COVID-19

In view of the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Consulate General had to adapt its activities and reduce public access until further notice to comply with social distancing measures. 

Personal visit to the Consulate General

Consular services are available by appointment only. Please make sure to book an appointment by email prior to visiting the Consulate General. 

Only people (no accompanying persons) with an appointment may enter the building. As per Quebec’s governmental regulations, wearing a mask is mandatory.

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Traveling to Switzerland

A Swiss citizen can enter Switzerland from any country in the world. The same applies to persons with rights of free movement (see “Who has rights of free movement?”). The list of high-risk countries does not apply to them, but they still may be required to go into quarantine. Normal entry requirements apply to any other traveler from Canada as well as from the countries listed on:  Entry restrictions. 

IMPORTANT: Entry requirements adaptation as of August 31st, see Press release

Further information on the restrictions on entering Switzerland and residence provisions on:

• FAQ Entry restrictions
• State Secretariat for Migration SEM

Please note that airlines decide on the conditions by which they carry passengers themselves. The Swiss authorities have no influence over their decision. We therefore recommend that you ask the airline concerned about the conditions they apply before booking your flight.

Quarantine in Switzerland

People entering Switzerland who have stayed for any length of time in a country or area with increased risk of coronavirus infection within the previous 14 days are required, upon entry, to go directly to their home or to an alternate accommodation. They must remain there for 10 consecutive days following their entry (quarantine).

IMPORTANT: As of August 8th, The Bahamas will be considered a high risk country.

Travelers from Canada do not have to go into quarantine in Switzerland, unless as mentioned above they have been to a high-risk country within 14 days prior to their trip to Switzerland.

For additional information, please visit:

• Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
• Mandatory quarantine for persons arriving in Switzerland
• List of countries and areas with mandatory quarantine

Facial mask

People over the age of 12 must wear a mask throughout the country on all forms of public transport as well as on airplanes taking off from and landing in Switzerland.

• Please note: Further obligations may apply depending on the canton.
  

Traveling to Canada

For information on Canadian measures regarding the conditions of entry and stay in Canada, please visit: Government of Canada. 

The practical aspects of the implementation of these measures fall within the competence of the Canadian authorities.

Important information for international students in Canada and for those who intend to study there are available on following link: Information for international students.

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Life certificate for the Swiss pension AHV/AVS

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Swiss Compensation Office (SCO) in Geneva is now accepting – and until the end of 2020 – the life certificate, filled out and signed by the insured Swiss abroad, together with a copy of a valid identity document (with photo). The documents can be sent to the Consulate General of Switzerland in Montreal, which will then forward them to the competent office in Geneva.

A scan of the life certificate (both sides) along with the copy of a valid identity document (with photo) can also be sent directly to the SCO.

Insured Foreign Nationals should have the life certificate legalized by a local authority before sending it to the Consulate, 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 guidelines 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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Swiss travelers abroad should register on the "Travel Admin App". Please make sure to download the application for iPhone or Android and to register your travel.

More information on: Press release of the Federal Council (19.03.2020)

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In case of emergencies outside office hours, please contact the FDFA Helpline by email or by phone at +41 800 24 7 365 or +41 58 465 33 33.