Covid travel rules – travelling to Europe from the USA

The travel situation is now much improved, with many countries relaxing testing requirements and in country regulations and some removing all covid restrictions. Here is the Covid travel situation for US based skiers visiting France and Switzerland this season. This applies to anyone planning to ski the Haute Route or any other French, Swiss, or cross border trip.  This is the current situation – it could change over the coming weeks, but any changes are most likely be relaxation of the current regulations rather than tightening. This is our current understanding of the situation, but please check with the relevant government websites to confirm these regulations for yourself.

Summary – US Visitors to France

Requirements: 

  1. A CDC vaccine card for entry
  2. Complete the EU-PLF form before boarding.
  3. Complete a sworn statement (déclaration sur l’honneur) self-certifying you’re not suffering from COVID-19 symptoms and haven’t been in contact with confirmed cases in the 14 days prior to travel.

Summary – US Visitors to Switzerland

Requirements:

  • A CDC vaccine card, or certificate of vaccination for entry

FRANCE

Visitors need to:

  1. Provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (currently Pfeizer, Moderna, AstraZenica, Janssen and Novavax). NB If you were vaccinated more than 9 months ago, evidence of a booster jab is also required. French authorities accept the CDC card as evidence of vaccination for entry into France.
  2. Complete the EU-PLF form before boarding.
  3. Complete a sworn statement (déclaration sur l’honneur) self-certifying you’re not suffering from COVID-19 symptoms and haven’t been in contact with confirmed cases in the 14 days prior to travel.

Latest US Embassy advice for France: https://fr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

French Covid regulations:

  • most restrictions have now been lifted, including proof of vaccination requirements to access ski lifts, entertainment venues and restaurants etc.
  • masks are still required on public transport (including cable cars) and in indoor public spaces in hospitals and clinics.

SWITZERLAND

Fully vaccinated visitors to Switzerland no longer need to fill in a locator form or test before arrival.

Visitors need to:

  • Provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 within the last 9 months with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (currently Pfeizer, Moderna, AstraZenica, Janssen and Novavax) or WHO.  A CDC card or official health care provider certificate of vaccination is acceptable.

For visitors from other countries, more information is available from the State Secretariat for Migration.

Latest US Embassy advice for Switzerland: https://ch.usembassy.gov/covid-19-info/

Swiss Covid regulations:

  • most restrictions have now been lifted
  • masks are still required on public transport and in indoor public spaces in hospitals and clinics.