Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has become a worldwide pandemic. Guidance on the situation relating to health and travel in the UK and Switzerland can be found on the links below. Please be aware that the situation continues to evolve and could change at short notice.
Situation in the United Kingdom
General situation
The UK government is asking people to stay alert and maintain social distancing in order to control the virus. This means that you must adhere to certain rules in your day to day life. Please find details and up-to-date information on these rules as well as information on how to protect yourself on the UK government’s dedicated coronavirus website and in the respective FAQ. Please find more information on Coronavirus and on how to protect yourself on the website of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Travel
Switzerland was removed from the travel corridor exemption list by the UK with effect from 4.00 am on Saturday 29 August. Persons entering the UK from Switzerland are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in the UK. Travellers will be required to fill in the ‘passenger locator form’ before entering the UK, providing their contact details. For more information, please visit this UK government website or the websites of the Scottish, Northern Irish or Welsh Devolved Administrations.
We strongly advise that you check on the UK government website for the latest on the situation before travelling to the UK.
Situation in Switzerland
General situation
Please visit the webpage of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health for the latest information and advice on the situation in Switzerland. Please find more information on Coronavirus and on how to protect yourself on the website of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Travel
Switzerland lifted entry restrictions involving EU/EFTA states and the UK on 15 June. UK/EU/EFTA citizens travelling from the UK 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).
Consular services
In view of the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Regional Consular Centre (RCC) has adapted its activities.
The reception desk of the RCC is now open on working days between 9:00 and 12:00 for all procedures requiring a physical presence, i.e. for marriage preparations, legalizations and naturalization interviews. All other consular matters are being dealt with by email and post, and the previous walk-in service is no longer available.
Where personal presence is required, an appointment must be arranged. Please contact the RCC in a timely manner in order to obtain an appointment. Only visitors with an appointment will be able to enter the building. It is obligatory for visitors to wear a face mask within the premises of the Embassy.
Passport / ID card application
The Regional Consular Centre (RCC) is now in a position to process passport/ID card applications again. However, please note that the RCC is experiencing a substantial backlog of applications due to COVID-19 and it is therefore taking longer than usual to process these. Applications will be processed in order of receipt. In order to comply with social distancing guidelines, only a limited number of appointments can be offered per day. This is to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.
In view of the circumstances it may take longer than usual to renew your Swiss identity documents. Booking any trips while you do not hold a valid passport/ID card is at your own risk.
The RCC appreciates your understanding in these challenging times.
For more information please visit the website of the Regional Consular Centre.
