Swiss COVID certificate changes for recovered people: What expats need to know
By Jan de Boer
The Swiss government has confirmed that from May 2, people infected with COVID-19 only have to take a rapid antigen test in order to receive a COVID certificate upon recovery. These are valid for 180 days and can be used as a valid proof of vaccination or recovery for most travel overseas.
Recovered people in Switzerland granted easier access to certificates
In a statement on Wednesday, the Federal Council said that it was following the EU’s lead in allowing COVID certificates to be issued on the basis of a positive rapid antigen test (RAT). Previously, COVID certificates for international travel were only available if the recovered person had a positive PCR test.
From May 2, certificates will be issued after a positive RAT is done by a test centre or after a lab-confirmed immunological analysis is performed. While certificates based on RAT tests have already been issued in the past, they were only valid within Switzerland.
COVID certificates remain vital for international travel
The certificate is valid for 180 days from the 11th day after a positive test result. People who want to apply for the certificate after this date should contact the hospital or centre that did the test.
While COVID certificates are no longer required in Swiss restaurants and attractions, they remain vital for international travel in some parts of the world. The FOPH recommended checking what COVID entry restrictions apply to your destination before you go to the airport.
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016.
While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more