Those traveling to Art Basel this year might find that their plans are still shrouded in uncertainty. What exactly are the rules to enter Switzerland? And what are the requirements once you get there?
Depending on where you’re traveling from, the stipulations vary slightly. In recent weeks, the outlook is much better and Switzerland has relaxed many of its rules—but not all of them.
We’ve assembled a roundup of the latest regulations—such as the recent news that U.K. travelers are now exempt from self-isolation in Switzerland—and will be updating this page again at the beginning of next month with the latest changes. (Please also double check with the Swiss public health department and with your own local governments for the most up-to-date information.)
Visitors stand next to an artwork by Jeff Koons at the Gagosian gallery . Photo: Farbice Coffrini/AFP. via Getty Images.
Visiting the Fair
Fair floor capacity will be capped at 12,000 this year, which is 20 percent fewer people than in previous years. In keeping with Basel regulations, to enter the fair’s halls visitors must be either fully vaccinated, show a recent negative COVID-19 test, or have proof of recent recovery from COVID-19. The art fair Liste, which will also be hosted at Messeplatz this year, confirms that it will be following the same protocol.
Which Vaccines Are Accepted?
Switzerland recognizes Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson, Sinopharm, Covishield, and Sinovac.
Mask Rules
Switzerland relaxed many of its rules around masks and social distancing in late June, but mask wearing is mandatory for indoor retail spaces, including at the fair, as well as other cultural institutions, including Kunsthalle Basel and the Fondation Beyeler. Outdoor spaces, including patios and train stations, no longer require masks (you will need them on public transit, however).
Traveling from the U.K.
Just this month, Switzerland relaxed rules for the U.K., as well as India and Nepal. Those nations are now exempt from quarantining upon arrival to Switzerland, as long as they produce a vaccine certificate, a negative test, or proof that the traveler has recovered from COVID-19. PCR tests should be valid within 72 hours before arrival—for the rapid antigen test, the window is 48 hours.
There are still different rules for returning to those home countries, however, because Switzerland remains on the amber list. A test must be taken three days before arrival in the U.K. and another test will be needed after arrival, as well as completion of a passenger locator. (These rules apply whether or not you are vaccinated.)
All travelers from any country, including the U.K., will need to fill out the Swiss entry form before they travel.
Traveling from the E.U.
All E.U. member countries are exempt from quarantine so long as they have a vaccine certificate, a negative test, or medical proof of recovery. Depending on which nation you are returning to, there may be different rules to travel home.
Traveling from the U.S.
There was a small blip last week, when the neighboring E.U. was contemplating taking the U.S off its safe travel list, but this has been vetoed, which means the outlook remains likely that Switzerland will uphold its open borders.
Traveling from China
For the moment, China is still not yet on the safe travel list.