Last updated: September 12, 2020
Switzerland first reopened its borders for tourism to EU and EFTA tourists on June 15th, 2020. By July 20, 2020 Switzerland also welcomed certain third-party countries outside the EU.
Who Can Travel To Switzerland?
Here’s the current list of EU/EFTA nations allowed to travel to Switzerland. In line with EU’s guidelines, Switzerland also lifted travel restrictions for certain third-party countries also in this list:
Switzerland also reopened borders for countries outside the EU. In other words, they responded to the EU’s suggestion of opening its borders to 14 out of 15 approved countries as of July 20, 2020.

Is There A Mandatory Quarantine?
Meanwhile, approved travelers such as Swiss nationals returning home, essential workers, spouses of EU nationals, etc., coming from high-risk nations are able to enter Switzerland. However, they are required to undertake a mandatory 10-day self-quarantine.
- Argentina
- Armenia
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Cape Verde
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Eswatini (Swazsiland)
- Equatorial Guinea
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Iraq
- Israel
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Luxembourg
- Maldives
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Occupied Palestinian Territory
- Oman
- Panama
- Peru
- Qatar
- Romania
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Sint Maarten
- Spain (with the exception of the Balearic and Canary Islands)
- South Africa
- Suriname
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United States of America (including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands)
Certainly, a traveler’s nationality is not determinative for entry. That is to say, entry restrictions apply to persons arriving directly to Switzerland by plane from a country for which they have not yet opened borders for.
To sum it up, travel restrictions will apply to individuals visiting Switzerland for essential travels, including citizens and residents. If they came from high-risk countries, they may be subject to undergo quarantine or testing.
September 12 update: The Swiss authorities updated their list of high-risk countries. Starting Sept. 14, travelers arriving from any of these areas are required to self-quarantine for 10 days. These include the British Virgin Islands, Czech Republic, the city-state of Vienna in Austria, French regions of Centre-Val de Loire, Corse, Hauts-de-France, Ile de France, Normandie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Pays de la Loire, and Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur.

Is There A Testing Upon Arrival?
The answer is no. But on the other hand, approved countries listed above are not subject to mandatory testing or quarantine. But all passengers should expect health screening and temperature scanning from a border officer.
Other Health Protocols and Safety Measures When In Switzerland
- All travelers are required to wear face masks on public transport
- Mandatory social distancing procedures in public areas and on public transport
- As well as widespread voluntary “self-policing” by residents
- Emphasizing handwashing with soap and water
- Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable
What’s Open in Switzerland?
To sum it up, almost everything is open in Switzerland but have different capacity levels and operating hours.
- Hotels and other accommodations
- Thermal baths and spas
- Restaurants, Cafes, and bars
- Public Transportation
- Mountain Railways (Glacier 3000 and Titlis)
- Panoramic trains
- Museums and art galleries
- Swimming pools and beaches
- Events (with a maximum of 300 attendees)
You may check Switzerland on our live map for the latest restrictions and news information
Sources: myswitzerland.com | Federal Council of the Swiss Government | World Aware
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