What was the latest for a hitch: On February 18, Travelnews headlined that an antigen test for entry into Switzerland is sufficientafter the Federal Council had previously stated that a PCR test is absolutely necessary was – but shortly afterwards it was stated that the antigen test was only “permissible” under very specific conditions, as asked by Travelnews by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG). Of the Zigzag course enraged the travel industry. And many travelers mourned the opportunity to be able to use much cheaper and faster antigen tests instead of the PCR tests before crossing the border in Switzerland.

Now there is another turning point. The “Travel Industry Taskforce” asked the FOPH again, as a member letter from the Swiss Travel Association (SRV) shows, and heard that antigen tests were enough. However, this only applies to entry (by plane) from a country that is not on the list of risk countries of the BAG. The test must then take place 24 hours before departure and be presented for check-in; After landing in Switzerland, another test is necessary after consultation with the authority of the canton of residence and at your own expense.

How does that come about now? The BAG’s opinion published by the SRV shows the following argument: “In Switzerland, if a test is absolutely necessary in accordance with Article 7, Paragraph 3 of the Covid-19 Ordinance, measures in the area of ​​international passenger traffic, including a quick test, are sufficient if a foreign one is already used Rapid test is available. The reason for this is currently the non-guaranteed quality of the foreign rapid tests. In Switzerland we have extremely high quality standards for rapid antigen tests which can be controlled. As soon as we can rely on the foreign rapid tests (through international standardization and reference to it), these will then also be recognized as equivalent when entering Switzerland. Cave: This gilds ONLY for air passengers! »

Airlines are still obliged to check the required test at the time of boarding. There are also exceptions: For children under 12 years of age, for medical emergencies (which require an urgent return trip to Switzerland), if you cannot be tested within a reasonable period of time to see who has already had Covid-19 (and can prove this) and for all transit passengers who do not leave the Swiss transfer airport.