Switzerland Imposes Quarantine for UK Arrivals
27th November 2021
It comes as cases continue to soar in both countries and the Omicron variant is introduced into the equation. Concerns are rising for the approaching ski season in Switzerland and elsewhere. UPDATED
UPDATE:
This article was first posted on the evening of Saturday 27th November and updated on Sunday morning, 28th November.
We have now posted a new article with all the latest information: See here.
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News of the announcement came in a twitter post from UK Foreign Common and Development Office.
#Switzerland Updated entry requirements for arrivals from the UK. From 8pm on 27 November 2021, you must have proof of vaccination and proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Switzerland. On entry, you must also self-quarantine for 10 days.
https://t.co/9lUuMwu9RX pic.twitter.com/B4N6Be46Sn— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) November 27, 2021
It is described as “to stem the spread of the new Omicron coronavirus variant to travellers arriving from Britain”.
The change to entry requirement is confirmed in an update on the UK government web site.
“From 8pm on 27 November, travellers arriving from the UK must self-quarantine for 10 days on arrival in Switzerland.”
“From 27 November 2021, in addition to the requirements below, you must show a negative COVID-19 test result and self-quarantine for 10 days. More detail will follow as the Swiss Government make further announcements.”
See here for the full details on travel rules and entry requirements for Switzerland.
It remains unclear if people flying into Geneva airport and transiting to ski resorts in France will be affected by the new quarantine rule.
If they are it will have significant implications for many people as Geneva airport is used as a gateway hub to numerous French ski resorts.
Some ski resorts in Switzerland currently have slopes open, including Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Andermatt, Engelberg, Davos/Klosters, Verbier and Laax.
Many other resorts are set to open over the next few weeks.
People who arrived at Zurich airport on Saturday on a flight from South Africa are being urged to get tested for Covid-19 by the Federal Office of Public Health.
They are being contacted by text message asking them to go into immediate quarantine and to get tested.
The passenger list of the Swiss Air flight from Johannesburg is being sent to the cantonal authorities.
People returning from countries where the Omicron variant has been discovered are being asked not to use public transport.
All the ski nations will now be assessing the risk and examining travel and entry requirements.
Image © PlanetSKI
Omicron was first found in South Africa.
Further cases have now been confirmed across the world including Australia, Germany, Israel and Hong Kong.
The new variant is heavily mutated and has been designated a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization.
Scientists are now trying to establish how fast it spreads and whether it could weaken the protection offered by vaccines.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a suspension of air travel connection to places where a new coronavirus variant has been detected, as global authorities react to a new variant detected in South Africa https://t.co/QYvUFBbAZE pic.twitter.com/dZxBJsDyY7
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 26, 2021
Israel has announced it is banning foreigners from entering the country for 14-days.
The ban is expected to come into force at midnight on Sunday.
Israel has confirmed it has one case of the Omicron strain.
Two cases of the Omicron variant have been recorded in the UK.
It comes as Switzerland holds a referendum on Sunday to support or ditch the country’s Covid-19 pass.
Here at PlanetSKI we will be updating this article as we receive further details.
There has been some early reaction from readers on the PlanetSKI facebook page:.
James MP – Surely this will change in days when they realise all countries have got it. Germany have it (not on the list) they transit into Switzerland daily.
Charlie Bulbrook – You can still transit to France without quarantine or the negative test according to the Geneva airport website and the Swiss gov website. We have a staff member on a flight now so we’ll confirm in a few hours! I really think these measures are a flash in the pan, knee jerk reaction so no need for anyone to do anything rash at this point.
Neil Phillips – Was pondering over situation, while consuming my favourite ski drink (jagermeister) dreaming of snow!
Move on 5/10 years, if we don’t except new variants, numbers rising etc, etc every winter ski season will be effected, unless we just get on with life
Keep washing hands, masks ( not masks, made by Auntie with old duvets) in crowded situations ( yes I hate this!! )
More boosters ( yes I hate this too, and still not convinced)
Andrew Spencer – The Swiss are deluded if they think Omicron isn’t already within their borders. Making only Brits quarantine isn’t going to help.
Feel free to add you comment here.
Other PlanetSKI readers who have plans to ski in Switzerland this winter have reacted on twitter.
Well that’s all my plans for the first half of the season down the pan 🙄#Omicron #Switzerland
— Valais Dude (@ValaisDude) November 28, 2021
We have endeavoured to ensure all information is correct to the best of our knowledge at time of posting, but do check with the relevant national and local authorities.
All the rules and regulations are subject to change at short notice.
Image © PlanetSKI
