Switzerland Entry Requirements for UK Citizens
Portugal’s authorities set and enforce entry regulations
A passenger locator form to visit Portugal, Madeira, and the Azores is no longer necessary.
You can travel to mainland Portugal and the Azores if you are fully vaccinated.
You must show proof of either:
- An entire course of vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency must be completed at least 14 days before arriving but no longer than 270 days.
- An entire course of vaccines as listed below plus a booster vaccination approved by the European Medicines Agency no less than 14 days before your arrival
If you have had the following:
- 2-dose vaccination or a combination of different compatible vaccines are acceptable.
- An entire course of vaccines plus a booster vaccinationA lot of people traveling from UK wonder about Switzerland entry requirements. The article focuses on the entry requirements for UK citizens traveling to Switzerland. Since the UK’s exit from the EU, the rules and regulations regarding travel have changed, and it is essential to stay updated on the latest requirements to avoid any complications during travel. Is there Switzerland travel restrictions update? The purpose of this article is to provide comprehensive information on the current entry requirements for UK citizens visiting Switzerland, including information on the necessary documents, quarantine measures, and COVID-19 testing. By the end of this article, readers should have a clear understanding of what is required of them when traveling to Switzerland and be better prepared for their trip.
Overview of Switzerland
Switzerland, located in Central Europe, is a landlocked nation bordered by France to its west, Germany to its north, Austria-Liechtenstein to its east, Italy to the south, and Liechtenstein and Switzerland on its southeast. Switzerland boasts an array of landscape features that attract outdoor enthusiasts as well as nature enthusiasts including alps, lakes, forests and rivers; making Switzerland a prime location for hiking enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts. Home to major cities including Zurich, Geneva and Bern that boast rich historical landmarks.
Switzerland can trace its history all the way back to prehistoric times, drawing inspiration from Celts, Romans and other neighboring cultures. Switzerland’s cultural legacy can be seen through its traditions, customs and languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh are its official ones; while watchmaking, cheese-making and banking industries also thrive here.
Tourists come to Switzerland for its natural beauty, rich cultural history and recreational activities – popular attractions being the Matterhorn, Lake Geneva, Swiss Alps and Jungfrau region are some of the main draws; other popular features are ski resorts, hiking trails and scenic train rides such as Glacier Express. Switzerland also features numerous museums, art galleries and historical landmarks like Chillon Castle or Swiss National Museum that highlight this heritage. If you plan to travel from Ireland to Switzerland, be aware of the Switzerland entry requirements from Ireland, which currently include a mandatory quarantine upon arrival.
Entry Requirements for UK Citizens
What are Switzerland Entry vaccine Requirements? Switzerland Vaccine Entry Requirements are very important. UK citizens visiting Switzerland are required to comply with the country’s entry requirements. As of April 2023, travelers from the UK are allowed to enter Switzerland if they meet certain conditions, including providing proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test result. Additionally, travelers must complete an online registration form before arrival and comply with any quarantine measures if required. It is essential to keep up-to-date with the latest entry requirements, as they can change frequently due to the evolving situation with the pandemic. The Switzerland entry requirements from UK state that travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test result and complete a digital entry form before arrival. This is what you have to do in order to travel to Switzerland from UK Covid period. This is all about the Switzerland Covid restrictions.
Passport
When entering Switzerland from UK, you must have a passport. UK citizens traveling to Switzerland must have a valid passport that remains valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay. The passport should also have at least one blank page for immigration stamps. It is advisable to check the validity of your passport before booking travel arrangements to avoid any complications during the trip. For more information on passport requirements, travelers can visit the official UK government website. One of the key Switzerland entry requirements passport validity is that your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
Visa Requirements
Switzerland Visa Entry Requirements are next. UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Switzerland for short-term stays of up to 90 days. However, if planning to stay for longer than 90 days or work in the country, a visa may be required. It is essential to check the latest visa requirements and regulations before booking travel arrangements to ensure a smooth travel experience. For more information on visa requirements, travelers can visit the official Swiss government website. Depending on your nationality, the Switzerland entry requirements visa may require you to obtain a visa before your trip, so be sure to check the requirements before you go.
