What measures have been taken at Genève Aéroport against the coronavirus / Covid- 19?
At the request of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), Genève Aéroport has developed a detailed protection plan to be put in place to guarantee the health and safety of its employees, passengers and visitors. The plan is based on the Federal Council’s epidemiological and health guidelines as well as on aviation-specific recommendations from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) is responsible for ensuring that the relevant rules are correctly applied. In this case, individual responsibility, hand hygiene and respect for social distancing as far as possible remain the watchwords in the light of the evolution of the pandemic. When social distancing can no longer be respected, wearing a mask is essential for passengers and for the airport platform’s employees.
Social distancing and wearing a mask
During their journey, passengers are faced with some situations where the recommended social distancing cannot be complied with, especially during periods of high traffic. Following the instructions of the health authorities and in application of Genève Aéroport’s protection plan, the wearing of a mask is strongly recommended as soon as social distancing cannot be respected.
Employees of the platform are equipped with masks, gloves and in some cases glasses when necessary. New procedures are applied to minimise contact with passengers. To respect the social distancing necessary in waiting areas, one seat out of two remains unavailable; stickers and floor markings indicate the maximum capacities of lifts and specific locations. Buses that carry travellers on the apron also operate with limited capacity during off-peak periods. In order to protect both employees and passengers, the counters are equipped with plexiglass, in particular in the following places: check-in, Visitors Centre, security checks, reception, GVAssistance reception.
Flow and traffic in the terminal
Markings on the ground with stickers and posts in the queues are a reminder of social distancing. Arrows on the ground precisely indicate the direction of passenger flow, in order to avoid crossovers as much as possible. Posters and loudspeaker messages remind the public of the health and safety instructions to be observed. Genève Aéroport staff and site partners ensure compliance with health measures.
Hand hygiene and enhanced cleaning
Passengers have access to disinfectant dispensers at key points (main terminal entrances, security checks, boarding gates, etc.). In order to avoid any risk of spreading, a professional cleaning service ensures the disinfection of stair handrails, door handles, lift buttons, switches, taps, reception desks, trays for objects at the passage of security and counters.
Compliance with the measures recommended by the health authorities will largely depend on the individual responsibility of all. The implementation of the protection plan is also based on an important information system. Inside the airport, FOPH posters, messages and flyers are regularly distributed so that everyone has access to the latest information. The check-in screens display the hygiene and protection measures to be respected. It is up to everyone to consult the GVApp, Twitter or frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the gva.ch website before embarking on a trip, as the situation changes from day to day.
Information dated 28.05.2020.
Are Genève Aéroport’s shops and restaurants open?
After a period of closure, little by little, some restaurants, take-away outlets, shops and services have reopened.
Details of shop reopenings are provided in the Shops & Restaurants section of our website.
Information dated 18.05.2020.
What are the recommended measures before traveling?
Many countries, including Switzerland, are adapting their entry rules to the evolving epidemiological situation. From 6 July 2020, wearing a face mask is obligatory in all means of public transport in Switzerland. Additionally, people travelling to Switzerland from certain regions are required to self-isolate upon their arrival.
We strongly advise you to regularly check the updates published by the FOPH, especially concerning the self-isolation measures you must abide when returning from certain countries.
Information updated 06.07.2020.
What measures does Genève Aéroport apply when I arrive?
Any passenger who lands in Geneva must complete a traceability sheet which will allow the competent authorities to identify, contact and inform people who have had close contact during their flight with another passenger subsequently confirmed to have COVID-19. Information dated 05.06.2020.
Are there any specific health measures taken by airlines?
At the request of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), Genève Aéroport has developed a detailed protection plan to be put in place to guarantee the health and safety of its employees, passengers and visitors.
For additional measures which would be taken by certain airline companies, passengers are responsible for ensuring they are up-to-date with any modalities concerning their trip (temperature measurement before boarding, declaration of absence of symptoms, possible quarantine procedure on arrival, etc.).
Please contact your airline before your flight.
Information dated 05.06.2020
Do I have to wear a mask at the airport?
From Tuesday 28 July 2020, the wearing of a face mask is compulsory at Geneva Airport. All places accessible to the public are concerned (terminal, lifts, shops, restaurants, etc.). Hydroalcoholic gel is made available to passengers.
This measure follows the decision of the Geneva Council of State (24.07.2020) to impose the wearing of face masks in all shops and the disinfection of hands for anyone entering an installation or establishment open to the public.
Information of 27.07.2020.
Flights to France: What type of mask is allowed?
