Swiss tourists flown home from South America and Africa
The first flights carrying Swiss tourists stranded in different parts of the world have arrived at Zurich Airport as part of a major repatriation effort organised by the Swiss government and other countries.
The foreign ministry said planes from Bogotà (Colombia), San José (Costa Rica) and Casablanca (Morocco) had landed at Switzerland’s main airport on Tuesday and Wednesday with about 560 tourists.
An additional flight from Lima (Peru) is expected over the next two days.
In total, about 750 Swiss tourists stranded in South America because of the travel restrictions over the coronavirus crisis will be brought back this week, the ministry said.
The historic repatriation campaign also includes flights from Asia and Africa and is organised by the Swiss foreign ministry in cooperation with other countries
However, the tourists have to pay towards the chartered return flights and must stay in self-isolation at home for at least ten days to avoid contamination with the Covid-19 virus.
The government last week called on all Swiss travellers to return. About 17,000 of them have registered with the authorities via the travel admin appExternal link.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland begins historic repatriation effort over coronavirus
This content was published on
Three flights for stranded Swiss tourists in Latin America are scheduled this week and others are planned to bring back the thousands stuck abroad.
Stranded Swiss to be brought back home from South America
This content was published on
Two planes have been chartered from Edelweiss, part of Swiss International Air Lines, to fly to Lima and Bogota on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Arrangements are also being made for 100 citizens to be brought back from Costa Rica. “Over the last few days, the FDFA [foreign ministry], together with tour operators and travel…
Four Swiss on board coronavirus cruise ship repatriated
This content was published on
Four Swiss nationals who had been stuck on the Grand Princess cruise ship outside San Francisco have returned to Switzerland.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.