Despite problems with access to Europe, more than a dozen European countries have canceled testing rules and vaccination status requirements for Russian tourists. On May 2, Switzerland joined them. The country has lifted all coronavirus restrictions. This means that travelers can visit the popular country without vaccinations and medical certificates. The corresponding decree was issued by the Swiss government.
Back in April, the Swiss Secretariat of State announced the authorities’ decision to lift entry rules for all travelers. And starting May 2, tourists will only have to comply with basic border measures. “The current entry restrictions will be lifted from May 2. From that date, the normal rules for entering Switzerland will apply,” the agency said earlier in April. This means that absolutely all travelers, including Russians, whether arriving in Switzerland from an EU or non-EU country, can now enter the country without the need to present a valid certificate of vaccination, recovery or tests.
Tourists arriving in Switzerland now are required to follow other entry requirements, such as holding a valid passport or visa, if such a requirement is applicable. It is believed that the Swiss authorities have decided to lift entry rules to make it easier for tourists to visit the country during the peak summer season. In addition, the decision also followed the improvement of the covid situation.
According to WHO data, only 1,747 new cases of coronavirus infection have been registered in Switzerland over the past seven days. In addition, the vaccination rate in the country remains high. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health revealed that as of April 19, a total of more than 15.6 million doses of the anti-COVID vaccine had been administered in the country. Of the total number of vaccinated individuals, 69.1% underwent primary vaccination, and another 42.8% received revaccination.
In addition to lifting entry rules, Switzerland has also already lifted all remaining restrictions from 1 April. Since last month, travelers and Swiss people have been able to visit various public places and events without the need to wear a face mask and observe social distancing measures.
Note that Greece also canceled all its entry rules. Greek authorities have said that as of May 1, all travelers, regardless of their country of origin, are allowed entry without restrictions. This means that Greece no longer requires travelers to present a valid certificate of vaccination, recovery or tests upon arrival.
With the exception of Switzerland and Greece, 11 other countries have also already lifted their restrictions and allowed entry without restrictions to all incoming travelers. These are the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Sweden.
