Switzerland removes UK, India and Nepal from COVID-19 “variant list”

As of 4 August 2021, the United Kingdom, India, and Nepal are no longer classified as countries with a COVID-19 “virus variant of concern”, according to a statement released by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). 

The changes will make it easier for visitors from the UK, India and Nepal to enter Switzerland

Prior to the new guidelines, arrivals from the UK, India, and Nepal were required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within the past year, or needed to demonstrate proof of recovery from the illness within the last six months, in order to enter the country without needing to quarantine on arrival. 

Those arriving from the three countries without proof of vaccination or recovery would instead be required to provide a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen test result, and then quarantine. 

Arrivals from the three countries concerned are now subject to the same rules as all other arrivals 

Thanks to the new rules, both visitors and Swiss citizens currently in the UK, India, and Nepal will now be able to enter the country with proof of vaccination / recovery or a negative coronavirus test without the need to quarantine on arrival. 

Those arriving without proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 are required to bring a negative test result from either a PCR test that is no older than 72 hours or a Rapid Antigen test that is no older than 48 hours on arrival at the Swiss border.