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You’ll have to pay to convert your proof of vaccination for Switzerland

Victoria M. Walker
Victoria M. Walker
Contributor
Victoria M. "Vikkie" Walker is a former TPG senior travel reporter, where she covered deep-dives and features with an emphasis on coronavirus and travel. Vikkie is a former college journalism professor who now lives in New York City with her pug, Migo.
Oct. 14, 2021
•
3 min read
Mountain ridge in Elm region, Switzerland
You’ll have to pay to convert your proof of vaccination for Switzerland
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Since the world began to reopen, it's been clear that digital health vaccine passports will play an important role in travel. Several countries that mandate proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry require either official or unofficial vaccine passports — some cities, such as New York, have versions that are necessary for admittance to indoor activities, too.

Generally, vaccine passports are free. They're supposed to simplify and streamline the travel process. But in one country, that's no longer the case.

If skiing the slopes of Switzerland is in your travel plans soon, you'd better make sure to pack your vaccine card -- and some extra cash. According to The Local, the country will charge certain travelers -- including those from the U.S. and the U.K. -- a $32 (30 CHF) fee to convert their paper vaccination card to the Swiss Covid certificate.

Yes, that's right. You'll have to pay to convert your proof of vaccination, which you received for free. If you're not happy about this mandate, you aren't alone. The Swiss tourism board isn't thrilled, either.

Many countries now require proof of vaccination to enter from abroad, or to get access to indoor spaces such as restaurants or movie theaters.

But Switzerland may be starting a trend that other countries desperate for tourism dollars could try to replicate. Still, it likely won't go over well for tourists who can visit other countries with their proof of vaccination without paying extra for the privilege.

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"This is a hurdle that doesn't exist in other countries," said Switzerland Tourism spokesman Markus Berger, according to local paper 20 Minuten. "With the CHF 30 fee, we have a hurdle that other countries don't have." Switzerland, according to Berger, is the only country that charges a fee to convert vaccine certificates.

According to the Swiss government website, travelers who were vaccinated abroad may be subject to a fee "to cover the costs of issuing a COVID certificate." If you already have an EU Digital COVID Certificate or a compatible certificate, you don't need to apply for a Swiss COVID certificate. The government says these are also recognized in Switzerland.

Like many European countries, Switzerland began welcoming back vaccinated international travelers over the summer, including Americans. U.S. citizens who can show they've been fully vaccinated or recently tested negative for COVID-19 are welcome to visit.

To enter, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health says you must show one of the following:

  • Proof of full vaccination
  • Results of a recent negative COVID-19 test
  • Proof of recovery from COVID-19

Otherwise, if you are traveling to Switzerland by plane and cannot prove one of the above, you will be required to take a test. Just make sure to bring some extra money for that, too.

Featured image by Getty Images/iStockphoto
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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