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EXPLAINED: What are Switzerland’s quarantine rules?

Arrivals from 'high risk' countries will be required to quarantine in Switzerland. Here's what you need to know.

Published: 12 January 2021 20:00 CET
Updated: 17 January 2021 09:56 CET

EXPLAINED: What are Switzerland's quarantine rules?

Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

NOTE: Switzerland updated its high-risk country list from February 1st onwards. Please click here for updated information.

People from certain ‘high risk’ countries entering Switzerland will be required to quarantine.

Anyone required to quarantine must do so for a ten-day period.

The Swiss government recommends you keep 1.5 metres distance from people, wear a mask and avoid public transport.

Information on mask rules can be found here.

The countries on Switzerland’s quarantine list are being constantly updated. Check the following link for updated information.

EXPLAINED: Which countries are currently on Switzerland’s quarantine list?

When arriving in Switzerland, you are required to contact the cantonal health authorities within two days. This can be done at the following link.

Even if you have evidence of a negative test, you will still be required to quarantine for ten days.

For ten days after your arrival in Switzerland you must stay in your home or other suitable accommodation without going out.

You are required to avoid contact with other people.

You may leave quarantine after ten days only if you do not have symptoms.

The Swiss government has put together detailed quarantine guidance in English which can be found here.

Anyone who fails to quarantine for a ten-day period will be subject of a fine of up to 10,000 Swiss francs (£8,259).

More information is available in English here.

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EXPLAINED: What does the 'bio' label on foods in Switzerland really mean?

In its press release published in June 2024, Bio Suisse, an umbrella group for organic food producers, said that residents of Switzerland are international ‘bio’ champions.

“With consumption of 454 francs per capita, Switzerland ranks first in international comparison,” the organisation said. “In no other European country is the organic basket of goods as large.”

In terms of preference for organic food, “Switzerland is ahead of Denmark, Austria, Luxembourg and Sweden. Germany follows in sixth place and France just behind in seventh place,” Bio-Suisse added.

This finding is not surprising because the consumption of this more expensive type of food is directly linked to income: the wealthier the country, the more its residents are willing to spend on organic products.

What does a ‘bio’ label stand for in Switzerland?

In a nutshell, organic products must meet much higher standards and comply with more requirements than the ‘conventional’ foods in the way they are grown and manufactured.

Contrary to most conventional production methods, organic farming is more sustainable — that is, it protects the environment and conserves resources instead of depleting them.

A total of 7,362 organic farmers and producers are members of Bio Suisse.

In addition, more than 2,300 operations abroad are also certified according to the Bio Suisse standards, which means their farming / production methods are equivalent to those practiced in Switzerland.

Can you trust a ‘bio’ label, or is it just a lot of hype (as some people claim?)

In Switzerland, this process is strictly controlled by various organic farming ordinances, which are enforced by the Federal Office for Agriculture (BLW).

This means that every farm that produces, prepares, trades or imports organic products is inspected and certified at least once a year by one of the four accredited and approved certification bodies in Switzerland.

These laws also set out the principles by which agricultural products and foodstuffs labelled as organic must be made, and which non-toxic substances are authorised for use in organic farming and for preparing organic food.

Why are organic products more expensive than conventional ones?

Among the main reasons are more rigorous production and certification standards, which must meet all the requirements set out by the BLW.

Also, operational costs involved in the use of natural, pesticide-free fertilisers and high-quality animal feed, are higher in organic farming than in conventional one.

Additionally, the supply of organic food in Swiss supermarkets is more limited than that of conventional one, which pushes prices up.

And then there is this often-asked question: is organic food in Switzerland in really healthier?

Some people will swear by the better quality and higher nutritional value of organic products, while others will say the benefits are exaggerated.

There is no definite answer to this question, except this: some studies have shown possible health benefits of organic foods when compared with foods grown using conventional process.

However, there is limited information to prove how these differences can give potential overall health benefits.

But Zurich authorities believe in the ‘power’ of organic foods: in 2022, they mandated that most of the food served in the city’s hospitals, care centres, childcare facilities, and schools, be organic.

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