Latest Swiss Domestic and International Travel Restrictions – Covid-19

It was mid March when the Swiss borders closed and travel restrictions became a thing. Inbound and outbound commercial flights are drastically reduced. Rail services reduced their schedules too. Most of the mountain lifts and railways have been closed and remain closed since we began stay at home orders.

Travelling to alpine destinations in Switzerland for my photo sessions is a big part of my job! Photographing my clients in the mountains is my favourite! So much so I have build my business around it! I would be lying if I said that didn’t want to get high in the hills like a lonely goatherd right about now! I can’t wait to get back up there soon!

With that being said, the current travel situation as of 16 May 2020 is as follows:

TRAVEL FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

As of last Monday, 11 May, regular services resumed to normal scheduling on the public transport networks within Switzerland. That means most trams, buses, boats and trains are back to their normal schedules pre Coronavirus. However, mountain transport services will remain closed at this stage until 8 June. This means if you want to go high, you’ve got to use your leg express up the mountains until the lifts reopen.

If you are traveling by rail, don’t forget your mask! They are now required on public transport if you are within two metres of another person, which is almost always.

If you plan on traveling within Switzerland this summer due to border closures and restrictions, I know the Swiss Tourism Industry would appreciate you giving our local economy a boost. Almost all mountain hotels and restaurants are run by small family owned businesses, your visits this summer will certainly be appreciated!

Not sure what to see in Switzerland? Check out my blog post all about day tripping to Emmental. Or for those looking for a bigger adventure, here is a post about our family road trip and camping holiday in three different Canton’s a few years back. Wanting to experience a night on the mountains when the lifts open? Here is what we did in Grindelwald.

You can also check out the Swiss Family Travel blog for more great trips. And Swiss Family Fun is the place to go for all great hiking details! The Grand Tour of Switzerland is also an excellent place to start planning from.

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

There is not a lot of talk about opening borders for international travellers at this stage. I think it is fair to say that there are a lot of variables such as where you are traveling from and what your home countries restrictions are, even if Switzerland would allow you in. Here in Switzerland, we have just made an agreement with Germany to allow cross border travel between us on 15 June. This comes with a proviso that both counties are managing the spread of the virus well. So everything is really still up in the air, so to speak.

We will have to watch this space and remain positive for a future that includes international travel and all the fun that goes with it. Sooner rather than later would be great!

ON THAT NOTE

For those of us living here in Switzerland, let us make the most of it. Whether you’ve called it home for six months or 10 years, let’s get out there and see this place while we can. It might just be the moral boost we’re all looking for right now!

If I can be of service to you in this time, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am back at work and always open to new clients to work with! You can email me here if you have any questions.

P.S The cow image at the top of this post is available to download for FREE right here! Download it now and use as desktop wallpaper for your computer, tablet or mobile device! Happy Trails!