Switzerland lifts quarantine...

The country has opted to tighten its testing regulations instead

The Swiss Federal Council has decided to amend Covid-19 related rules for travellers for entering Switzerland as a result of the recently discovered Omicron coronavirus variant.

In a press release issued on 3 December 2021, the Council confirmed that from 4 December, there will be no countries on the quarantine list.

Previously, travellers from Egypt, the UK, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Malawi were required to undertake a 10-day quarantine.

The statement read: “In order to continue to prevent the new Omicron variant from entering the country as far as possible, a stricter testing regime will now apply for all arrivals into Switzerland. This testing requirement also applies to those who have been vaccinated or have recovered from the disease.”

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As quarantine is no longer mandatory, all travellers will now need to take a second test between the fourth and seventh day after their arrival in Switzerland. This can be a PCR or a rapid antigen test. The Council also confirmed that travellers would have to cover the cost of the tests.

Unvaccinated travellers who wish to enter Switzerland for a short-term stay will be refused entry, but there will be exemptions for those who show proof of employment or hardship.

For the full list of new regulations, visit the Swiss Federal Council