Transit through NZ is currently not permitted / Der Transit durch NZ ist derzeit nicht erlaubt

To prevent the spread of COVID19, New Zealand’s overriding national priority is to shut down the movement of people within New Zealand.

The Foreign Ministry and Trade of New Zealand confirms that under Alert Level 4, travel is restricted to those involved in essential services, for medical reasons and for freight. Please refer to www.covid19.govt.nz

Transit through New Zealand is currently not permitted and exemptions are not being considered.

These movement restrictions are in place in the interests of public health for all New Zealanders and international visitors. They will remain in place until a way can be found to transit people in a safe manner.  

This is an evolving situation and the response measures continue to evolve.

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Um die Ausbreitung von COVID19 zu verhindern, besteht die oberste nationale Priorität Neuseelands darin, die Bewegungsfreiheit der Menschen innerhalb Neuseelands zu unterbinden.

Das neuseeländische Aussen- und Handelsministerium bestätigt, dass gemäss der Alarmstufe 4 Reisen ausschliesslich aus medizinischen Gründen, Transport von Fracht und auf Kerndienstleistungen beschränkt ist. Bitte beachten Sie www.covid19.govt.nz

Der Transit durch Neuseeland ist derzeit nicht erlaubt, und Ausnahmen werden nicht in Betracht gezogen.

Diese Reisebeschränkungen gelten im Interesse der öffentlichen Gesundheit für alle Neuseeländer und internationalen Besucher. Sie bleiben so lange bestehen, bis ein Weg gefunden wird, um Menschen auf sichere Weise zu transportieren.

Die Situation entwickelt sich weiter, und die Massnahmen zur Reaktion auf diese Situation entwickeln sich weiter.

Update 28 March 2020

Die neuseeländische Regierung hat beschlossen, bis mindestens Ende März keine Repatriierungsflüge zuzulassen. Der Entscheid, ob Neuseeland ab 1. April 2020 Sonderflüge erlaubt, sollte in den in den nächsten Tagen gefällt werden.

Für kommerzielle Flüge bleiben Sie mit Ihrer Airline (z.B. Qatar Airways) in Kontakt.

Diese Botschaft und die EDA-Zentrale arbeiten jedoch weiterhin mit Hochdruck an der Planung eines Charterfluges zurück in die Schweiz aus Auckland und Christchurch. Sobald sich die Lage ändert und wir die Erlaubnis zur Durchführung dieser Flüge erhalten, werden wir Sie per Email und auf dieser Website informieren.

Falls Sie interessiert sind, von dieser Gelegenheit Gebrauch zu machen, bitten wir Sie, sich hier zu registrieren: Google form

Dies ist noch keine Anmeldung, sondern dient der Botschaft lediglich dazu, die Anzahl interessierten Personen abzuschätzen. Sollten Sie sich bereits registriert haben ist im Moment keine weitere Registrierung notwendig.

Falls Sie eine Unterkunft benötigen wenden Sie sich bitte an den neuseeländischen «Temporary Accommodation Service» welcher Ihnen Listen an verfügbaren Unterkünften zur Verfügung stellen kann.

Bitte konsultieren Sie diese Website regelmässig für aktuelle Information und Links und halten sich an die Weisungen der lokalen Behörden. Die neuseeländische Regierung informiert ebenfalls laufend über die Situation und/oder Änderungen; bitte verfolgen Sie deshalb die TV- und Radionachrichten.

Diese Botschaft ist sich absolut bewusst, dass sich viele Schweizer Touristen in Neuseeland momentan in einer sehr schwierigen Situation befinden. Die Schweiz interveniert auf mehreren Ebenen, damit die neuseeländischen Behörden bald Repatriierungsflüge erlauben.

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Le gouvernement néo-zélandais a décidé de ne pas autoriser les vols de rapatriement avant au moins la fin du mois de mars. La décision d'autoriser ou non les vols spéciaux à partir du 1er avril 2020 en Nouvelle-Zélande devrait être prise dans les prochains jours.

Pour les vols commerciaux, veuillez rester en contact avec votre compagnie aérienne (p.e. Qatar Airways).

