*No tests, no quarantine: Switzerland now open to fully vaccinated Indians*
Since 26 June, Switzerland has opened its borders to travellers from India who have received both shots of their vaccine. The new rules also do not call for any testing or quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travellers. Here’s what you need to know.
*Switzerland’s latest entry rules for Indians*
The Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi is now accepting applications for all visa categories for all fully vaccinated visitors from India. Here is a handy tool to double-check if you qualify. Visas are being processed through VFS Global Services.
You need to be fully vaccinated with a vaccine that is either authorised in Switzerland, by the European Medicines Agency or the World Health Organisation’s Emergency Use Listing. Covishield is on the WHO list, and those with both shots can now enter Switzerland without taking an RT-PCR test. They can also skip the mandatory 10-day quarantine. However, your airline may insist on a test before boarding—do check before you fly.
Covaxin is yet to get a WHO or EMA approval—which means those with this vaccine will have to wait for easy entry. They can still travel to Switzerland, after clearing RT-PCR tests and undergoing the mandatory 10-day quarantine which, by the way, can be shortened to seven on a case-to-case basis.
Travellers below the age of 18 who have not been vaccinated because of their age can enter, as long as they are accompanied by an adult who is fully vaccinated.
Your proof of vaccination will be your COVID-19 vaccine certificate.
While all this sounds wonderful, you may have to wait a little longer—at the moment, there are no direct flights from India to Switzerland.
*What’s open in Switzerland?*
Restaurants are open for indoor and outdoor dining, with social distancing. Clubs and discos are open, with access limited to those who have a COVID certificate. Large-scale events, like the Montreux Jazz Festival (2-17 July), are allowed without restrictions if all attendees have a COVID certificate. If not, restrictions on seating and venue capacity apply.
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