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CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

The Embassy strives to provide the Swiss citizens with the most recent information. However, please note that regulations can change quickly and sometimes without prior notice.

The Federal Council recommends not to travel in a country or region where a worrying variant of the coronavirus has been proven to exist that carries a higher risk of infection or causes a more severe form of the disease than the strain of the virus that is widespread in Switzerland. The federal government maintains a list of these countries and areas: FOPH list of risk countries.

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:

New Zealand Unite Against Covid-19

New Zealand Ministry of Health

If you wish to return to Switzerland: There are different commercial flights available from New Zealand (Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines). Please check with the airline directly or get in touch with your travel agent.

Please also follow the travel advice "Focus novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)" of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH):

FOPH

Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Travel to Switzerland: Health-related requirements

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are special rules for people entering Switzerland. Depending on the type of travel, you might have to fill out an entry form, show proof of a negative test and/or go into quarantine.

These rules are implemented by the Federal Office of Public Health and you will find the most recent information here.

To see what rules apply to your own particular situation when entering Switzerland, consult the online Travelcheck.

Entry form required for everyone
All persons arriving from abroad have to fill out an entry form online with contact details before they enter Switzerland. You will find this form for incoming travelers at swissplf.admin.ch.

Compulsory testing on entry for travellers who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered
Anyone who has not been vaccinated or has not recovered must present a negative test result (antigen or PCR) on entry into Switzerland, irrespective of where they are travelling from or by which means of transport they are entering the country. After four to seven days in the country, another test must be carried out, subject to a fee. The result of the second test must be sent to the relevant cantonal office. Testing is not required for vaccinated or recovered travellers who can present a COVID certificate or other valid proof of vaccination or recovery.

Please note however, depending on the airline, different rules may apply and therefore we strongly advise you to check with your airline to find out which requirements have to be fulfilled when checking in at the airport, which forms need to be presented, what kind of test or confirmation is accepted, in which form the confirmation has to be presented, etc. If you are unable to show all documents required by the airline, you may not be allowed to board the plane.

Swiss COVID certificate for individuals vaccinated or recovered abroad
As of 20 September, anyone who has been vaccinated abroad with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and who is resident in or travelling to Switzerland will be able to obtain a Swiss COVID certificate. This means that people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad, such as tourists, can also participate in social activities in Switzerland.

If you do not have a Swiss Covid certificate or «EU Digital COVID Certifcate», you can apply for a Swiss Covid certificate. For more information, see the Covid Certificate page.

Information about poof of vaccination in New Zealand can be found on the following website:  Ministry of Health NZ / request proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Vaccination for the Swiss community abroad
Swiss citizens abroad and their close family members can be vaccinated in accordance with vaccination recommendations when staying in Switzerland. The implementation of the vaccinatin is regulated by the cantons.

More information can be found on the website of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH):

FOPH: Coronavirus / FAQs / Where and how to get a COVID certificate

Coronavirus Infoline: +41 58 463 00 00, 6am to 11pm

COVID-19 vaccination infoline: +41 800 88 66 44, every day 6am to 11pm

Infoline for people travelling to Switzerland: +41 58 464 44 88, every day from 6am to 11pm

Travel to Switzerland: Visa information

Travellers from New Zealand
New Zealand is not on the list of high risk countries of the Swiss Government. Therefore New Zealand nationals, as well as permanent residents (as long as they have the necessary Schengen visa), are again allowed to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days.

• Swiss citizens and citizens of EU/EFTA countries can enter Switzerland at any time.
• New Zealand citizens:
  New Zealand citizens do NOT require a visa to enter the Schengen area. For more information refer to our website. 
• Other third nationals:
  

Short-term visa applications for tourism, visits or business are therefore accepted and processed (permanent residents only!). Please refer to our website “Do I need a Schengen visa?” according to the regular entry requirements.
However, in order to apply for a visa you will need to prove that on your return to New Zealand you have a reservation in the government designated Managed isolation and quarantine facility (MIQ).
Long term National visas D (study, work & family reunion) are processed and applications are accepted.

• All foreign nationals who are holders of a Swiss residency permit or an assurance of a residence permit from a cantonal migration authority or an entry permit with a visa issued by Switzerland can enter Switzerland.

Regarding the health-related requirements please refer to the above chapter “Travel to Switzerland: Health-related requirements.”

Travellers from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, American Samoa and Niue
On June 23, 2021, the Federal Council decided to lift the entry restrictions for persons from third countries who are vaccinated. Entry restrictions continue to apply to foreign nationals who are not vaccinated.

For vaccinated third-country nationals, the regular entry requirements apply again:

Short-term visa applications for tourism, visits or business are therefore accepted and processed. Please refer to our website “Do I need a Schengen visa?”
However, in order to apply for a visa you will need to prove that you have been vaccinated and that on your return to your country of residence you have a reservation in the government designated Managed isolation and quarantine facility (if required by your country of residence).

Long term National visas D (study, work & family reunion) are processed and applications are accepted.

Regarding the health-related requirements please refer to the above chapter “Travel to Switzerland: Health-related requirements.”

Entry and transit regulations for New Zealand

Please consult the website of Immigration NZ before travelling as requirements can change without prior notice.

Transit
Transit passengers are allowed to travel through Auckland International Airport where they must stay in the transit area of the airport or on board the aircraft. Normally they are not allowed to stay more than 24 hours in the transit area in New Zealand. Swiss citizens do not need a transit visa. However, you must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). For more information, see Information about transit.

Entering New Zealand
As of October 1, 2019, certain international visitors and transit travelers will need a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before entering New Zealand.

Please be advised that entry to New Zealand is currently only possible for New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and a few exceptions (Reasons you can travel to New Zealand). With a few exceptions those entering the country must go directly into the state-controlled, 14-day quarantine, which is subject to a fee.

From 1st November 2021, full vaccination will additionally become requirement for non-New Zealand citizens arriving into the country. Details regarding the requirements of travellers to present proof of vaccination is available on the website of New Zeland Unite against COVID-19.

For more information about New Zealand's border restrictions, please consult the following websites regularly for updates and current information:

• New Zeland Immigration NZ Covid-19
• New Zealand Unite Against Covid-19
• New Zealand Ministry of Health

For all questions regarding entry to New Zealand, please contact Immigration New Zealand  directly.