There is another visa requirement that is not active right now, but will be available after 2025. Currently, UK citizens travelling to Switzerland only need a valid biometric passport to do so. However, soon this will change, as ETIAS Switzerland is coming into force in 2025 that will change the way many people travel to the Schengen zone. The new European Travel Information and Authorization System will be introduced as a way to streamline and enhance the security of travel into the European Schengen area.
COVID-19 Requirements
UK citizens traveling to Switzerland must comply with the country’s COVID-19 requirements, which currently include providing proof of full vaccination, a negative PCR test, or a recent recovery from COVID-19. Travelers must complete an online registration form before arrival and carry proof of their COVID-19 status. As of April 2023, there are no quarantine restrictions for travelers from the UK. However, entry requirements can change quickly, and it is essential to check the official Swiss government website for updates on the latest entry requirements and the current COVID-19 situation in Switzerland. As part of the Switzerland entry requirements Covid protocols, visitors must provide proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result taken within the previous 72 hours.
Switzerland has implemented several measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing, mandatory mask-wearing, and hygiene protocols. As of April 2023, Switzerland has a high vaccination rate, with over 70% of the population fully vaccinated. However, travelers should remain vigilant and follow the latest guidelines to ensure their safety. To ensure compliance with the Switzerland Covid Entry Requirements, travelers are advised to monitor the latest guidance and restrictions related to the pandemic.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended when traveling to Switzerland to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings. It is advisable to purchase travel insurance before booking travel arrangements to ensure adequate coverage. Reputable travel insurance companies include World Nomads and Allianz Travel. Travelers should carefully review the policy details and understand what is covered before purchasing travel insurance.
Other Considerations
In addition to passport and visa requirements, travelers to Switzerland should be aware of customs regulations, such as restrictions on bringing in certain items like tobacco and alcohol. Switzerland also has specific transportation requirements, such as the requirement for winter tires on vehicles during certain times of the year. Travelers should check the latest information and regulations to ensure compliance.
As mentioned above, ETIAS will play a huge role in world travel. Check the latest news about ETIAS requirements in Europe on this website. It will finally come into force in 2025, when all ETIAS Authorization Switzerland-eligible travelers will be required to apply for ETIAS approval before they are able to visit any destination within the Schengen zone.
Tips for Traveling to Switzerland
Traveling to Switzerland should include learning the local customs and etiquette, taking advantage of public transit, visiting popular attractions like the Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva and Zurich city center – making use of its highly developed train, bus or cable car network to get around easily – taking security precautions such as locking personal belongings away safely while avoiding high crime areas; being environmentally aware when exploring its beauty; as well as respecting nature in general.
Conclusion
UK travelers visiting Switzerland should follow these recommendations to enhance their trip:
- Discover Local Customs and Etiquette: Switzerland has its own culture, making it essential to comprehend local traditions such as punctuality and respecting personal space. Additionally, greeting others with a handshake even in informal situations is tradition.
- Utilize public transportation: Switzerland has an efficient public transit system, making traveling by train, bus or cable car simple and quick. A Swiss Travel Pass may offer unlimited rides on public transit while providing discounts at various attractions.
- Visit popular attractions: Switzerland is famous for its natural splendor, such as its Alpine landscapes, Lake Geneva waters and Rhine Falls. Additionally, several major cities including Zurich, Geneva and Bern boast cultural and historic landmarks worth seeing.
- Be wary of safety: Switzerland is generally safe; however, it’s wise to take certain measures such as safeguarding personal belongings and avoiding areas with high crime rates. Furthermore, when traveling through mountain regions it’s essential that weather conditions be taken into consideration as this will allow travelers to plan an appropriate itinerary.
- Respect Cultural Etiquette: Switzerland has an extremely diverse population, so it is key that individuals be considerate when meeting people from various cultures or languages. Also, public transportation such as trains or buses requires silence when you use them.
The ideal time of year to visit Switzerland depends upon personal choice; summer offers pleasant temperatures and outdoor activities while winter provides opportunities for skiing and other forms of winter sports.
- If you have COVID-19 and received only one dose of a 2-dose vaccination, your certificate will show that your vaccine course has been completed.
Valid proof of vaccination
When you check in for your flight to the Azores and mainland Portugal, you must show proof of being fully vaccinated.
You can use your UK COVID Card (paper or digital) to prove your vaccination record. You cannot travel with the NHS vaccination card.
