Starting from Monday, September 13,
it will become mandatory for every person in Switzerland to hold a COVID-19 passport in order for the same to be able to attend indoor areas, as restaurants, cafeterias and more.
The requirement of such a document also extends to tourists visiting the country for whatever purpose. However, if they have been vaccinated in countries outside of the European Union and the European Economic Area, their vaccination certificates will not be accepted. Instead, these travellers will have to test for COVID-19 every three days.
The issue has been raised by Switzerland Tourism (ST), which is the national marketing organization promoting Switzerland worldwide as an attractive and diverse travel destination. According to ST, travellers from other countries will need a COVID-19 certificate even to enter the restaurant area of their hotel.
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For meals in a (hotel) restaurant, guests from third countries who have been vaccinated and who have legally entered the country with a vaccination certificate must be tested every three days,” the organization says regarding the move of the Swiss authorities
It also notes that guests from the United Kingdom, North America, Brazil, Southeast Asia and the Gulf States will be particularly confronted with this problem,
SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
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The industry is affected to different degrees depending on the tourism region and service provider,” it also notes while assuring travellers that it – Switzerland Tourism (ST) – is working hard towards an immediate solution in this regard.
Currently, travellers in Switzerland are eligible to take rapid COVID-19 tests for free, however, only until September 30.
On September 9, SchengenVisaInfo.com reported that upon a decision of the Swiss Federal Council, from September 13,
the requirement of a COVID-19 certificate would apply to all persons over the age of 16, who wish to access indoor areas, including restaurants, cultural and leisure facilities, and several other areas.
The measure is set to remain in place until January 24, 2022, and those who fail to comply with it risk a fine of €92 (CHF 100).