Toutefois, cette ambassade et la Direction générale du DFAE continuent de travailler à plein régime à la planification d'un vol charter de retour en Suisse depuis Auckland et Christchurch. Dès que la situation changera et que nous recevrons l'autorisation de réaliser ces vols, nous vous en informerons par courrier électronique et sur ce site web.

Si vous souhaitez profiter de cette opportunité, veuillez vous inscrire ici : Formulaire Google

Il ne s'agit pas encore d'un enregistrement, mais sert uniquement à l'ambassade pour estimer le nombre de personnes intéressées. Si vous vous êtes déjà inscrit, aucune autre inscription n'est nécessaire pour le moment.

Si vous avez besoin d'un logement, veuillez contacter le service néo-zélandais d'hébergement temporaire qui peut vous fournir des listes de logements disponibles.

Veuillez consulter régulièrement ce site web pour obtenir des informations et des liens actualisés et suivre les instructions des autorités locales. Le gouvernement néo-zélandais fournit également des mises à jour régulières sur la situation et/ou les changements, veuillez donc suivre les nouvelles à la télévision et à la radio.

Cette ambassade est pleinement consciente que de nombreux touristes suisses en Nouvelle-Zélande sont actuellement dans une situation très difficile. La Suisse intervient à plusieurs niveaux pour s'assurer que les autorités néo-zélandaises autoriseront bientôt les vols de rapatriement.

Update 27 March, 2020

NZ's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has just confirmed that they will NOT be expanding the window for domestic travel (plane, ferry, long-haul bus services). At midnight, domestic travel will only be for essential services, which does not include travel for foreign nationals.

A domestic flight to point of international departure is not considered essential travel in the current environment.

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Gemäß Information der neuseeländischen Regierung dürfen nach Freitag, dem 27. März 2020 um Mitternacht  Inlandflüge nur noch von solchen Personen genutzt werden, die „Kerndienstleistungen“ (essential services) erbringen oder aus medizinischen Gründen. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt dürfen Reisende keine Inlandflüge zum Zwecke der Nutzung eines internationalen Anschlussflugs mehr nutzen. Andere öffentliche Verkehrsmittel unterliegen ab diesem Zeitpunkt denselben Einschränkungen. Die neuseeländische Regierung verweist Reisende, die zu einem Flughafen möchten,  auf „lokale Transportunternehmen“. Welche Reisemöglichkeiten sich dadurch ergeben, kann die Botschaft derzeit nicht beurteilen.

Mögliche Repatriierungsflüge in die Schweiz / Possible repatriation flights to Switzerland

Die Schweiz zieht einen oder mehrere Repatriierungsflüge aus Neuseeland in Betracht. Um weitere Abklärungen treffen zu können muss diese Botschaft die Anzahl Interessenten kennen. Bitte füllen Sie zu diesem Zweck das Google Formular aus.

Es besteht jedoch keine Garantie, dass ein solcher Flug tatsächlich durchgeführt werden kann.

Was rät das EDA?

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Switzerland is considering one or more repatriation flights from New Zealand. To be able to make further arrangements this Embassy needs to know the number of interested parties. Please fill out the Google form for this purpose.

However, there is no guarantee that such a flight can be carried out.

For an in depth Q&A, especially regarding repatriation flights, please refer to the website of the FDFA Was rät das EDA?

Qatar airways - additional flights to Europe

Qatar airways has informed this Embassy that they have reinstated their services as well as extended their suspension timeline in order to get Europeans home.

Please try to book a seat on the recently loaded services which depart Auckland on 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17 April.

Qatar is still flying daily on other dates between now and 17 April, however these seats are more limited.

Kindly contact Qatar Airways directly for booking and queries. 

Your insurance in Switzerland might be able to assist you in securing an earlier flight. It is therefore recommended to check with your insurer as well.

According to information received anyone who has already got a flightticket can request Qatar daily to be added to their waiting list for an earlier departure.

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 also see the Unite Against COVID-19 page for information regarding international travel. 

Please note that Immigration NZ must be contacted for all visa related questions. This Embassy or the Honorary Consul is not competent in this matter. Thank you for your understanding. 

Repatriation flights to Switzerland

Repatriation flights are being planned. The destinations will be announced when the flight technical clarifications have been completed and the representations have been pre-informed. Whether and when New Zealand can be served is not yet decided, but most likely there won't be any announcement before April. Therefore, please consult this website regularly.

