Easing of Restrictions on Entering Switzerland and Visa/Permit situation
The Swiss government still categorizes the situation in Switzerland as extraordinary according to Swiss Epidemics Act. However, for the country’s economics, the government has now gradually eased the measures on restrictions of people’s movement and continue processing with the backlog of Visa and permit applications.
VISA AND PERMIT SITUATION
As of May 11th, Swiss authorities have re-started the processing of Visa and permit applications submitted before March 25thby workers from EU/EFTA and 3rd countries.
However, cases for long-term permits Visa (Visa D) and short-term permits Visa (Visa C) is still suspended until June 15th. It is also not possible at the moment to apply for visa after that date.
WHO CAN ENTER SWITZERLAND AT THE MOMENT?
The border control authority will allow you to enter Switzerland if you meet the below requirements:
You are a Swiss citizen
You have a Swiss residence L / B / C / Ci permit.
You are a cross-border worker and hold G permit for work-related purpose.
You are an EU/EFTA citizen and have official documentation to confirm that you have an urgency to travel to Switzerland for very important business meetings or signing of contracts which are not able to be postponed.In this case, you may enter Switzerland at the earliest one day before the work is due to begin.
Moreover, Switzerland, Germany and Austria have agreed that from May 16th, citizens/residents travelling for family-reunion and un-married couples in long-term cross-border relationships are allowed to cross the borders between these countries provided that they have completed and brought a self-declaration form.
However, cross-border shopping and travelling for tourism is still on hold.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT?
According to the Federal meeting on May 13th, the Swiss Government agreed in principle to re-open the borders with Germany, Austria and France by June 15thto allow people the freedom to travel again, provided that the epidemic situation allows. The further details of the easing of people movement with these neighbour countries will be discussed in the upcoming federal meeting of May 27th.
"Tourism can resume between the three countries from mid-June, provided the conditions are right," said Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter on May 13th. However, the Swiss-Italian borders still remain blocked and there has not been any plan to re-open yet. At the moment, only cross-border workers are allowed to cross into Switzerland from Italy.
If you have any further queries about your Visa application, or your Swiss company, please contact us. Our services can be carried out remotely, using PoAs and the clients do not need to travel to Switzerland to incorporate or run their company in Switzerland. Feel free to get in touch at admin@ftrust.chif you have any questions regarding doing business in Switzerland.