Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Swiss Embassy in Algeria informs that due to the current situation linked to the coronavirus (COVID-19), no new visa appointment will be given until further notice. All appointments that have already been scheduled (except national visas) are canceled. Algeria has furthermore closed its airspace to commercial flights since March 17, 2020.
Consular services (legalization, civil status and citizenship) are open again upon prior appointment.
The counters remain open to Swiss nationals, for emergencies and with appointment.
The Embassy remains reachable by email:
alger@eda.admin.ch (Swiss citizens, consular matters)
alger.visa@eda.admin.ch (Urgent visa requests)
The Embassy remains at your disposal for any other questions and counts on your understanding.
Since 8 February 2021, there are new special provisions for entry into Switzerland: Ordinance COVID-19 Measures in the field of international passenger transport (Status 22.02.2021). The FOPH's list of states presenting a risk regulates persons who must be quarantined on entering Switzerland.
For entry into Switzerland by air, the following provisions apply:
For entry into Switzerland from a country on the FOPH's list of countries presenting a risk, the following provisions apply:
*Negative COVID test before flight departure in Switzerland:
Either a PCR test (molecular biology analysis for SARS-CoV-2, carried out a maximum of 72 hours before departure) or a rapid SARS-CoV-2 test (carried out a maximum of 24 hours before departure).
- The FDFA does not decide on exceptions to the requirement of a negative test result.
- The FDFA is not authorised to issue instructions to airlines.
- The airlines themselves decide whether or not to admit passengers to their aircraft.
*Negative COVID test upon entry into Switzerland:
If the negative COVID test has been carried out more than 72 hours before entry into Switzerland, persons entering Switzerland must undergo a new test on arrival in Switzerland at their own expense.
Exemptions to the testing and quarantine obligation are listed in Article 8 of the Ordinance COVID-19 Measures in the field of international passenger transport. According to the FAQs of the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH, exceptions also include persons of Swiss nationality or holders of a residence permit issued by Switzerland who do not have the opportunity to be tested in good time or without disproportionate effort. The self-declaration "No possibility of being tested" can be found on the FOPH's web site under the "Documents" tab, available in German and English.
- The FDFA does not issue confirmations for medical certificates.
- The FDFA does not translate either COVID test results or medical certificates.
Swiss representations abroad do not provide any information on the provisions for exemption from the testing and quarantine obligation. The persons concerned contact the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH directly.
Further information can be found on the FOPH's web site and in its FAQ.