Switzerland ditches some travel restrictions to save its ski season
If you’re craving a vacation in a European winter wonderland but travel restrictions have left you grounded, Switzerland is making it easier to visit with fewer travel restrictions.
On Dec. 4, the Swiss government ended the 10-day quarantine requirement it had placed on some foreign visitors in an effort to try and combat the COVID-19 omicron variant.
That makes Switzerland the first country to lift restrictions imposed after the world first learned of the new coronavirus variant.
But before grabbing your skis, snowboards and sleds, it’s important to note that while Switzerland’s 10-day quarantine requirement is now over, the government is still buckling down in other areas to try and keep visitors and residents as safe as possible while dealing with the omicron variant.
What’s changed? You need to plan on more COVID-19 testing and mask-wearing, and additional places are now requiring you to show your vaccination card.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest travel rules for Switzerland. As always, requirements and regulations can change fast, so be sure to also check the Swiss government website and the links we've provided below for more information.
Swiss travel restrictions for Americans
- All travelers need two negative test results. The first test, not older than 72 hours, is needed before entering the country. The second test needs to be taken between four and seven days after arriving in Switzerland.
- All travelers must check the latest travel rules on Travelcheck.
- Some travelers from high-risk countries, including Americans, are required to be fully vaccinated.
- All travelers must fill out an entry form.
Related: Country-by-country guide to reopenings
Switzerland mask requirements
Masks are mandatory in all public indoor spaces and on all public transportation including:
- Trains, trams and buses.
- Mountain railways and cable cars.
- Ski lifts and chair lifts.
- Ships and boats.
- Aircraft (all scheduled and chartered flights taking off or landing in Switzerland).
- Enclosed and underground railway stations, airports and other public transport access areas, and enclosed waiting areas.
Switzerland COVID-19 vaccine requirements
- A valid COVID-19 vaccine certificate is required for public restaurants, wellness facilities and museums.
- A valid COVID-19 vaccine certificate is required for indoor hotel restaurants, bars, etc.
Other travel restrictions
For the most recent information on traveling to Switzerland, you can use the country’s Travelcheck portal set up by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health. After asking what country you’re flying in from, why you’re visiting and your vaccination status, it is designed to detail what pandemic-related measures you need to take to visit.
For frequently asked questions about travel restrictions and pandemic-related issues in Switzerland, be sure to check out the website of the State Secretariat for Migration, where information is updated often.
Planning a trip to Switzerland
Another good resource to help you plan your trip to Switzerland, listing everything from the latest travel restrictions to the top hotels and restaurants, is this link on Switzerland Tourism’s website.
After the holiday rush you can score some decent prices on nonstop flights from the U.S. to Switzerland. As of this writing, flights ranged between $580 and $900 round-trip.
To fly into Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA), you’ll find the most nonstop options (and delicious Swiss wine and chocolates) on the country’s national airline Swiss Air.
Some of the most popular nonstop options include flights from New York City (JFK), Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA) and San Francisco (SFO).
Related: How Swiss business class manages to remain excellent — even during a pandemic
The Lufthansa Group owns Swiss so they share the Miles & More frequent flyer program, but you can also book award flights on Swiss using United MileagePlus or any other main Star Alliance transfer partner.
You can also use American Express Membership Rewards partners like Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club or Avianca LifeMiles to book flights on Swiss.
Also, starting Dec. 13, you can fly Swiss nonstop once again from New York’s JFK to Geneva with four weekly flights.
Related: I burned 130,000 Aeroplan points for a weekend in Switzerland
Several U.S. airlines also fly to Zurich, and you can find nonstop flights from the U.S. to Switzerland on United, Delta and American Airlines.
Related: Switzerland is reopening, and you can fly there with wide-open business-class award space
If you are looking to burn some Delta SkyMiles, you can fly from New York to Zurich for 148,000 miles round-trip in business class with several connections. Check out this post for details. The cash price for a similar itinerary with fewer stops is $2,871. A similar flight using American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly British Airways would be about 45,000 miles in coach or 198,000 miles in business class.
A critical time for Swiss tourism
Switzerland’s more relaxed travel restrictions come at a critical time for the country’s economy.
Switzerland Tourism told TPG that before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, tourism brought almost $18 billion into the Swiss economy. Last year, in 2020, that number was almost cut in half.
The winter season traditionally brings close to 8 million visitors. The number of Americans visiting last winter was down more than 94%.
The message right now from Switzerland Tourism? The more than 200 world-class ski regions like Zermatt, St. Mortiz and Verbier are open and more than ready for business.
Bottom line
The Swiss say the beloved Matterhorn, a jaw-dropping 14,692 feet high, is the most-photographed mountain in the world and that this majestic beauty is waiting to welcome everyone again.
Personally, of the 68 countries I’ve traveled to, Switzerland is one of my favorites for its breathtaking scenery, award-winning resorts, hotels, spas, wineries and culinary experiences. It's particularly magical during the winter months. And yes, I’ve taken a picture or two, or 100, of the Matterhorn and I’m looking forward to going back to Zermatt and taking more.
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Intro offer
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Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- 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.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $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.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- 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.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $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.
- Terms Apply.