Switzerland could begin welcoming vaccinated visitors on June 28
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
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
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.
Featured photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Offer ends 11/10/2021.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer expires 11/10/2021.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.