All you need to know about the Swiss Covid certificate

Few things are possible without a Covid certificate. Keystone / Pierre Albouy

Many public places in Switzerland now require a Covid certificate. Here is what you need to know if you are travelling here.  

Can I obtain the Swiss Covid certificate from abroad?

An application can be made on this websiteExternal link before entering the country. Accompanying documents can be uploaded as a photo, scan or pdf. 

If you hold the EU Digital COVID Certificate or a certificate compatible with the EU Digital COVID Certificate, then you do not need to apply for a Swiss Covid certificate. These certificates are recognised in Switzerland.

Which vaccines are accepted for the Swiss Covid certificate? 

The following vaccines are accepted for all persons:

• Pfizer/Biontech 
• Moderna  
• Janssen (Johnson&Johnson) 
• AstraZeneca 

You must be fully vaccinated, which in the case of Pfizer/Biontech, Moderna and AstraZeneca requires two doses, while Johnson & Johnson/Janssen requires one dose. 

Swiss citizens and residents of Switzerland can also receive a certificate if they have been vaccinated with the following vaccines:

• Sinopharm
• Sinovac

Authorities are currently not accepting the Sputnik vaccine for the Swiss Covid certificate.

Do you need a certificate to enter Switzerland?  

No. Switzerland’s regulations for the Covid certificate are in line with European Union regulations. On the “TravelcheckExternal link” website of the federal government, you can check who is allowed to enter Switzerland from which country, and who is subject to which regulations. 

What does a Covid certificate cost?

If you are Swiss or are a resident of Switzerland, the procedure is free of charge. If you do not meet any of these requirements, for example if you are a tourist, the procedure costs CHF30 ($32.40).

Can you convert a foreign certificate into a Swiss Covid certificate? 

So far, no. Certificates issued by European Union and European Free Trade Agreement member states are recognised in Switzerland. Certificates from third countries such as the US were not accepted as of September 2021. 

How do you obtain the certificate? 

The certificate is digital and can be sent to you by email and downloaded as a PDF. 

How long does it take to receive the certificate? 

The turnaround time usually only takes a few days, however, it can take up to several weeks depending on the number of applications and clarifications needed. 

What do I need to apply for a Covid certificate? 

You need the proof of full vaccination, i.e. your vaccination card, with the types of vaccine listed above. The following information is required: details of the vaccine, number of doses received, date of last vaccination, stamp, and signature. 

If you have recovered from Covid and have received one vaccination dose, you need proof that you have received a vaccination that is approved in Switzerland as well as a laboratory-analytical proof of a positive PCR test. 

How long is the Swiss Covid certificate valid? 

Certificates for people who have been vaccinated are valid for 365 days from receiving the vaccination. For people who have recovered, certificates are valid for 180 days from the 11^th day after having been tested positive. Certificates for people who have tested negative are valid for 48 hours for antigen tests and 72 hours for PCR tests. 

Adapted from German