After 18 months of inability for nationals from the Schengen area to enter the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Swiss citizens will also be able to re-enter the USA from the beginning of November.

The prerequisites for this are a complete vaccination against the corona virus, a negative test and an ESTA for Swiss citizens. How exactly the proofs will look like in detail will be announced in the next few weeks.

However, it is already clear what requirements will apply to those entering the USA from Switzerland. We explain what these are below.

Do Swiss citizens need a visa for the USA?

Switzerland participates in the so-called “Visa Waiver” program of the USA, which means that entry is possible for tourist purposes, business travelers or for transit without a visa. However, the length of stay of up to 90 days may not be exceeded per stay. A visa is required for longer trips to the USA.

The prerequisite for entry into the USA is a machine-readable biometric passport, a return or onward flight ticket and an ESTA for Swiss citizens. In addition, proof of Covid-19 will be required.

Covid-19: Entry requirements for Swiss nationals to the USA

Since January 2020, entry into the USA has not been allowed for most citizens from the Schengen area. Only a few groups of people, such as state officials, are excluded from the entry restrictions.

However, as the US government announced on September 19, 2021, the strict entry ban for citizens of the EU, Great Britain and Schengen countries will be lifted at the beginning of November 2021. The following requirements must be met:

● A negative Covid-19 virus test (PCR or antigen), which must not be older than 72 hours before the start of the trip.
● A valid vaccination certificate as proof of full Covid-19 vaccination or
● Proof of Covid-19 recovery within the last three months.
● Wearing a mouth and nose protection is mandatory during the entire trip.

Anyone who can meet these requirements will be excluded from the quarantine obligation. What exactly the proof of entry of Swiss citizens into the United States will look like, in particular what form the vaccination and recovery certificate must have, is still to be announced on the official pages of the USA. However, it is assumed that only digital vaccination, recovery and test certificates will be accepted.

A digital Covid certificate can be applied for in the canton of residence or residence of Swiss citizens. It has a validity of 365 days. Digital proof for those who have recovered is valid for 180 days. Testing facilities are available in your canton or at Zurich and Geneva airports. It must be noted that the test is valid for 72 hours before the start of the trip, as there are also tests with a validity of only 48 hours.

How do you get an ESTA to enter the United States?

Although Swiss citizens do not need a visa to enter the USA, they do need a digital entry permit, the so-called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This must be applied for online before the start of the trip.

However, ESTA is only valid for stays of up to 90 days. For longer visits, a visa must be applied for. The ESTA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries to the USA. The requirements for the issuance are as follows:

● Swiss citizen or from another country that participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program
● Electronic biometric passport with two stored fingerprints
● The passport is valid for at least six months
● Valid round-trip, return, or onward tickets
● Entry is only for tourism, business or transit purposes
● The stay in the USA will not exceed 90 days

The ESTA for Swiss citizens can be applied for here . Usually, the issuance takes place within a few hours, but this can take a few days for exceptions.

General regulations regarding Covid-19 in the USA

The general regulations regarding Covid-19 vary depending on the country. In principle, however, since May, masks have also been compulsory for fully vaccinated people in places where a minimum distance cannot be maintained, including health facilities, schools, in companies with a mouth-nose protection requirement and on public transport.

Many states such as New York, for example, require a valid proof of vaccination to visit a restaurant in order to dine there. However, this is usually not necessary for shopping in shops and grocery stores.

Even though the exact entry requirements for Swiss nationals to the USA have not yet been announced, it is to be expected that the requirements will not differ from other countries. Therefore, we recommend applying for an ESTA online now and also a digital Corona certificate.

Phoenix, the capital of the “Grand Canyon State” Arizona, is not necessarily one of the top places on the list of the most popular travel destinations for tourists from Europe, because the high temperatures deter many vacationers. It’s true that it’s not exactly chilly, especially during the summer months, but it’s still worth a detour to Phoenix. The city with its many modern, air-conditioned high-rise commercial buildings and shopping centers still scores with a nostalgic cowboy and gold digger atmosphere.

