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Switzerland could begin welcoming vaccinated visitors on June 28

June 14, 2021
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2 min read
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Switzerland could begin welcoming vaccinated visitors on June 28
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Switzerland is about to become the latest European country to begin welcoming back vaccinated international travelers, according to a Bloomberg report.

Beginning June 28, vaccinated tourists from the U.S. and other countries are expected to be permitted entry, just in time for the busy Fourth of July travel period.

While it seems likely that Switzerland will reopen soon — neighboring countries France and Italy already have — the Swiss government has yet to finalize its plan. The country is expected to make a final determination on June 23, so I would wait until after that date to book any nonrefundable trips.

Unlike its neighbors, Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. Still, the country is part of the Schengen Area, permitting free travel across its land borders.

Technically, COVID-19 entry restrictions still apply, however, so I'd recommend waiting for the policy update to become official before crossing into the country.

Related: Want to travel to Europe this summer? Here’s what you need to know

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Once travel is officially permitted, you'll be able to fly nonstop to Geneva (GVA) or Zurich (ZRH) from a handful of U.S. gateways.

Swiss International Air Lines offers the most flight options, with nonstops from cities like Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR) and San Francisco (SFO). American Airlines, Delta and United all fly between the U.S. and Switzerland, too. As of this writing, nonstop flights are available on many dates from between $600 and $800 round-trip.

Switzerland is a fantastic year-round destination — while it may be too late for some travelers to visit this summer, with alternative trips already locked in, the country could be a great option for winter travel.

Personally, I'm eager to return to Zermatt — one of my favorite ski destinations, and the future home of what's sure to be an incredible Ritz-Carlton resort.

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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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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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.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $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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