The French authorities require the wearing of a single-use surgical mask to France for all airlines (decree no. 2020-663 of 10 July 2020). Therefore, all so-called general public masks in fabric, cotton, etc. are strictly prohibited and passengers may be denied boarding if they do not have the correct type of mask.
Information dated 10.08.2020.
Can I check in my baggage in advance?
Until further notice, it is not possible to check in baggage 24 hours in advance as in normal activity. Online check-in is recommended, or if this is not possible, when the ticket office opens, i.e. two hours before the flight.
Information dated 05.06.2020.
How much time in advance do I have to come to take a flight?
As it stands, and given the still low volume of passengers at Genève Aéroport, there is no difficulty in completing formalities before boarding, customs included.
It is not necessary to arrive more than two hours before take-off.
Information dated 05.06.2020.
How do I know if my flight, to or from Geneve, is being maintained or cancelled?
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.
Are tests imposed at Genève Aéroport?
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Genève Aéroport has closely followed the observations and recommendations of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) with which it has regular contact. Each measure requested by the FOPH from Swiss airports has been applied to Genève Aéroport.
To date, the FOPH has not asked Swiss airports to set up tests for all passengers or for certain destinations.
For on-board measures, which may vary from airline to airline, passengers are invited to contact the relevant companies to find out the measures or requirements in force.
Information dated 03.08.2020.
What are the possible destinations from Geneva and with which airlines?
To facilitate your search for information, Genève Aéroport daily updates the list of cities served from Genève Aéroport and the days of flight operated by airlines on the page www.gva.ch/reprise.
Information dated 05.06.2020.
Are there any specific restrictions for my destination?
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.
Where can I find recommendations on the risks linked to my destination?
The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health draws up a useful list of recommended sites before a trip:
When I arrive at Genève Aéroport, will customs allow me to enter Switzerland?
Entry into Switzerland remains subject to certain restrictions for non-Swiss nationals. Find out about entry restrictions for people from all countries, except Liechtenstein.
Since 15 June, current entry restrictions have been lifted for all Schengen States.
Entry restrictions will be lifted from 20 July 2020 for 14 other countries as well as for European Union (EU) member states that are not part of the Schengen area.
You can find answers to the main questions concerning refusal of entry, free movement of persons and suspension of the granting of visas on the State Secretariat for Migration SEM website.
Information dated 03.07.2020.
Are passengers quarantined upon arrival at Genève Aéroport?
All travellers who have stayed in high-risk areas during the fourteen days preceding their entry into Switzerland must quarantine themselves for ten days at home or in suitable accommodation. Once in Switzerland, they must report to the cantonal authorities within two days. Children are also affected by this measure. The persons concerned are informed in a targeted manner on planes and at borders.
Information dated 14.07.2020.
Passengers returning from countries at risk (FOPH List): What are the consequences?
If the person returning from a state or territory at high risk of infection (such as Spain, excluding the Balearic and Canary Islands), resides/stays in Switzerland, they must – within 48 hours – declare themselves to the competent health authorities of their canton and observe a self-imposed quarantine for ten days.
If the person resides in France, they are currently not subject to this quarantine obligation. They will pass through Genève Aéroport, both international and French sectors, without any particular control to reach their place of residence in France.
Passengers who have stayed less than 24 hours in a state or territory at high risk of infection are not required to self-quarantine.
Information dated 10.08.2020.
Can I come to Genève Aéroport from the French sector to take my flight to a European country?
During the pandemic, Switzerland, like many countries, introduced border controls and limitations. During this time, the transit of a person who «intends to go directly to another country» and the transit of goods remained authorised.
The situation is bound to change. The Federal Council has declared its intention to restore the free movement of persons and the freedom of travel with all the Schengen States by 6 July 2020. As announced, border controls with Germany, Austria and France will be lifted on 15 June 2020
Information dated 05.06.2020.
I arrived with a flight in Geneva, can I go out through the France sector?
La sortie par le secteur France n’a jamais été fermée. Mais tout passager est invité à vérifier s’il répond aux critères d’entrée sur territoire français.
Pour toute question concernant l’entrée en France: Ministère de l’Intérieur.
Information du 05.06.2020.
Is the transition between the Swiss/International sector and the French sector still possible?
Yes, is it always possible to switch between the Swiss/International sector and the French sector.
Information dated 18.03.2020.
Is public transport operating to and from Genève Aéroport?
Yes, public transport to and from the airport is operating.
The wearing of a mask is compulsory for people aged 12 and over on trains, trams and buses.
Information dated 06.07.2020.