General information about Phoenix

Phoenix is located approximately at the height of San Diego in the southwest of the United States in the so-called Sun Valley, i.e. the Valley of the Sun. In fact, the sun shines here on 312 days of the year and the thermometer usually shows at least 38 °C during the day and not infrequently even over 45 °C during the months from May to September. However, since it is an extremely dry desert air, the heat is much more bearable than in other areas of the world. Statistically speaking, rain only falls on three days per month, which is definitely an advantage for many outdoor activities. Phoenix is the sixth largest city in the USA and where a few decades ago there were endless cattle pastures, there are now state-of-the-art building complexes. There are several interesting museums in Phoenix, so that not only outdoor activities must be on the program during a stay, but also cultural experiences are possible.

Sights and excursion destinations

One of the main attractions of Phoenix is definitely the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park, where 50,000 desert plants can be seen. Most visitors are amazed at how diverse the vegetation in the desert can be. On the extensive area alone, 250 different agave and 1320 different cactus species grow, so that the park is an absolute must for friends of botany. If you are interested in the culture of the indigenous people of Arizona, which is about half the size of the Federal Republic of Germany , you should also pay a visit to the Heard Museum. Here, both works of art of the Native People are exhibited and information is provided about their eventful history. In the beautiful outdoor area there are numerous impressive sculptures, the contemplation of which can be combined with a refreshment in the beautifully situated café.

The Phoenix Zoo is also definitely a worthwhile destination. Around 3000 animals live on the site, which are housed in appropriately designed areas according to their origin. In addition, the park is involved in various international breeding programs and specifically supports the conservation of many local animal species.

The region around Phoenix is an ideal area for numerous outdoor activities. For example, tourists like to come to the area for hiking or horseback riding. From October to May, the temperature conditions are such that you can walk Camelback Mountain, which is very characteristically located in the landscape near Phoenix. The beautiful view of the city from above compensates for the efforts of the route, which offers hardly any shade and must be described as challenging.

If you have always dreamed of a ride through the desert, you can make this dream come true in Phoenix, because there is a wide range of rides of different lengths under experienced guidance. Alternatively, you can also experience the Sonoran Desert from a bird’s eye view in a hot air balloon – guaranteed to be an unforgettable holiday experience. Although almost all hotels in Phoenix have a swimming pool where you can refresh yourself after a long, hot day of sightseeing, many tourists also choose the Six Flags Hurricane Harbour water park for a few hours of splashing fun. In the largest theme park in the state of Arizona , in addition to a huge wave pool, attractions such as slides and fast-paced inflatable boat rides provide a lot of fun for young and old visitors.

From Phoenix, it is not far to Scottsdale, a city in the Sonoran Desert that is one of the favorite destinations of rich Americans who would like to spend their time on an excellent golf course or in an exclusive SPA. Scottsdale is also a shopping paradise with a wide range of offers and, with more than 120 museums and galleries, it is also extremely interesting for art lovers.

Local gastronomic specialties

In Arizona, today’s native cuisine is based on the typical dishes of the indigenous people. The use of pumpkins, beans and corn is an integral part of many dishes. Something very special here is the blue corn, which differs not only in color from the one we know, but also in taste. It is often used to make delicious cakes. If you want to eat away from the well-known fast food chains or pizzerias in Phoenix, you will find numerous restaurants serving local specialties. The desert dwellers, for example, know how to make a syrup from the fruits of some cactus species, which is then used in various barbecue sauces. Steaks on an open fire, grilled in the style of cowboys, are on the menu in all steakhouses in the city. You should also try one of the soups with beans and meat, which are often thickened with shredded cedar ash, which gives them an unmistakable, slightly malty taste. A tip for vegetarians is the scarlet, jelly-like soup made from the small red sumac berries.

Phoenix is a great destination for vacationers who are enthusiastic about the fantastic Arizona scenery and still don’t want to miss out on a certain luxury.

