CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

As we are in a rapidly evolving situation, this Embassy strives to provide the Swiss citizens with the most recent information. Please note that regulations can change quickly and sometimes without prior notice. 

The Embassy is aware of the difficult situation that many of our citizens currently encounter. We are making every effort to respond to the many written and telephone inquiries quickly.

Please note that you should not come to the Embassy if you are sick, have been in contact with someone who is sick, if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, or if you have recently been tested for COVID-19 and are still waiting for the results.

Please also consult this website for new information regularly. We thank you for your understanding and patience.

The Swiss government recommends that Swiss travelers abroad return home as soon as possible. There is no other repatriation flight to Switzerland planned from New Zealand.

We advise all Swiss citizens in New Zealand to comply with the recommendations and regulations of local authorities and the Department of Health. Please keep yourself updated.

Unite for the Recovery

New Zealand Ministry of Health

Healthline – 0800 611 116

Immigration NZ

Temporary Accommodation Service

New Zealand Tourism: Travel Alerts 100% New Zealand

Please also follow the travel advice on the following websites:

Focus novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)

What does the FDFA advise?

Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)

Important information "Visa for Switzerland"

Due to the current situation relating to the Coronavirus outbreak, the Swiss Federal Council has decided on 18.03.2020  to stop with immediate effect the issuing of all Schengen as well as National visas for Switzerland until 15.06.2020. Currently, no short-term visa applications are accepted.

Switzerland lifted entry restrictions involving EU/EFTA states and the UK on 15 June. UK/EU/EFTA citizens travelling to Switzerland face no restrictions; freedom of movement has been re-established. Non-UK/EU/EFTA citizens will still face entry restrictions to Switzerland.

For details relating to Swiss entry regulations please consult the Q&A on the website of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). In case of urgent inquiries that are not answered by the Q&A, travellers may contact SEM directly (by email or – in the case of emergency – the helpline).

Swiss citizen can enter Switzerland at any time.

Updates on the situation of the Novel Coronavirus in Switzerland can be found on the newsfeed of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and the Department of Foreign Affairs, travel advice, "Focus Corona Virus".

Immigration NZ / Transiting through NZ

From 20 June, Swiss Citizens transiting to or from Australia and people departing a Pacific country or territory to retun home do not require a transit visa as long as they have a confirmed flight out of New Zealand within 24 hours to a port which wil accept them. In most cases transit passengers must hold an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travel. Please see Information about NZeTA for further detail. 

Please consult the website of Immigration NZ before travelling.

Airlines operating fligths out of New Zealand

Please find below information for flight options/transit. We recommend you get in touch with the relevant airlines or your travel agency to secure a return flight.

Singapore

Transit through Singapore Changi Airport from selected cities in New Zealand to any destination in the SIA Group Network has become available. Singapore Airways 

Australia

Qatar Airways is currently offering flights from different locations in Australia ("We will get you home": Qatar Airways). Please consult the airline's website for more information. 

For detailled information please visit the website of the Australian Government:

Transiting Australia (this includes advice on visa requirements and criteria for transit exemptions) 

Coming to Australia 

UAE

Emirates is operating flights departing Auckland to Dubai (via Melbourne) with next day connecting flights to Zurich.

Emirates

Visa extensions

Update from Immigration New Zealand

• Travellers with a temporary (work, student, visitor, interim and limited) visa expiring before 1 April 2020 who are unable to leave New Zealand must apply online for a new visa. An interim visa will be issued.
• Travellers with a temporary visa due to expire between 1 April and 9 July 2020 will have their visas extended to late September. Confirmation of extensions will be emailed to all visa holders.

Please note that Immigration NZ must be contacted for all visa related questions. Swiss representations are not competent in this matter. Thank you for your understanding.