Can I enter Switzerland with a foreign Covid certificate?
Yes. The certificates from EU/EFTA countries and those issued by third countries that are connected to the EU system can also be used to enter Switzerland. You can therefore enter Switzerland with certificates from the following countries: • Albania • Andorra • Faroe Islands • Holy See • Israel • Monaco • Morocco • North Macedonia • Panama • San Marino • Turkey • Ukraine
I am not vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19. What should I bear in mind?
If you are not fully vaccinated or unable to prove that you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months, the test requirement applies in addition to the requirement to fill out an entry form. You will be asked to provide proof of a negative PCR test or rapid antigen test twice:
• On entry: Get a PCR test (not older than 72 hours) or rapid antigen test (not older than 48 hours) at your departure location. You will need to present the test result together with the completed entry form on arrival.
• 4-7 days after arrival: A few days after your arrival, you will need to get another PCR test or rapid antigen test in Switzerland. This test result must be reported to the canton within 2 days in the form of a COVID test certificate or positive test result (There is a test center located near the IQNET Headoffice for those who would need a PCR test or rapid antigen test).
• Are you staying in Switzerland for fewer than four days? Then you don’t need to take a second test and only need to show a negative test result when entering the country.
Where the COVID certificate be required?
The COVID certificate is required when entering the IQNET Headoffice, as well as in restaurants and most of establishments, see more here.
Letter of Invitation
If you require a visa to travel to Switzerland, the Swiss diplomatic or consular representation concerned may request a letter of invitation as part of the visa application procedure. Please consult the relevant diplomatic or consular representation’s website before submitting your application.
If you do not require a visa and you wish to travel to Switzerland in order to attend the meetings, it may still be useful to have a letter of invitation that you can produce when entering Switzerland.
Ready to book your flights?
Would be best to consult your travel agent when arranging flights. Please also consider the rules of the country where you’ll travel in the past ten days – even just for transit.
It’s not only the entry requirements that can differ depending on your destination country. Different regulations may also apply to your connecting flight. Obtain information from all the airlines you are travelling with.
Increased checks can lead to longer waiting times at the airport. Find out in advance by consulting your departure airport’s website and allow more time than usual for departure and after landing.
Ready to book your stay in Bern?
Here are the hotels near the IQNET Headoffice, city transport terminals, and attractions:
• Hotel Savoy Bern
• Metropole by Kreuz
• Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel
• The Bristol Bern
• Hotel Bären am Bundesplatz
• Hotel City am Bahnhof
• Best Western Plus Hotel Bern
• Swissôtel Kursaal Bern
All set to enter Switzerland?
Everyone entering Switzerland must present a completed entry form. The entry form can be completed at the earliest 48h before entry.
Fill out the electronic entry form on a computer or smartphone before you travel. As soon as you have filled out the form, you’ll be emailed a QR code as confirmation. Keep this code handy for inspection when you arrive in Switzerland. During these checks, you can show the QR code on your smartphone or a printed confirmation. Paper version can also be downloaded through: Paper version entry form: Contact cards (Different forms are provided for entering by bus, motor vehicles, train, plane).
If you have not filled out the entry form despite the obligation to do so, you may pay a penalty of CHF 100. The same applies if you provide false information on the form.
Fill out the entry form: https://swissplf.admin.ch/formular
Useful references:
Coronavisus: Entering Switzerland
FAQs on Entry Form
Getting to/around Bern
Bern ticket-free on public transport
Things to do on your free time
See you in Bern!