If your airline allows you to travel to the Azores or mainland Portugal, and you are fully vaccinated, you will need to undergo COVID-19 testing at your expense at the port or airport. You will be penalized if you cannot prove that you legally reside in Portugal.
You don’t need to be fully vaccinated.
You will need to provide proof that you have been vaccinated. For more information about getting a test before traveling, click here.
A trained healthcare professional should conduct your test. Self-administration of tests is not allowed. You should ensure that your rapid lateral flow test meets EU standards.
You can travel to mainland Portugal and Azores if you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past year. A test is not required. To prove your COVID-19 recovery, you can use your UK COVID pass to check-in for your flight.
Suppose your airline allows you to travel to the Azores or mainland Portugal without a negative or valid recovery certificate. In that case, you will need to undergo COVID-19 testing at your expense at the port or airport. You will be penalized if you cannot prove that you legally reside in Portugal.
You can find more information at the Visit Portugal website and the Portuguese Airport Authority passenger guide.
Children and Minors
Children under 11 years old do not have to pass a test or show proof that they have been vaccinated or recovered to enter Portugal and the Azores.
If you are transiting through Portugal
You must follow all rules for your vaccination status if you are transiting through Portugal to reach another country.
Before you travel, make sure to check the FCDO Travel Advice for details on how to enter and transit France and Spain.
You can find out the requirements to cross the border into Portugal from Spain by reviewing the following:
Be sure that all of the passport requirements are met and check your documentation.
Passport validity
If you do not fulfill all of the requirements issued by the Schengen zone, you will not be admitted entry, except for Ireland, Switzerland, Norway or Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Andorra.
Your passport must contain:
- Issued less than ten years before the date you enter the country
- Valid for at least three months from the day you intend to leave
Before you travel, ensure that your passport meets all requirements. Extra months could have been added to your passport’s expiry date if it was issued before October 2018.
If your passport doesn’t meet these requirements, contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting. If you have to renew your passport, do so.
Visas
Travel to the Schengen region for as long as 90 days. Within 180 days is possible without obtaining a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, visiting family or friends, for business meetings, cultural and sports events, or to study or train short-term.
You can travel to Portugal or other Schengen countries with no visa if you do not have a ticket. Your 90-day limit does not apply to visits made within the last 180 days.
You must comply with the Portuguese government’s entry requirements. In case you would like to stay longer to study, work, business or other reasons. You can check the Portuguese Immigration Service (scroll down to the bottom) and ask the Portuguese Embassy for the type of visa or work permit you might need.
You can stay in Portugal without a visa if you have a residence permit, long-stay visa, or another type of visa. This does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
Passport stamping
Make sure the border agent has stamped your passport when you visit Portugal.
The staffed immigration booths are available. If you’re 18 or older, the gates for the UK and non-EU citizens can be used. After completing the e-gate, hand your passport to the border agent for stamping.
To verify that you comply with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in Schengen, border guards will use passport stamps. A border officer might assume you have exceeded your visa-free period if your passport’s relevant stamps for entry and exit are not found.
You can provide evidence that you entered or left the Schengen region and ask the border officer to include this date and place it in your passport if you have not received entry/exit stamps. Tickets and boarding passes are examples of acceptable evidence.
Portugal residents
Your passport should not be stamped if you are a resident of Portugal. You should show proof of residency and your passport at the Portuguese border. See our Living in Portugal guide for more information.
For additional evidence, you may need to:
- Show a return ticket or onward ticket
- Show that you have enough money to pay for your stay
Traveling with children
Children under 17 years old must travel to Portugal with their parents or guardians alone, accompanied by a parent or guardian at the airport/point of entry, or carry a letter from their guardian or parent authorizing them to travel. The letter should identify the adult in Portugal responsible for their stay, as well as the contact details and identification of the guardian or parent.
You may not be allowed to travel with your child if they are not consenting. Your entry into Portugal could be delayed while further checks are completed.
If a letter of authority is not provided, teens aged 17 or under may not be allowed entry.
Portugal’s Resident Children
If a child under 17 years old resides in Portugal, they must have a notarized letter of authority from their parent/guardian. This is required if traveling alone or with someone other than their parent/legal guardian. You can issue the letter of authority by a parent or a legal guardian.