Health information portal

Following new announcements by the Federal Council, from 20th September 2021, travellers who are not fully vaccinated or unable to prove they have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months will have to present two negative test results: one upon entry in Switzerland, and another one after a maximum of four to seven days.

All travellers (vaccinated, recovered, tested) must also fill out the SwissPLF entry form.

Summary of conditions to enter Switzerland according to country of origin on the Travelcheck website.

People who are fully vaccinated are exempt from many health-related measures at the border. These exemptions apply to people who have been vaccinated with one of the following vaccines:

• Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2 / Comirnaty® / Tozinameran)
• Moderna (mRNA-1273 / Spikevax / COVID-19 vaccine Moderna)
• AstraZeneca (AZD1222 Vaxzevria®/ Covishield™)
• Janssen / Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)
• Sinopharm / BIBP (SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell))
• Sinovac (CoronaVac)

Do you not have a COVID certificate that is recognised in Switzerland? In this case, in addition to your last name, first name and date of birth, your proof of vaccination must also include the date of vaccination and the vaccine used.

Travellers from EU/EFTA countries

Access to all indoor spaces with existing COVID certificates is possible without any problems.

Travellers from other countries – outside the EU/EFTA

(Vaccinated with a vaccine recognised by the EMA, i.e. Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen/Johnson&Johnson, AstraZeneca and all licences such as Covishield, etc.)

Until 10th October 2021, all readable certificates that include the following data: personal information, type of vaccine, country and date of vaccination, in one of the Swiss national languages, in English or in Spanish, will be accepted for access to all indoor areas.

This is a temporary solution to prepare for the conversion process. Then the certificates will have to be converted into a Swiss certificate. The details of this processare being worked out at a federal and cantonal level. Information will follow in due course.

Travellers from non-EU/EFTA countries vaccinated with other vaccines

These vaccinations do not currently give access to domestic areas, and there is currently no possibility to convert these certificates. The possibilities for travellers vaccinated with these other vaccines are: room service, meals on terraces, and testing.

If you have to quarantine, you will have to stay at home or in appropriate accommodation for 10 days starting from the date you were last in contact with the contagious person, or from the day after your arrival in Switzerland.

As of 8 February 2021, the 10-day quarantine period may be shortened if the person is tested after seven days (PCR test or rapid test) and the result is negative.

Detailed information on complying with quarantine rules can be downloaded here.

No, if you are coming to Verbier for leisure (and not on business) you do not need to report anywhere when you arrive.

The following pharmacies offer rapid (lateral flow) and PCR tests. You can make an appointment by clicking here.

• Pharmacie de la Croix de cœur à Verbier, +41 27 771 39 90
• Pharmacie de Bagnes au Châble, +41 27 776 11 77
• Pharmacie de l’Abbaye au Châble, +41 27 776 22 55
• Pharmacie Internationale à Verbier,+41 27 771 66 22
• Pharmacie Amavita in Verbier: +41 58 878 30 70, or make an appointment online (in French).

The COVID certificate is available to anyone who is either vaccinated, recovered from COVID or who has tested negative. The certificate can be presented using the app or on paper.

If you experience symptoms, it is extremely important to self-isolate at home or in your holiday accommodation. You can check if your symptoms mean that you need to see a doctor by visiting this website: www.coronacheck.ch. If necessary, call a doctor, the Federal coronavirus hotline on +41 (0)58 463 00 00 or the Canton of Valais hotline on +41 (0)58 433 01 44. Follow their recommendations, which may be to take a test or undergo additional examinations. In any event, continue to self-isolate until 48 hours after your symptoms disappear.

For further information, do not hesitate to visit the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health’s dedicated website here.

From 26 June, wearing a face covering is compulsory in all indoor queues and in closed facilities. The hygiene measures and social distancing must be adhered to whenever you are queueing, using any of the facilities and in all buildings.

Hand sanitiser is available in all buildings and in the vicinity of queues. Equipment is regularly disinfected.

Following the announcement of new measures by the Swiss Federal Council, lifts cannot operate at more than two-thirds capacity. You are requested to be patient even if queues build up, taking care to comply with social distancing and ground markings, and to wear an approved face covering.