Located on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, Oakland has an interesting history. Founded in 1852, the city is heavily influenced by its industrial tradition and uniquely reflects working-class American culture. Among other things, Otis Redding immortalized the fascinating port city in the well-known song “Sitting on the dock of the bay”.

Still shaped by its industrial tradition, Oakland presents itself as cosmopolitan and is one of the vibrant cities of the San Francisco metropolitan area. Historic sights, a varied nightlife, cultural highlights and fascinating excursion destinations paired with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of the typical American working class make a stay in Oakland an unforgettable experience.

The unique cityscape of Old Town Oakland

Anyone who thinks that industrial cities have an unspectacular and cold cityscape has never had the pleasure of strolling through the old town of Oakland. Old Town Oakland is characterized by Victorian architecture, and visitors can expect ornate facades and ornate turrets along the bustling Old Town streets. Many of the houses have been extensively renovated and shine again in their full glory today, so it is not surprising that the old town is the pride of the locals and an attraction for tourists. Today, there are numerous shops and restaurants in the historic buildings, so there is a lot to discover. The spectrum ranges from handmade furniture to used books to Swan ́s Market, which is now a huge market hall where specialties from all over the world can be purchased. A trip to the old town is an unforgettable experience both during the day and in the evening, when old-fashioned street lamps bathe the old town in a soft, warm light in keeping with the historic surroundings.

The heart of Oakland – the waterfront

On the edge of San Francisco Bay is the waterfront area of Oakland. While the port itself is characterized by impressive cranes and cargo ships, there is a world of leisure activities around the port. The multifunctional waterfront area Jack London Square offers indoor and outdoor attractions and is the centre for leisure activities par excellence. Jack London Square offers shopping opportunities, restaurants beckoning and squares framed by palm trees invite you to linger and relax. There is also the opportunity to pursue numerous water sports facilities. Kayaking is also an easy way to reach the Oakland Estuary Estuary, where numerous bird species can be observed. In addition, the floating lighthouse Lightship Relief and the historic USS Potomac, the yacht of President Roosevelt, can be visited in the harbor area. While on Sundays the farmers’ market in the harbour area beckons, a cinema invites you to watch blockbusters and visitors to the district can play bowling and bocce, numerous events also take place in the harbour area and so you can also meet top jazz artists and musicians of other genres here.

Oakland’s Unique Attractions and Cultural Institutions

Oakland is a fascinating city and offers equally fascinating sights. The spectrum ranges from great museums to historic buildings to unique attractions. A stay in the industrial port city can be designed in a correspondingly diverse way.

The Chabot Centre is embedded in a park of around five hectares. There is a lot to marvel at in the approximately 80,000 square meter space and science center. Among other things, a Mars robot can be found here and a spectacularly large telescope invites you to observe thousands of stars.

No less interesting is the city’s cultural scene. So a visit to the Paramount Theater is simply part of the experience for many visitors to the city. Whether ballet, symphony concerts, screenings of film classics or stand-up comedy, Paramount offers the big stage for every art form. Parts of the old complex from the heyday of the Paramount Theater have been preserved to this day, so a visit is always a little trip down memory lane.

The Dunsmuir estate combines attraction and cultural institution paired with a sad history. The magnificent estate was once built by Alexander Dunsmuir in 1899 as a wedding gift for his wife Josephine. But the generous husband died on his honeymoon. The young widow sold the property and it fell into the hands of strangers. In 1960, however, the city of Oakland acquired the three-story mansion and park-like gardens. Today, the magnificent estate hosts readings, concerts and many other cultural events, and the park designed by John McLaren invites you to take a stroll.

Located in the state of Minnesota in the upper Midwest of the USA, Minneapolis is the largest city, but not the federal capital. Right next door is St. Paul, the actual capital of Minnesota with the seat of government of the state. Together, the two cities form the so-called “Twin Cities”, a metropolitan region with more than 3.5 million inhabitants. Minneapolis itself has 430,000 inhabitants. The name is based on the Greek “polis”, which means city, and the Indian “minne” for water. This is no coincidence, because the Mississippi winds through Minneapolis. In addition, the city is dotted with smaller and larger lakes. This earned it the nickname “City of Lakes”. In addition, parks run like green oases through all parts of the city and invite you to rest or have a picnic.

