Hi everyone,
The Swiss gov. has decided NOT to expand the use of a covid certificate for restaurants, bars and museums. They cite the stabilization in the number of hospitalizations and will consider the expansion of the covid certificate in the future if needed. But again, you currently will not need to show anything to enter restaurants, bars and museums.
Press release here:
So, as of now, it sounds like no changes to the current entry requirements. I might actually get to leave tomorrow. 😊
Thank you Carrie!!! I've been a nervous wreck about this and even started (begrudgingly) looking for possible alternative vacation options. I didn't get far though because all I really want to do is go to Switzerland next week!
It sounds like they won't be changing any time soon and I'm back to finishing my packing now! :-)
I have pasted a new topic on this, but just an FYI - CDC issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning/advisory for Switzerland...
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/switzerland
Thank you Carrie…..you have spoiled me……I just check every morning to see what you have posted! So hope when you leave tomorrow(!!!!!!!!!!!!!) that you will continue to let us know how you are doing. I plan to spend a lot of time eating chocolate and the 6 foot rule should work with the cows and goats I am planning to spend most of my around as I walk on those beautiful trails!!!
Thanks and echoing Jane, I've checked the forums each day to see if Carrie has posted any updates. Hope you have an incredible time. We're departing the US on Saturday and can't wait to get to Switzerland!
Thanks Carrie. Here on the ground in Switzerland, we have encountered two restaurants that required us to check in with a QR code that linked to a site for contact tracing. Even when we ate outside we had to do this. No issues at coffee shops, though, just when sitting for a meal. We’ll see if that persists. We are trying not to eat meals inside restaurants. That’s a line we drew but we already had to cross it once because it was too cold outside and there were no other options.
Mask wearing is good, distancing is not as successful where public transportation, and especially railway platforms or gondola lifts, are involved.
Laurel...I still have not gotten a QR code from the health ministry. I tried to follow your tips but never heard back. I did get my EU covid pass. Will the Swiss restaurants and other places honor that?
Jamie, I’ve had Denmark in the back of my mind as a Plan B. Sounds like we both get to go and enjoy Switzerland. Have a great trip!!
Jane and Pete, thanks for your kinds words. Safe travels. We’ll all have so much to share when we get back. I should say, if I come back. I’ve been joking with my boss that I’m going to look for a job in Switzerland and post copies of my resume at the train stations. 😊
Laurel, are you still in Switzerland? 😊 I still can’t believe you are there for a whole month!!! Your comment about the trains has me thinking we might upgrade some of our longer routes to first class if it means less people. We have the 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass but can upgrade single routes. I’ll have to see how crowded it is on the trains. We of course plan to wear our masks.
Mbeaulieu, I think Laurel was referring to contact tracing. Some places have you “sign in” so they can contact you if a positive covid test is traced back to the establishment. That is different than requiring customers to prove they are vaccinated or have a negative test result to enter. The Swiss gov. has held off on requiring the Covid pass for now for restaurants.
Carrie,
Even for the Interlaken/Lauterbrunnen run we are happy to be in 1st class. Usually I would not bother buying 1st class passes but it is one level of protection more in these strange days. Mostly cars have a window or two open, so that’s good too. I think for a month here, the additional cost to have 1st class passes is 300 CHF for both of us. Worth it. I will conserve and ride in 2nd when this scourge has subsided.
mbieulieu - No QR code or CDC pass has been required anywhere in CH yet, I did have to show our CDC cards to register in a hotel in Frankfurt. As Carrie said, the QR codes in the restaurants were provided by the restaurant to kink to their reg form.
