Dear Citizens of Switzerland and Liechtenstein,
It is safe to say these past few weeks have been some of the most tumultuous and emotional that any of us can remember. The impact of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak has been felt by individuals, families, companies and communities across the United States, Switzerland and around the world.
The guidance provided by the Swiss Federal Council regarding Covid-19 remains the same for Swiss citizens abroad. As a reminder:
- Swiss citizens are strongly urged to cancel all non-urgent travel plans outside of Switzerland.
- All Swiss citizens and citizens of Liechtenstein who are on travel for business or leisure out of Switzerland should return home in all cases where flight connections and other means of travel are still available to them. Waiting any longer will put visitors at risk of being unable to leave the country they are in, as numerous countries have introduced entry limits and airline companies have reduced flights. The restrictions vary from country to country.
- Swiss citizens living in the United States of America are NOT mandated to return to Switzerland. The decision as to whether or not to travel to Switzerland is at your own discretion and your own personal responsibility and costs. Dual citizens should be aware that U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and leave the United States with a U.S. passport https://ch.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide information, directives, and updates. The FDFA Travel Advice page offers travelers information about precautionary measures and possible risks.
The Consulate General of Switzerland and its consular services are still operating at reduced capacity. Consular services will continue to be available for urgent and essential cases. In order to follow the imposed measures by the authorities, namely the closure of all non-essential work and the rules of social distancing, visits to the Consulate General are limited to appointments that have been scheduled in advance. Please contact us by e-mail (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to schedule your appointment.
Please continue to follow all state and local authorities’ instructions and take all recommended measures to protect yourselves, your loved ones and other people.
Sincerely,
Adrian Egger
Consul
Head of the Consular Section
Consulate General of Switzerland in New York
633 Third Avenue, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10017, USA
Phone: +1 212 599 5700
www.eda.admin.ch/newyork
https://www.swisstouchusa.org/
Young Swiss abroad
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/living-abroad/fifth-switzerland/young-swiss-abroad.html
https://www.ch.ch/en/elections2019/swiss-abroad-and-the-parliamentary-elections/