You can see what specific measures have been taken by lift operators here, on MySwitzerland’s “Clean and Safe” website.

Covering the mouth and nose is compulsory whenever you are queueing and in all facilities, including ski lifts. Please note: only surgical masks and neck gaiters/snoods made with approved fabric and equipped with a filter are authorised. For further information, visit the websites of the Swiss Ski Lift Association (in French) or the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.

No, there is no fast-track system to avoid queueing. To keep you safe while you are waiting, the ski-lift operators have provided ground markings so that social distancing can be complied with. In addition, wearing a face covering is compulsory, as is compliance with hygiene regulations.

Lifts will operate normally, other than as a result of possible seasonal limitations and maintenance work.

No, but we do strongly recommend that you reserve your tickets online at easyverbier.com.

Face coverings must be worn on all public transport (trains and buses). Social distancing and hygiene measures must be complied with. You are also recommended to buy tickets online and to avoid busy periods.

You can see what specific measures have been taken by public transport organisations here, on MySwitzerland’s “Clean and Safe” website.

Yes, the current health situation has affected night timetables and the frequency of international services. For further information, you can find Swiss Federal Railways and TMR timetables here, Post Office bus timetables here, and the resort’s shuttle bus timetables here.

Refund terms depend on the transport provider concerned. You can find relevant information and contact details for Swiss Federal Railways here and for Post Office buses here.

Yes, shuttle buses are planned to run normally during the summer season. You can find the shuttle bus timetables here.

Face coverings must be worn on all public transport, both on trains and on buses/shuttle buses. Social distancing and hygiene measures must be complied with. You are also recommended to avoid busy periods.

You can see what specific measures have been taken by public transport organisations here, on MySwitzerland’s “Clean and Safe” website.

From 13 September, a COVID certificate will be required in the following situations (from the age of 16):

• Restaurants and bars (indoors)
• Clubs and discos (indoors)
• Museums and libraries
• Leisure facilities (indoors)
• Fitness centres and sports facilities
• Training sessions*
• Indoor pools and water parks
• Music and theatre rehearsals*
• Theatre and cinema
• Indoor sporting events
• Concerts
• Indoor private events outside the home (e.g. weddings)
• Outdoor events attended by over 1000 people

*Exceptions: Rehearsals and training sessions in fixed groups (max. 30 people), religious services, political events and self-help groups (max. 50 people)

Shops and stores are currently keeping their normal hours. Measures put in place are the same as in other businesses: compulsory face covering, hand disinfection, social distancing and a limit on the number of people in each store, and contactless payment encouraged.

Following new announcements by the Federal Council, the following rules will apply to events:

Indoor events

COVID certificate required for:

• Theatre and cinema
• Sporting events
• Concerts
• Private events outside the home (e.g. weddings)

Exceptions: Rehearsals and training sessions in fixed groups (max. 30 people), religious services, political events and self-help groups (max. 50 people)

Outdoor events

COVID certificate required for:

• Events attended by over 1000 people

Please refer to our programme for more detailed information on the events that will still be held and the form they will take. We are closely tracking how these measures evolve, so that we can reassess the situation if need be.

We would remind you of the importance of personal responsibility for limiting the spread of the virus. Contacts must be as limited as possible. Private parties are therefore strongly discouraged.

Playgrounds are open.

No, other than restrictions on the ski lifts.

Indoor swimming pools are open. A COVID certificate is required.

Restaurants are open. From 13 September, access to the indoor areas of restaurants and bars where people consume food and drinks on the premises must be restricted to holders of a valid COVID certificate for people aged 16 and over. Access to outdoor dining areas is not restricted.

The high-altitude restaurants apply the same rules as the village restaurants. Restaurants are open. From 13 September, access to the indoor areas of restaurants and bars where people consume food and drinks on the premises must be restricted to holders of a valid COVID certificate for people aged 16 and over. Access to outdoor dining areas is not restricted.

Yes, food shops are open. The measures are the same for all stores: compulsory face covering, hand disinfection, social distancing and a limited number of people in each store, and contactless payment encouraged.

No, for the time being, there are no plans to change shop opening hours.

You can find a list of restaurants offering a takeaway service or home delivery here.

