Switzerland no longer recognizes COVID-19 digital certificates issued by third countries, including those issued by NHS UK
The Swiss authorities have announced that Switzerland will no longer recognize COVID-19 vaccination certificates issued by countries outside the European Union and the Schengen area, including those issued by the NHS application COVID-19 in the United Kingdom.
As such, all those wishing to travel to Switzerland must apply for a Swiss COVID-19 Certificate, as from next week vaccination certificates will no longer be accepted if they have not been converted, SchengenVisaInfo.com.
The electronic solution for converting vaccination certificates issued in other countries has been operational since 19 October. According to Switzerland's official travel website, Switzerland Tourism, travelers from the UK, as well as all those who do not hold the EU COVID-19 digital certificate will be eligible to obtain the Swiss COVID certificate, as long as they prove that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with one of the EMA-approved vaccines.
The Federal Council also suggested allowing access to those who have been vaccinated with Sinopharm or Sinovac. However, a decision has not yet been taken in this regard.
"In an effort to support the tourism sector and the economy, it is proposed that all tourists who have been vaccinated abroad with a vaccine approved only by the WHO should also have access to the Swiss certificate. This is currently the case for the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines. " , shall be mentioned in the Council statement.
It should be noted that applicants have to pay a fee of CHF 30 (EUR 28) to convert their certificate, which can then be moved directly to the application. In addition to fulfilling the vaccination requirement, applicants from third countries must also provide information on their nationality and residential status, including a copy of their passport and an identity card.
Furthermore, in the application form, each applicant should confirm their vaccination, including detailed descriptions such as the name of the vaccine, the number of doses received, the date the last vaccine was given, the institution that carried out the vaccination, and the attachment of the existing certificate.
Applicants must also provide a reason for their visit, duration, place of residence and other proof of entry, such as a plane ticket.
All this information should be provided in German, French, Italian or English. Once the application process is completed, applicants will be able to receive the Swiss COVID-19 certificate within five days. However, authorities have suggested that everyone request the document at least two weeks before traveling to Switzerland.