Switzerland Relaxes Testing Criteria for Fully Vaccinated Tourists

Switzerland will accept fast antigen testing as well as PCR tests as verification of Covid status for persons who have been fully vaccinated from Monday (20th December).

The country’s Federal Council agreed to change the testing procedure. It comes just a day after France decided to exclude UK visitors without a “compelling reason” from entering.

Rapid antigen tests must be conducted within the preceding 24 hours for travelers to Switzerland, while PCR tests can be taken within the last 72 hours after entrance.

Those who have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 will not be required to take a second test four to seven days after entering the country.

Only PCR tests were formerly approved, albeit children under the age of 16 were excused from testing. The NHS Covid Pass is accepted as proof of immunization in Switzerland.

On Monday, December 20, stricter controls will be implemented in Switzerland.

Only those who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from Covid-19 will be permitted to enter restaurants, cultural, sporting, and leisure venues, as well as to attend indoor activities.

In these situations, masks must be worn, and food and drink must be taken while seated.

Admission will be limited to vaccinated or recovered people who also provide a negative test result in situations where masks cannot be worn, “such as brass band practice,” or where it is not possible to eat or drink while seated, “such as clubs and discos.”

People who have been fully immunized, got a booster shot, or recovered from Covid-19 within the last four months do not need to take another test.

A requirement to work from home has also been reinstated in Switzerland.

If one individual under the age of 16 is present who is unvaccinated or has never had Covid-19, private gatherings are limited to ten people.

The Federal Council noted in a statement that “the epidemiological situation is particularly concerning” and that on 13th December, “the crucial threshold of 300 Covid-19 patients in ICUs throughout Switzerland was exceeded for the first time.”