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Traveling is finally easier again. Only four countries are still on the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) quarantine list. However, what happens is that not everyone can enter Switzerland. For example, although the US is no longer on the quarantine list, US tourists are still unable to enter Switzerland. You will not get a visa.
The Secretary of State for Migration (SEM) has its own list of risks since March. This stipulates the countries from which foreigners can enter Switzerland and which are subject to an entry ban. At the beginning of the pandemic, the Federal Council decided to stop all unnecessary travel. The visa stop should support that. In March, this was applied for the first time to all countries. Starting in June, the Schengen countries were removed from the list and in July the authorities began to issue visas again.
European countries excluded
All countries outside the Schengen area are currently on the risk list, with some exceptions. This includes countries in Europe that have not signed the Schengen Agreement, such as Ireland, Croatia or Romania. Outside of Europe, individual countries like Japan, Australia, Singapore, or Thailand are listed as exceptions. “Our experts determine the exceptions,” says Lukas Rieder of SEM. For citizens of all other countries, the borders with Switzerland are closed. With this, the SEM wants to stop the spread of the corona pandemic.
Stays of less than three months without paid employment are prohibited for foreigners included in the risk list. Currently, visas for longer stays are also not issued. The SEM lists numerous exceptions to this rule. For example, employee visas will continue to be issued. Shorter stays are possible, for example in case of death, visits to children or partner.
Difficulties must be proven
Anyone who wants to make use of this exception rule should be able to explain this. “Regardless of whether it is a visa or a short stay, the respective Swiss consulate must issue an entry certificate,” says Rieder. This also increases the safety of being taken over by the airline. The SEM writes that the airlines themselves decide if they want to take people with them and under what conditions.
The FOPH quarantine list only comes into effect after entering Switzerland. It applies to both Swiss and foreigners. The quarantine list is added to the SEM foreign entry restrictions.
