitors will once again be able to visit Swiss cities, enjoying Michelin-starred dining throughout summer.
Who can visit Switzerland?
As things stand right now, most countries outside the EU and Schengen Zone are still on Switzerland’s list of high-risk countries. In fact, visitors from those countries who are not vaccinated, or only partially vaccinates, are banned from entering, including those from the US and the UK.
This all changes on May 2, when Switzerland will once again welcome all visitors, regardless of their vaccination status or departure point. There will be no need to provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 tests, plus travelers will no longer need to complete a passenger locator form.
The Swiss Tourism Board recently made a statement to say that with effect from May 2, 2022, entry into Switzerland from all countries in the world will once again be possible, as it was before the pandemic.
“Protective measures due to the coronavirus no longer apply in Switzerland.”
What about other European countries?
A number of other EU countries have already dropped pandemic-related entry requirements. However, Switzerland’s immediate neighbors, Austria, France, Germany and Italy, still have varying strict measures in place.
Anyone planning on a European tour should bear this in mind. If plans are to visit any of these locations before heading to Switzerland, this could become a problem. For this reason, travelers are urged to check the entry rules for each country prior to departure.
However, it is encouraging that so many European countries are heading back to a relatively “normal” status after two years of the pandemic.
What does Switzerland offer international travelers?
In the case of Switzerland, plan on buying plenty of delicious Swiss chocolate, while touring this beautifully scenic country. Head to the country’s capital, Bern, to explore its medieval old town. Visit Basel with its bold architecture or stay on Europe’s largest lake in beautiful Geneva. Go partying in Lausanne, or head to Zürich with its riverside bars serving craft beers.
From May 2, all this and more is once again available to international travelers.
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