Switzerland Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Switzerland
General travel safety in Switzerland on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Switzerland
Updates
Updated: 4 Oct 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions, safety and security concerns. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks, civil unrest, violent crime, or unique health threats - but overall, the risks are not great.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Road conditions and road safety are very good throughout the country.
Women's safety
Switzerland is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise increased caution throughout your travel.
Crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs in most public areas, particularly in Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern. Pickpockets are active in public places, such as airports and railway stations. Thieves often operate in teams of 2, with one distracting the traveller while another snatches any valuables.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police112 or 117
- Fire112 or 118
- Ambulance112 or 144
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Bern
AddressSulgeneckstrasse 19
Local Law and Culture
LGBT
Switzerland has an established traditions of LGBT acceptance, although LGBT people lack full legal equality. Its history is one of liberalisation at an increasing pace since the 1940s. Cities are gay friendly and open-minded. However be mindful of publid display of affection in rural areas.
Illegal drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.
Face covering
It's illegal to cover your face in public places in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of Ticino. Failure to comply with the ban is punishable by a fine ranging from 100 CHF to 10,000 CHF
Driving
You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Switzerland. An International Driving Permit is required in order to drive in Switzerland for up to 12 months. A Swiss driver's licence is required for stays longer than 12 months.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Switzerland.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.
The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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