Coronavirus: shopping tourism remains prohibited
At its meeting on 16 April 2020, the Federal Council adopted adaptations and clarifications to Ordinance 2 on measures to combat coronavirus (COVID-19). These adjustments and clarifications are intended to prevent ambiguities and misunderstandings and provide clarification for the population. In particular, the ban on shopping tours and the fine regime are explicitly regulated.
Since mid-March, Switzerland has reintroduced temporary internal border controls and imposed entry bans for health reasons. The restriction of travel serves to protect the health of the resident population in Switzerland and is intended to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. These measures have been established over the last days and weeks. Current information shows that the implementation at the external borders and at the airports is working well for the most part. The Federal Council discourages non-essential travel.
However, the Federal Customs Administration (FCA) has continued to see brisk cross-border shopping behavior in recent weeks. These controls tie up FCA resources that would be needed for effective internal border control. To clarify the current practice, the COVID-19 Regulation 2 supplemented with an article. On re-entry into Switzerland, a fine of 100 francs is imposed if there is obviously a case of shopping tourism and the border was crossed exclusively for this purpose. This fine does not sanction the purchase per se, but the obstruction of the work of the border control authority.
Removing or damaging border barriers or signaling etc. is still subject to a fine, as is taking over goods at border crossings that are not open. Article 4 of the Ordinance has been clarified accordingly. Persons whose entry is not permitted according to COVID-19 Regulation 2 will be refused entry, but they will not be fined. An appeal against a refusal of entry can be lodged with the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). Swiss citizens and persons with a residence permit in Switzerland are entitled to enter Switzerland at any time, regardless of the purpose of the border crossing.
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