Switzerland ends almost all COVID-19 related restrictions for travellers from low-risk countries

The government of Switzerland has decided to lift nearly all COVID-19 restrictions for travellers from low-risk countries, mainly from the EU, as infection rates have dipped massively in the country. From now on, people won’t have to show COVID certificates in restaurants, bars or theaters.

It has to be noted that:

• Entry from Schengen / EU / EFTA will be possible without restrictions
• Entry from third countries (not SEM risk list) will be possible without restriction
• Entry from third countries (SEM risk list) will be possible for vaccinated persons (< 270 days) against proof of vaccination

Swiss President Ignazio Cassis said at a press conference, "Switzerland is taking a decisive and important step towards normality. The virus is there. We are learning how to live with the virus."

In a nation of about 8.5 million people, the health authorities have reported some 21000 new daily infection cases and 10 new deaths. This rate has gone down steadily since a 7-day average of more than 36000 cases per day.
It was in October 2021 that the country reported a fast growth in the number of COVID-19 infections when the Omicron variant spread quite rapidly in the country. On February 8, health experts announced that the seven-day average daily figure has gone down.

The Swiss government, in a statement, has stated that the epidemiological situation continues to develop positively given the high level of immunity in the population. It further said that it is unlikely that the healthcare system will be overloaded now. It further added, “This means that the conditions are in place for a rapid normalisation of social and economic life.”

On Wednesday, the country recorded a total of 21032 new cases.