Yes, hotels will be open. The measures in place are as follows: compliance with social distancing and hand hygiene, control over the number of people in common areas, regular cleaning of surfaces and objects, and regular ventilation. You can find details of these measures here.

Specific measures may be put in place for hotel restaurants that are open solely for use by hotel residents, and for breakfasts. For details of these specific measures, we recommend you contact the restaurants/hotels concerned.

Yes, special cases aside, group accommodation and mountain huts will be open. The measures put in place are the same as for hotels: compliance with social distancing and hand hygiene, control over the number of people in common areas, regular cleaning of surfaces and objects, and regular ventilation. As the number of people is being limited to ensure observance of social distancing, we recommend that you book your bed in advance.

Following the new measures announced by the Federal Council, nightclubs will be able to re-open from 26 June 2021 – only with a COVID certificate requirement.

Bars and restaurants are open. Restaurants are open. From 13 September, access to the indoor areas of restaurants and bars where people consume food and drinks on the premises must be restricted to holders of a valid COVID certificate for people aged 16 and over. Access to outdoor dining areas is not restricted.

We would remind you of the importance of personal responsibility for limiting the spread of the virus. Contacts must be as limited as possible. Private parties are therefore strongly discouraged.

Verbier Tourisme recommends you acquire free of charge the Clean & Safe label, a Switzerland Tourism initiative. Once you have registered, you will be able to use the Clean & Safe logo and sticker to advertise your membership at the entrance to your premises and in your communication material. More about www.clean-and-safe.ch.

Consider subscribing to Verbier Tourisme’s preventive health charter here.

Verbier Tourisme has ordered branded masks, opting for a quality model which can be sold and/or distributed free. Cost price payable by the partner. See prototype here.

Interested partners should state the number of masks required, using this address: partenaires@verbiertourisme.ch.

Switzerland Tourism summarizes the current requirements of the various source markets on its Covid-19 webpage dedicated to our tourism partners.

With regard to the quarantine regulations for travelers entering Switzerland, please refer to the official information of the Federal Office of Public Health.

The rule concerning the limit of the maximum number of persons allowed in a single chalet of 10 persons is repealed as from 31.05.21.

The limit for private meetings is maintained at 30 people inside private spaces and 50 people outside.

For chalets managed as hotels (with permission to operate) and comprising for example several bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and common dining room/lounge, the measures are the same as for the entire hotel industry, including staff.

During the opening period, there is no maximum capacity limit for restaurants. The current rules are as follows:

From 26 June, the limit on the number of people allowed to sit at a table at restaurants will be lifted. Guests must still remain seated indoors and the distance between guest groups must still be respected. Contact details must still be recorded, but only for one person per group.

Masks must still be worn, apart from when seated.

The limit on the size of guest groups outdoors is to be lifted and guests will no longer have to be seated. The distance between guest groups must still be respected. Contact details no longer need to be recorded for guests outdoors.

From June 26, stores can exploit their full capacity again.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please email Malvine Moulin, the local coordination manager in the Verbier Tourisme team, at partenaires@verbiertourisme.ch.

She can inform you about the resources and tools available to local partners in the current Covid-19 situation and will suggest you subscribe to the official newsletter on the health situation and to the weekly information for partners.

Verbier Tourisme recommends you contact your local, cantonal or national professional body, which will be qualified to advise you.

Please refer to the list of main professional bodies that will provide you with the appropriate contacts.

Clean and Safe labels can be obtained from Switzerland Tourism when you join or register online, after confirming your business has a protection plan in place. Once you have registered, you will receive an email about how to place an order for the free sticker.

If you have any further questions, please contact: Switzerland Tourism, tel. +41 (0)44 288 13 21, annika.gruenig@switzerland.com.

We recommend the Canton of Valais’s Short-time working and Coronavirus webpage and HotellerieSuisse’s webpage on short-time working; these summarize certain aspects of this insurance scheme that enables employers to avoid laying off staff.

Please also visit the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs webpage on this subject: Compensation in the event of short-time working FAQs

We recommend the Canton of Valais’s webpage on financial aid to companies and the HotellerieSuisse Compensation for loss of earnings FAQs webpage, which list the main questions and answers on compensation for loss of earnings for the self-employed and people who are in an employer-like situation.

