The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- the whole of Switzerland based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
Travel is subject to entry restrictions
- Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Travellers arriving from the UK are only permitted entry to Switzerland if they hold a Swiss or Liechtenstein residence permit; or a ‘laissez-passer’ issued by the Swiss Embassy in London for certain circumstances. Flights from the UK to Switzerland are limited
- UK nationals and other non-Swiss citizens arriving from a ‘high risk country’ are not permitted entry to Switzerland. However, exemptions do apply
- UK nationals who hold a residence or cross-border permit for Switzerland or Liechtenstein, or who are travelling from other Schengen countries are permitted entry
- Travellers from the UK who have an exemption to enter Switzerland must quarantine for 10 days from arrival in Switzerland. From 8 February, you can reduce the quarantine period to 7 days if you can produce a new a negative COVID-19 test result (rapid antigen test or PCR) and are authorised by the local cantonal authority.
- From 8 February, travellers from the UK will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result (rapid antigen test or PCR), carried out less than 72 hours before arrival.
- From 8 February, all travellers arriving in Switzerland by air, boat, bus or train must complete an online form on arrival and provide contact details.
- Travellers arriving from the UK are currently unable to transit Geneva Airport to enter France, unless you hold a residence or cross-border permit for Switzerland
See Entry requirements for more information before you plan to travel.
Preparing for your return journey to the UK
If you’re returning to the UK from overseas, you will need to:
Check our advice on foreign travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and sign up for email alerts for this travel advice.
If you’re planning travel to Switzerland, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
The Department for Transport and the FCDO have jointly published separate guidance for the freight transport industry during the coronavirus pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
If you’re living in or moving to Switzerland, read the Living in Switzerland guide in addition to this travel advice.
Around 1 million British nationals visit Switzerland each year. Most visits are trouble-free. There has been an increase in reports of theft, especially in larger cities, at Geneva airport and on trains to/from Geneva. See Crime.
If you plan skiing or hiking, check weather conditions and follow local advice. See Outdoor sports activities.
Terrorist attacks in Switzerland can’t be ruled out. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. See Terrorism
If you need to contact the emergency services, call 112 (general emergency calls), 118 (fire), 117 (police) or 144 (ambulance).
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
