Transit through LHR to Zurich - Quarantine concern

You should check the Swiss travel check found here:

https://travelcheck.admin.ch/home

https://travelcheck.admin.ch/home

I just did this check as if I were a traveller from the US transiting through the UK (spending less than 24 hours in the UK), and this is the result I got, but you should do it yourself, to be sure, and be aware that, should a case occur in the US before Dec 12, this could change:

You need to present a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) or a negative rapid antigen test (not older than 48 hours). A second test is required four to seven days after entry. This test result must be reported to the cantonal authorities responsible. If the stay is less than 4 days, a second test is not necessary. Under 16s and people who have a medical certificate to prove that they cannot have a Sars-CoV-2 test for medical reasons are exempt from the testing requirement. (read more)
You need to fill in an entry form before you cross the border. (entry form).
False declarations regarding vaccination or recovery status and failure to comply with the testing and reporting obligation may result in consequences under criminal law. Failure to test after entry and failure to report the second test result to the canton may result in a fine.

Please continue to follow the usual hygiene measures, such as keeping your distance, washing your hands and wearing a face covering in places where it is mandatory. (read more)

If you do not have a Swiss Covid certificate, an «EU Digital COVID Certificate» or a certificate compatible with the «EU Digital COVID Certificate», you can apply for a Swiss Covid certificate. For more information, see the Covid Certificate page.

I found the below on the Heathrow website...and, now, If the USA can just stay off the Red list - UK - or Countries of Variant Concern (CH)

<If you are transiting through the UK to another international destination and remaining airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on arrival or on day 2 and day 8, but you will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form.

If you will be passing through Immigration (landside), for example to stay in a hotel for a flight the next day, you need to do the following when you complete your passenger locator form:

Select ‘Stay in the UK’ under the “Your travel plans” section
Reply ‘I will be traveling for an exempt reason’ to the question about whether you are required to self isolate on arrival
Select the Exemptions options, and then select "Transit Exemption"
Transiting passengers who qualify as fully vaccinated and have not been in a red list country in the 10 days before arrival in England are not required to take a COVID-19 test before they arrive at Heathrow.

For passengers transiting from a red list destination, you can transit airside (without passing through immigration) without quarantine or completing a day 2 or day 8 test, however you must take a COVID-19 test in the 3 days before your arrival into England. If you are planning to pass through UK immigration, you must complete a mandatory 10 day quarantine period at a hotel at Heathrow.
If you are transiting through Heathrow, for onward travel to a domestic destination, having been in or traveled through a red list country, you must carry out your ten-day UK Government hotel quarantine at a Heathrow location.>

https://www.heathrow.com/customer-support/faq/coronavirus-covid-19#transfer-passengers

Here is the regularly updated list for Countries of Variant Concern (Switzerland)

The info. you posted above states you wouldn’t have to test or quarantine in the UK. I thought you were asking if you’d have to quarantine upon arrival in Switzerland because you will be arriving from the UK. For that you need to check the Switzerland travel check. Or, am I misunderstanding what you are asking?

HI Carrie, thanks.. I was asking if we would have to quarantine in Switzerland because we had transited through LHR. I think we are good if we stay airside at LHR, if the US does not end up on the UK Red list for countries, and if Switzerland does not add the US to its list of Variant Concern countries...3 big "if's" - will have to decide in the next few days whether or not to cancel, doggone it.

I’m going to risk being annoying 😊, because I think it’s important to make sure you are clear on what is needed to enter Switzerland in your situation. Because you are technically entering 2 countries—England and Switzerland—you have a two part question.

Part 1: I am flying from the US to England, can I enter to transit through Heathrow and what are the requirements. The text you cited above answers this question.

Part 2: I am flying to Switzerland from the US, but transiting though the UK (London airport), can I enter and what are the requirements. For this part, you need to check the Swiss travel check.

Just ignore me if you are clear on all this. 😊 It gets a little complicated when you don’t have a nonstop flight. So, it’s important to check each country you are stepping into.

I hope things don’t change for the worse before Dec. 12th and you are able to take your trip to Switzerland and have a great trip.

Carrie, not annoying in the least. Thanks for putting it so clearly. And, yes, COVID has made this the most complicated trip I have ever planned - between the Swiss COVID certificate, VeriFLY, and the logistics of US testing requirements on the return. Thanks for the good wishes. Fingers crossed that my daughter and I will get to make this trip, but if it doesn’t come off, that’s just the way things unfold sometimes and, hopefully, we’ll get to travel another day.

I think we are good if we stay airside at LHR, if the US does not end
up on the UK Red list for countries, and if Switzerland does not add
the US to its list of Variant Concern countries...

And if Switzerland does not change the rules to require quarantine for a transfer in the UK.

Yes..good point…. four ifs! All the while my inbox is loaded with enticing travel offers! Whew! What a time.

Just wanted to add too, in case you are not aware, Wednesday is the day the Swiss gov. tends to meet to discuss any potential changes to coronavirus restrictions. I know they are currently deciding whether to introduce more restrictive measures. You can view the official press releases here:

https://www.admin.ch/gov/it/pagina-iniziale/documentazione/comunicati-stampa/comunicati-stampa-consiglio-federale.html?dyn_startDate=01.01.2015

They are always quick to post after the meetings, so check here often.

Edited to add: The top right of the page should have an "EN" you can click on to view the press releases in English.

Thank you, Carrie. That's very helpful!