Please also visit the webpage on compensation for loss of earnings published by the Federal Social Insurance Office.

Anyone who has tested positive should quarantine. They should inform all the people they have been in contact with for over 15 minutes (in total and not continuously) and those people they have come in closer distance to than 1.5m, in the 48 hours before the first symptoms appear. Those people should also quarantine and be tested if symptoms appear.

From 08.02.21 a person will be able to leave quarantine earlier than expected with the approval of the competent cantonal authority by doing a PCR test or a rapid test from the 7th day of quarantine with a negative result. It is up to them to cover the costs. In addition, until the end of the intended quarantine (day 10), they must systematically wear a face mask and maintain a distance of 1.5 m with other persons, except when in their own house or accommodation.

We recommend you look at the HotellerieSuisse webpage headed Everything you need to know about quarantined staff members, where key questions and answers are covered.

We recommend you visit the HotellerieSuisse FAQs webpage about management of seasonal contracts.

Businesses that cannot open for any period of time but whose seasonal workers are already on-site without being able to work can contact Verbier Tourisme by emailing partenaires@verbiertourisme.ch. We will try to put them in touch with other businesses and/or associations that might be temporarily short-staffed (e.g. home-delivery services).

Several answers about apprenticeships are provided on the HotellerieSuisse Information for businesses that train their staff webpage.

Verbier Tourisme recommends the Ritzy* programme, which organises continuing education and training courses and virtual forums for the hotel, restaurant and tourism sector in the Canton of Valais.

The classes and virtual forums are being provided free of charge, on an exceptional basis, for all member businesses in the hospitality sector (i.e., the hotels, restaurants, cabin rental and camping sites, etc. that pay the annual subscription) during the Covid-19 period.

You will find further important information and answers on the official site of the Canton of Valais, vs.ch/coronavirus, and Promotion Santé Valais FAQs page.

For all further questions or suggestions about this partners FAQ, please contact us at this address: partenaires@verbiertourisme.ch.

To find answers to this question about people from other countries, we recommend you visit the Federal Office of Public Health’s webpage: Coronavirus: Mandatory quarantine for persons arriving in Switzerland. The list of countries and areas at high risk of infection is available here.

If you have to quarantine, you will have to stay at home or in appropriate accommodation for 10 days starting from the day after your arrival in Switzerland.

As of February 8 2021, the 10-day quarantine may be shortened if the person is tested after seven days (PCR test or rapid test) and the result is negative. This new rule applies both to Swiss residents who must undergo a quarantine and to any traveller entering Switzerland from a state or area at risk. The latter must present a negative PCR test within 72 hours of entry and then be quarantined for ten days as was the case until now. However, he can leave after seven days by taking a rapid test or PCR and the result is negative.

It is up to them to cover the costs. In addition, until the end of the intended quarantine (day 10), they must systematically wear a face mask and maintain a distance of 1.5 m with other persons, except when in their own house or accommodation.

Regarding current measures at national level, please visit the Federal Office of Public Health website: ofsp-coronavirus.ch.

As for current measures at cantonal level, please refer to the Canton of Valais’s website: vs.ch/coronavirus.

Please note that cantonal authorities may take additional measures to combat the pandemic in line with their particular situation. Whichever of the measures (national or cantonal) is stricter will prevail in each case.

If you show symptoms, we recommend you go to the Federal Office of Public Health’s Coronavirus: Disease, symptoms, treatment webpage and follow the official guidance.

If you fall ill, we recommend you consult the region’s doctors and pharmacies available on our health and emergencies web page on verbier.ch.

Téléverbier has amended its refund conditions in the light of the COVID-19 situation. Please see their Pandemic general terms and conditions for further information.

If you are on social networks, you can join communities like Verbier Community.

The verbier.ch website is full of all kinds of useful information. We particularly recommend these pages: To do, Useful Info, Events, Food & drink, Lifts and Shops and services, and would be happy to answer any questions you may have: phone us on +41 27 775 38 88 or email us at info@verbier.ch.

You will find further important information and answers on the official site of the Canton of Valais, vs.ch/coronavirus, and Promotion Santé Valais FAQs page.

For all further questions or suggestions about this seasonal workers FAQ, please contact us at this address: partenaires@verbiertourisme.ch.