COVID-19 in Switzerland: most measures lifted
Last update on 18 February 2022
The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad provides the following important information and further links on the COVID-19 vaccination for the Swiss Abroad.
At its meeting on 16 February 2022, the Federal Council decided to lift almost all COVID-19 measures from 17 February 2022.
- The mask requirement is lifted, except in public transport and healthcare institutions.
- The certificate requirement for many cultural venues, public settings and events is lifted.
- Only the requirements to isolate in the event of a positive test will remain in place.
The corona situation continues to change constantly. For this reason, the Federal Council is continuously monitoring developments and adapting its measures to the current situation.
Recognition of vaccines and certificates
In Switzerland, the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty®) and Moderna (Spikevax®) are available, as well as the vector-based vaccine from Janssen (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen®). Since 20 September 2021, the Swiss COVID certificate is also issued to people residing in Switzerland or entering the country who have been vaccinated abroad with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other WHO approved vaccines. For Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines, a certificate valid only in Switzerland and for 30 days can be applied from the end of November 2021.
The Organisation of the Swiss Abroad is pleased that their efforts to have vaccines and certificates for the Swiss Abroad recognised have led to concrete solutions.
COVID-19 vaccination in Switzerland for Swiss Abroad
The Swiss Abroad must comply with the vaccination requirements of their country of residence.
Swiss citizens abroad and their closest family members can be vaccinated in Switzerland even if they do not have Swiss health insurance. This also applies to cross-border commuters without compulsory health insurance. This was decided by the Federal Council at the end of August after the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad had informed President Guy Parmelin several times about the concerns and worries of many many Swiss Abroad.