Where to Ski And Snowboard - Switzerland drops pre-travel testing

Switzerland drops pre-travel testing

21st January 2022, by Abi Butcher

In a welcome move for British skiers Switzerland drops pre-travel testing from tomorrow

Travel some alpine countries is set to become far easier in the coming weeks, with Austria and Switzerland relaxing test requirements for visiting Brits this weekend.

From tomorrow, Saturday 22, January, Switzerland is dropping all pre-travel testing requirements, saving skiers who have until now needed to provide proof of a negative PCR now more than 72 hours old. Under 16s are exempt from all requirements in Switzerland, too, making it a great option for family travel.

Also relaxing its rules on Saturday (22 January) is Austria, where Brits will no longer be required by law to have a booster for travel. From this weekend, skiers must show proof of a second vaccine and only need a booster if their second jab was given more than 270 days (nine months) previously. Proof of recovery is also accepted.

While under 16s in Austria are subject to regular testing under the ‘Ninja Pass’, both PCR and antigen tests are free in Austrian ski resorts. This is unlike France, where kids between 12 and 15 will need to be tested every 24 hours to be able to access lifts, bars, restaurants and other public indoor settings — with antigen tests costing between €20-40 per person, depending on the day (it’s more at weekends).

Restrictions are still tight in Italy though, where unvaccinated kids can’t go skiing. Vaccination or proof of recovery is required to both travel to Italy and to obtain a lift pass. How long this will continue we don’t know.