COVID-19

The questions and answers listed  below are provided for information purposes only. Given the rapidly evolving situation, Genève Aéroport cannot be held responsible for the incorrect dissemination of information or the delay in updating it. Thank you for your understanding

Genève Aéroport is currently operational and it is business as usual, despite the exceptional situation linked to Coronavirus / COVID-19.

Numerous scheduled flights have been cancelled to and from Genève Aéroport. Passengers are requested to contact their airline to find out the status of their flight or ask any questions regarding their reservation.

Given the dramatic drop in passenger numbers today and over the coming days, the strict screening process implemented last week is no longer needed and has been lifted. There are still markings on the ground at queuing spaces and Genève Aéroport is relying on all passengers to rigidly respect the minimum safety distance.

Information dated 24.03.2020.

As it stands, there is no indication of closure of Genève Aéroport.

Information dated 18.03.2020.

The strict measures limiting access to the airport to just passengers holding a travel ticket for a confirmed flight have been lifted. Given the dramatic drop in passenger numbers today and over the coming days, the screening process implemented last week is no longer needed.

Passengers are requested to respect the social distance between them in all waiting places. This is essential in the fight against the spread of the virus. Passengers are also asked to respect this distance with employees.

Passengers are requested to comply with the other hygiene rules laid down by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). It is strongly recommended that you wash your hands regularly and do not touch your face, sneeze or cough into a disposable tissue or the crook of your elbow, immediately throw the tissue into a waste bin and wash your hands. The hygiene measures communicated by the FOPH remain the most effective. Everyone is responsible for applying them on a daily basis to protect themselves and to protect those around them.

At the request of the Swiss health authorities, Genève Aéroport has implemented information measures for passengers from all over the world, as well as measures to trace people during direct flights from China. Health authorities are not currently recommending other specific measures for arrivals or departures at Swiss international airports.

Following the decision taken by the Federal Council regarding shops, all shops and restaurants at the airport are closed.

Information dated 24.03.2020.

The risk of infection with the new coronavirus exists in almost all regions of the world. Travel should be avoided as much as possible.

Whether you are at home, at work or travelling, the measures prescribed by the Federal Office of Public Health are:

• keep your distance,
• wash your hands thoroughly,
• avoid handshakes,
• cough and sneeze in a disposable tissue or in the crook of the elbow,
• stay at home in case of fever,
• always call before going to the doctor or the Accident and Emergencies department,
• etc.,

to be applied on a daily basis to protect yourself and to protect those around you.

Information dated 18.03.2020.

The urgent provisions put in place for crossing the border are listed in Ordinance on Measures to Combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19) RS 818.101.24.

Article 3 enables access across the border to a limited number of people. Authorised movements are limited to Swiss citizens returning home and people holding a Swiss residence permit or a Swiss commuter permit (letters a, b). These are Swiss provisions.

The emergency measures implemented by the French authorities are, however, more restrictive. In the French sector, taking or picking up a friend is not a valid reason to travel.

Information dated 19.03.2020.

Switzerland has re-established border controls with Italy, France, Germany and Austria. The transit of a person who « intends to go directly to another country » is still permitted.

For further information:
www.ezv.admin.ch/ezv/fr/home/actualites/informations-destinees-aux-medias/medienmitteilungen.msg-id-78452.html

Information dated 18.03.2020.

The Federal Council decided to establish controls at the Italian, then the German, French and Austrian borders and to limit entry onto Swiss soil. Over the last few days and the new measures taken, it clarified the measures for non-Schengen countries and finally for Schengen countries, with the exception of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

In concrete terms:

• Entry into Switzerland is in principle refused to all foreigners who wish to enter Switzerland directly from a country at risk mentioned in the appendix to the COVID-19 ordinance. The entry ban applies in particular to foreigners who enter Switzerland as recipients of services, tourists, visitors or participants in demonstrations, to receive medical treatment, to seek employment or to file a request for the granting of a residence permit. This measure also concerns people whose gainful activity or provision of services were not previously subject to the reporting obligation (EU/EFTA).
• Refusal of entry is immediately enforceable.

Exceptions to the principle of refusal of entry:

• Swiss nationals, holders of a Swiss residence permit, a visa, a cross-border commuter permit or an assurance of a residence permit;
• Holders of confirmation of receipt of the reporting who enter Switzerland for professional reasons;
• Holders of a delivery note in the context of the carriage of goods on a commercial basis;
• People in transit;
  (Foreigners who wish to cross Switzerland directly and leave in the direction of their country of origin or the country in which they are able to prove that they have their usual residence are also allowed to enter);
• Cases of hardship or cases of public interest (e.g. death).

For further information: State Secretariat for Migration: Questions concerning refusal of entry, free movement of persons and suspension of the granting of visa

Information dated 26.03.2020.

Crossing the border to France is subject to French customs’ authorisation. The return of the French nationals to France poses no problem. For other situations, it is advisable to seek advice from the customs.

Further information from French customs: www.douane.gouv.fr/actualites/face-au-coronavirus-covid-19-ayez-les-bons-reflexes

Information dated 18.03.2020.

Numerous scheduled flights have been cancelled to and from Genève Aéroport. Passengers are requested to contact their airline to find out the status of their flight or to ask any questions regarding their reservation.

Information dated 18.03.2020.

In order to comply with the decisions of the Federal Council and the recommendations of the FOPH regarding hygiene and distance, shops and restaurants were closed.

Information dated 24.03.2020.

The list of countries that announce flight or passenger nationality restrictions is updated daily. It is important to check with your airline whether or not your flight is maintained.

Information dated 18.03.2020.

The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health draws up a useful list of recommended sites before a trip:

www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home/krankheiten/ausbrueche-epidemien-pandemien/aktuelle-ausbrueche-epidemien/novel-cov/kontake-neues-coronavirus.html#22989942

There are no special waiting times at Genève Aéroport customs. Passengers are advised to respect the usage times for taking their plane.

Information dated 18.03.2020.

There are no quarantine measures upon arrival at Genève Aéroport.

At the request of the Swiss health authorities, Genève Aéroport has implemented information measures for passengers from all over the world, as well as measures to trace people arriving directly from China. Health authorities are not currently recommending other specific measures for arrivals or departures at Swiss international airports.

Information dated 18.03.2020.

Yes, is it always possible to switch between the Swiss/International sector and the French sector.

Information dated 18.03.2020.