The embassy premises in Ottawa © FDFA
COVID-19
Given the current circumstances, our operational capacity is limited. In order to maintain social distancing please limit your visits to the Embassy to appointments that have been approved.
As per Ontario's regulations, wearing a mask is mandatory in the Embassy.
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Travelling to Switzerland
Due to COVID-19, the Swiss government has enacted entry restrictions for travellers from certain countries and territories.
Entry to Switzerland from Canada
Canada is no longer considered a high-risk country: normal entry requirements will apply again.
All travellers must take note of the health-related measures at the Swiss border. The interactive travel check tool shows you what measures apply to you.
Information on quarantine, entry form, proof of vaccination and negative COVID test
Travellers arriving in Switzerland from Canada are not subject to a quarantine obligation (FOPH).
Mandatory for all airline passengers travelling from Canada to Switzerland:
- Electronic form for all incoming travellers (no exception)
- Present one of the following medical documents (if older than 16 years):
- proof of vaccination showing that you were fully vaccinated within the last 12 months with an approved vaccine
OR
- a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours (time of specimen collection) before departure. A second test is mandatory 4-7 days after arrival.
For further information on quarantine and COVID Test requirements, please see the website of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).
Recognised Vaccines
- Astra Zeneca (2 doses)
- Moderna (2 doses)
- Pfizer (2 doses)
- Jansen (Johnson & Johnson) (1 dose)
- Any vaccine mentioned on the WHO Emergency List
- Mix and Match (Astra Zeneca, Moderna, Pfizer)
For more information please check "When am I fully vaccinated"
Transit passengers
Transit through Switzerland to a third country
See the website of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Transit through a third country to Switzerland
If your trip to Switzerland includes transit through another foreign country, it is the responsibility of travellers to check the travel restrictions in force in that country.
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After arrival in Switzerland:
Swiss COVID certificate for use in Switzerland and the EU for individuals vaccinated abroad and the EU for INDIVIDUALS VACCINATED ABROAD
Once in Switzerland, a Swiss Covid certificate is mandatory for access to certain venues. For details see: COVID certificate requirement
As of 20 September, anyone who has been fully vaccinated abroad with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), or a mix and match of these vaccines, and who is resident in or travelling to Switzerland will be able to obtain a Swiss COVID certificate. This means that people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad, such as tourists, can also participate in social activities here.
EMA approved vaccines:
- Pfizer (2 doses)
- Moderna (2 doses)
- AstraZeneca (2 doses)
- Jansen (Johnson&Johnson) 1 dose
Mix and match of these vaccines is also recognized for the Swiss Covid Certificate.
Cantonal (provincial) online platforms for applications of the Swiss Covid Certificate will be available from 10th October.
Until 10th October: all foreign vaccination certificates or proof of vaccination (e.g. WHO vaccination certificate / yellow booklet) will be valid for access to events or facilities requiring a COVID certificate in Switzerland. It will need to be presented with a ID card (eg. passport).
The Swiss Covid Certificate is recognized in the EU, and vice versa.
Facial mask
For Mask requirements in Switzerland, please consult the following website:
Please note: further obligations may apply depending on the canton.
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Diplomatic Visa
Due to COVID-19 related protocols at the Embassy of Switzerland in Ottawa, please expect 10 business days to process and issue visas to diplomatic passport holders. In case of an evidenced emergency only, the Embassy will strive to issue the visa in an expedited fashion.
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Travelling to Canada
Switzerland's Travel Advisory currently advises against non-essential travel to Canada.
For information on Canadian measures regarding the conditions of entry into Canada please visit: Government of Canada
The practical aspects of the implementation of these measures fall within the competence of the Canadian authorities. If your are flying to Canada as your final destination, you must use the ArriveCAN app to submit your travel and contact information.
ArriveCAN for iPhone
ArriveCAN for Android
Important information for international students in Canada is available on the following website: Information for international students.
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Life certificate for the Swiss pension AHV/AVS
As of May 1st 2021, the Swiss Compensation Office (SCO) will require a life certificate legalized by a local authority. If it is not possible due to the health situation (e.g. difficulties in getting to the relevant authorities), life certificates may be attested by the insured themselves by signing the document (without the official stamp). In this case, we ask that a copy of a valid identity document (with photo) be attached to the certificate, as well as a witness confirmation (PDF, 146.8 kB, English).
The requested documents may be sent by postal or electronic mail to the Embassy of Switzerland or direcly to the SCO by email in PDF format.
Insured Foreign Nationals should have the life certificate legalized by a local authority before sending it to the Embassy, or, as stated above, sending it to the SCO.
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For information related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) kindly consult the information and directives of the local authorities and the recommendations of the World Health Organisation WHO.
In Switzerland, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) informs in regards to the Novel Coronavirus and publishes travel advice accordingly.
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The Travel Advice FDFA (in German, French and Italian) offers travelers basic information for travel preparation by informing on possible risks and certain precautions. They are to be considered as a complementary source of information.
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Travel Admin App
Swiss travelers abroad should register on the "Travel Admin App". Please make sure to download the application and to register your travel.
More information: Press release of the Federal Council (19.03.2020)
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For urgent requests, kindly contact the FDFA Helpline (Tel. +41 800 24-7-365 / +41 58 465 33 33) or contact your representation directly.