For an in depth Q&A, especially regarding repatriation flights, please refer to the website of the FDFA Was rät das EDA?

Please be aware that the decision regarding priorities of countries to be serviced by such a repatriation flight is taken in Bern.  Once registration for the flight has opened, you will be informed and it will be published on this website. This Embassy thanks you for your comprehension.

Vulnerable Swiss citizens only:

If you belong to one of the following groups and cannot leave the region on a commercial flight please send a short email to this Embassy. The Email must contain the following information: Last name, given name, date of birth, home address, mobile number, email address, fellow travelers, current location, passport number, special request. 

• Health care workers
• People with health issues needing urgent treatment in Switzerland (not related to COVID-19)
• Pregnant women
• Unaccompanied minors born 2002 and later

New Zealand moves to COVID-19 Alert Level 4

New Zealand is in lockdown from Wednesday, 25.03.2020 23.59h. Please note that people are instructed to stay home and travel will be severally limited.

As this also affects the staff of this embassy, the answering of calls and emails will take place under difficult technical conditions.

The counter of this Embassy has to remain closed to the public. Swiss citizens in an emergency can be attended upon request. , but you must previously request an appointment.  

Please adhere to the instructions of the local authorities. This Embassy recommends that you either leave the country if you still can or find accommodation to remain until further notice.

Unite against COVID-19: here

New Zealand COVID-19 Alert Levels: here

Official website of the New Zealand Government: here

Temporary Accommodation for self-isolation

Information regarding the Temporary Accommodation Service for those requiring self-isolation accommodation is available here. This option is also available here: https://temporaryaccommodation.mbie.govt.nz/covid-19/

After registering your details, you will be contacted by a temporary accommodation staff member who will assess your needs and work with you to help you find suitable temporary self-isolation accommodation. 

For further questions regarding this offer, please contact the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment MBIE directly. 

New Zealand Tourism: Travel Alerts 100% New Zealand 

Transit

Australia:

The Australian Government has agreed to a 48 hour extension of the 72 hour window for international passengers departing New Zealand to transit Australian airports to other destinations.

The 48 hour extension commences from midday tomorrow, 24 March.

All others note:

Transit will only be authorized upon request. The application must be submitted to DFAT, indicating «requesting an exemption to transit on compassionate/humanitarian grounds”.

South Australian Premier, Steven Marshall, has declared a «major emergency» and has announced new measures which will see the state close its borders, i.e. they will establish 12 border crossings where travelers will be required to sign a declaration about their health and ability to undertake mandatory self-isolation for two weeks. There will be some exemptions (like freight). See his announcement. The same applies to Northern Territory and to Tasmania.

Singapore:

From 23 March 2020, 2359 hours, all short-term visitors (from anywhere in the world) will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore. Furthermore the Ministry of Manpower will only allow the entry/ return of work pass holders, including their dependents, for those providing essential services, such as in healthcare and transport. Source

Thailand:

Only if a medical certificate with a COVID-19 test done within less than 72h and proof of health insurance over USD 100'000 can be provided. 

This information is current at the time of publishing. It is provided as a service to our citizens, the Embassy cannot be held liable.

Covid-19 update: AUCKLAND Transit Arrangements & Airport information

Temporary Transit window - Updated 25 March

Foreign nationals currently in the Pacific, and other locations such as South America and Australia, needing to transit through Auckland International Airport will be able to do so with the following restrictions.  Strict conditions apply to this facility. Information is also available on the Immigration New Zealand website.

From 0200 Thursday 26 March 2020 the temporary New Zealand transit window will be closed.

If passengers are on an inbound flight to New Zealand scheduled to arrive after 0200 Thursday 26 March 2020 Immigration New Zealand will not permit boarding, unless they are permitted to enter New Zealand or otherwise exempt.

Airport Auckland 

The New Zealand authorities are asking that you do not go to Auckland International Airport, unless they have prior confirmation that your ticket bookings are valid through to your final destination.

All travellers must also have a valid passport and relevant visas for third country transits (if required).

Please note that many transit points are no longer available, and it is likely that more transit points will close.

