COVID-19: Additional restrictions announced

IMPACT – HIGH

The Swiss government recently announced additional travel restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

• All inbound foreign travel has been suspended except for Swiss and Liechtenstein nationals, and holders of Swiss residence permits. Individuals who are required to travel to the country due to their work, or who are experiencing an emergency situation can also be admitted. Examples of emergency situations are an urgent medical care scenario or the death of a family member.
• Individuals trying to enter the country who have a current Assurance or Certificat d‘engistrement and who are traveling in a professional capacity may be denied entry. Exceptions can be made for professionals with such credentials who are working in service of the greater good, such as healthcare specialists and suppliers of necessary products or materials.
• New work permit approvals are being restricted to ones that are directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This restriction also covers pending work permit cases. The new restriction applies to online registrations as well.
• The new, tighter measures are in effect until further notice.
• Travelers who are in transit within Switzerland may pass through.
• Movement of goods is still allowed.

Analysis & Comments: The new travel restrictions will significantly impact travel to Switzerland. It is possible further restrictions may be announced. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.