Switzerland set to open to vaccinated US tourists this summer

Vaccinated American tourists will be welcomed back to Switzerland this month without restrictions, as it opens up in time for summer travel season.

Switzerland has already opened its borders to fully vaccinated tourists from most European countries, but now it's preparing to welcome visitors back from third countries, i.e. countries outside the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Area (EFTA). Though a final decision is expected on June 23, the Swiss tourist board has announced that fully vaccinated third-country nationals, which includes American, British and Canadian tourists, will be permitted to travel to Switzerland without restrictions from June 28.

"I have long believed that Switzerland, with its small boutique towns, rustic villages dotted along picturesque valleys, and wide-open alpine landscapes is the natural choice for a post-COVID holiday," Claudio Zemp, Director Americas for Switzerland Tourism, . "Now that the borders will be open, together with everybody in the Swiss tourism industry, we can’t wait to welcome each one of you."

Read more: The best time to go to Switzerland

To travel to Switzerland you must show proof that you've received one of the vaccines authorized for use by the European Medicines Agency (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, or AstraZeneca) and are fully inoculated against the virus. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 are also permitted to enter Switzerland, provided they present proof (official health documents). Children under 18 traveling with vaccinated parents or guardians are not required to be vaccinated.

Two hikers with backpacks near the Grindjisee alpine lake in Zermatt — Swiss authorities will relax more COVID restrictions by the end of June ©Gaspar Janos/Shutterstock

Swiss authorities plan to ease some COVID-19 restrictions on June 18, including increasing capacity in restaurants and bars and sporting activities, and removing mask requirements for certain outdoor public spaces. Furthermore, nightclubs are expected to open to vaccinated patrons.

Switzerland's 5 best road trips

France, Portugal, Spain, Denmark and Greece are among the other European destinations welcoming vaccinated Americans for the critical summer travel season. More countries are expected to follow as this week the EU laid out plans to drop border restrictions for Americans by the end of June.