Please also find relevant guidance from Auckland International Airport at the following links:

Auckland Airport asks only departing passengers to come into the international terminal

Public access changes introduced at Auckland Airport international terminal and two hours free parking

COVID-19 Reduced operational capacity at the Embassy

Given the current circumstances, the operational capacity of the Embassy is limited. Consular services will continue to be available for Swiss citizens in urgent cases.

Please note that due to the current situation the Embassy receives a large number of calls and e-mails .

The Embassy asks that you refrain from contacting the Embassy for questions regarding flight connections. Please contact your airline or travel agent. You can also find up-to-date information on flight connections on the IATA website.

The embassy cannot offer any assistance with flight bookings.

Visitors are asked to request an appointment before coming to the Embassy.

The Federal Council has decided to suspend the issuance of national visas and Schengen visas until June 15, 2020 with immediate effect. Press Release, The Federal Council, 16.03.2020

Border controls in Switzerland

For exceptions that apply to the border closure,  please consult the website of  the State Secretariat for Migration SEM

Swiss travellers abroad should register on the "Travel Admin App”

Bern, 19.03.2020 - Earlier this week, the Federal Council called on Swiss travellers to return home quickly. In order to better support those who are still blocked abroad, they should register on the "Travel Admin App" of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.

Press release

Pressemitteilung

Communiqué de presse

Comunicati

COVID-19

The new coronavirus is a worldwide pandemic. The Federal Council therefore advises against non-urgent travel abroad until further notice. He also calls on Swiss tourists and those from the Principality of Liechtenstein who are travelling abroad to return to Switzerland as long as this is still possible with existing transport facilities. The return journey must be made under your own responsibility and be organized and paid for by yourself.  Please contact your airline or travel agent immediately to ensure your return journey to Switzerland.

The Embassy does currently  not organize any return flights. Diese Botschaft organisiert momentan keine Rückflüge.

The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to return home, because many countries have imposed entry restrictions and airlines are cancelling their flights to various regions. The restrictions vary from one country to another and change constantly. We therefore advise Swiss citizens currently traveling in the region to return to Switzerland now. Whenever possible, we also recommend to return to Switzerland by a as direct route as possible.  

Focus on new coronavirus (COVID-19).

At the moment, there are still commercial flights to Switzerland but this might change soon.

Travel restrictions all countries: IATA

Important message from Federal Councillor Cassis on social media:

EN: Youtube   Twitter  LinkedIN  Facebook

DE: Youtube  Twitter  LinkedIN  Facebook

FR: Youtube  Twitter  LinkedIN  Facebook

IT: Youtube  Twitter  LinkedIN  Facebook
 

If you are abroad, please use the Travel Admin App and register your travel data on the App. Once you have returned to Switzerland, please delete your trip in the app.

Current situation in Switzerland: FOPH

Unlike the FOPH, the Embassy of Switzerland is not competent to issue medical advice to travelers and Swiss nationals based in New Zealand. It is thus advised to direct medical inquiries linked to COVID-19 to the FOPH COVID-19 info line via +41 58 463 00 00 (it is served 24/7).

FDFA News COVID-19 

WHO

Situation in New Zealand - Temporary border closure

The New Zealand Government has further strengthened travel restrictions, closing its border to almost all travellers from 23:59 on Thursday 19 March 2020.

 A 14 day self-isolation is enforced on all international arrivals which arrived in the country before the border closure as well as returning residents and citizens. You must follow instructions from a Medical Officer of Health relating to COVID-19 or you risk being detained or deported.

There is a temporary ban enforced on the entry of cruise ships to New Zealand’s territorial waters effective. This will remain in place until 30 June 2020. Cruise ships already in New Zealand’s waters prior to the ban are not included in this.

It is a fast evolving situation, please refer to the website of the local authorities for current updates and adhere to their directives:

Unite Against COVID-19

Ministry of Health, New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand Coronavirus Update

The Travel Advice FDFA (in German, French and Italian) offers travelers basic information for travel preparation by informing on possible risks and certain precautions. They are to be considered as a complementary source of information.
FDFA Travel Advice

For urgent requests, kindly contact the FDFA Helpline (Tel. +41 800 24-7-365 / +41 58 465 33 33) or contact your representation directly.
Helpline FDFA