Impressive art and theatre scene

Even though there are many cities in the USA with a greater reputation, Minnesota’s largest city does not need to hide behind them. One of the city’s greatest sons also appreciated this: singer Prince was at home here. Minneapolis has a very vibrant arts and theater scene, as well as a shopping center that has the most visitors in the world. The “Mall of America” is, in keeping with its name, the largest mall in America. But the superlatives are not exhausted, because in addition to 50 restaurants and 520 shops, there is also the largest covered US amusement park. If you want to plunge into shopping more often, you can even stay in the integrated hotel of the mall called “MOA”.

When it comes to art museums, Minneapolis can boast several highlights. The Walker Art Center was founded in 1879 and moved into its current location in 1927. Newsweek magazine calls the contemporary art museum one of the best in the country. “Free admission” is the motto in the sculpture park of the “Walker Art Center”. More than 40 sculptures surprise visitors here, such as “Spoonbridge and Cherry”. The oversized spoon with the same cherry stands in a water basin with a fountain and is very popular for a souvenir photo. The Walker Art Center and the Sculpture Park extend over 69,000 m². Not far from the sculpture park is the magnificent church “Basilica of Santa Maria”. The white church with its dominant domed tower is also worth a visit inside.

Impressive museums in Minneapolis

Another important art museum in Minneapolis is the Institute of Art. More than 80,000 different exhibits outline the world history of the last 5,000 years on the museum’s 32,000 m². The photographs, pictures, prints and other objects bring together collections from four continents. A highlight of the exhibition is ceramics and architecture from China.

The Bell Museum is Minnesota’s official natural history museum. Located in Minneapolis’ twin city of St. Paul, it also houses a planetarium in addition to its impressive and interactive exhibit. A wide variety of programs are offered here.

All in all, a considerable part of Minneapolis has become a large gallery – free and outside. The city is covered with murals. On First Avenue is an icon of murals in the shape of stars for the often local stars of the music scene. Of course, Prince can also be found here! Bob Dylan has his own mural on 5th Street, which impresses with its colorful presentation and Bob Dylan’s oversized face. Murals such as “Bulldog” with countless details or “Vintage Car” in the form of a 50s comic are far more artistically designed. If you keep your eyes open in this city, you will find what you are looking for in countless places, on large and small streets as well as in backyards.
The best way to explore the city is by car, bike or on foot via the “Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway”.

Getting around by bike and on foot

The network of interconnected avenues leads over 50 miles of squares and places that tourists cannot miss. This is not only about important buildings, parks or canals, but also about rivers, lakes and whale areas. Cycling and hiking trails are an integral part of the “Grand Rounds”. It includes seven areas:
• Downtown Riverfront
• Chain of Lakes
• Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
• Mississippi River
• Northeast of the city
• Victory Memorial Monument
• Theodor Wirth Park, named after the long-time superintendent of the city parks, who is responsible for the current park system in Minneapolis

Between 1880 and the 30s of the 20th century, Minneapolis was considered the world’s flour mill capital. In the historic district of Saint Anthony Falls, the Mill City Museum is located in an old mill complex. It has the status of a “National Historic Landmark”. There were once countless mills in this district, of which only a few buildings remain today. In total, the district has a good 60 historical objects that are worth visiting.

Fittingly, there is an almost 3 km long hiking trail in the Saint Anthony Falls District, where signs explain the past of the district to the visitor. Of course, the path also leads past the “Saint Anthony Falls”, the only large natural waterfall on the Mississippi. St. Anthony was once a separate city on the east side of the falls, while Minneapolis stretched out on the west side. In 1872, the towns were merged. Today, the waterfalls consist of locks, their upper dam and an overflow. They are not far from the bridge on 3rd Avenue, which is also called the “St. Anthony Falls Bridge”. The 668-meter-long bridge, like the falls, is a landmark of Minneapolis. State Route 65 leads over its 7 curves over the course of the river.