Switzerland

Overall: Exercise normal safety precautions

Latest update

Still current at:12 July 2026
Updated:22 June 2026
Latest update:Depending on why you're travelling and how long you plan to stay, you may require a visa for travel to the Schengen area. Check the European Entry and Exit (EES) and visa rules before you travel. If you're a dual national of a European country, check whether the EES applies to you and what passport you should enter on. There may be delays at border crossings (see ‘Travel’).

We advise:

Exercise normal safety precautions in Switzerland.

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services

Call 118.

Medical emergencies

Call 144.

Police

Call 117.

Advice levels

What does this mean?

Exercise normal safety precautions

Exercise normal safety precautions in Switzerland.

Overview

Safety

  • Serious crime levels are low, but petty crime is on the rise. Take care at tourist spots and on transport, including overnight trains. Watch out for thieves who use distraction techniques. Keep your belongings close.
  • Terrorists have targeted European cities, including transport hubs, churches, other houses of worship and places visited by travellers. Always be alert. Take official warnings seriously.
  • Be prepared for lengthy delays and crowded arrival halls in Geneva. The introduction of EES, together with the annual ski season, is currently causing entry processing delays.
  • Avalanches, flash floods, rock falls, mudslides and sudden weather changes occur in alpine areas. Monitor local weather. Follow the advice of authorities. Stick to marked slopes and trails when skiing.

Full travel advice: Safety

Health

  • The level of health care is high. All foreigners receive the same level of medical care as Swiss residents.
  • There are no public hospitals in Switzerland. You may need to guarantee payment in advance and costs can be extremely high. Contact your travel insurance provider for advice.

Full travel advice: Health

Local laws

  • Don't use or carry drugs. Penalties are severe.
  • If you're convicted of a crime and you're a foreign national, you may be expelled from Switzerland and unable to return for a long time.

Full travel advice: Local laws

Travel

  • Switzerland is a part of the Schengen area which means you can enter Switzerland without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you'll need a visa.
  • If you’re travelling to a country in the Schengen area for a short stay (90 days or less) using an Australian passport, you’ll be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, when you arrive. You don’t need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. There may be delays at border crossings.
  • Depending on why you're travelling and how long you plan to stay, you may require a visa for travel to the Schengen area. Check the EES and visa rules before you travel. If you're a dual national of a European country, check whether the EES applies to you and what passport you should enter on.
  • Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Switzerland for the latest details.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Safety

Crime

While Switzerland has low levels of serious crime, violent offences and assaults can occur, especially in the major cities.

Petty crime, bag snatching, and pickpocketing are increasing. It regularly happens on public transport and in tourist areas.

Thieves may steal your belongings when your vehicle is unattended or stopped in traffic. 

Tourists are a target for robbery:

  • on all trains, particularly overnight trains, as they sleep
  • near tourist attractions
  • in major towns, including Bern, Zurich and Geneva
  • at airports and railway stations

Crime rates increase in peak tourist seasons around summer and major events.

Criminals may operate at events with a large number of foreign visitors.

Thieves often work in pairs. One may distract you while the other steals from you.

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert, don’t leave your food or drinks alone. Watch when your drink is being mixed. If you feel unwell, tell your friends immediately and get to a safe place. Keep an eye on your friends - if they feel unwell, stay with them. Get medical help if needed.

Methanol poisoning

People have died or become very sick from poisoned drinks overseas. This includes Australians. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol production. Only drink branded, sealed drinks. Get urgent medical help if you think you’ve been poisoned.

More information:

Cyber security 

You could face cyber threats in any country, anyone is a target. Your devices and data can be stolen, especially when using public Wi-Fi, computers, or Bluetooth. Criminals can use stolen information to conduct scams or to resell your personal information.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre has advice on how to protect yourself online.

Social media can also be risky in places with social or political tensions or strict laws. People have been arrested for what they posted online. Check the laws of the destination you’re travelling to and think about what you post on social media. The Australian Government can’t get you out of trouble if you’re accused of breaking the law.

More information:  

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

Civil unrest and political tension

Protests or demonstrations may happen.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Switzerland experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

  • avalanches
  • storms and flash flooding
  • mudslides
  • rock falls
  • glacial crevasses
  • sudden weather changes
  • forest fires
  • earthquakes

People have died.

The weather, particularly in alpine areas, is unpredictable. It can change suddenly. If there's a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities. Get the Alertswiss app and enable push notifications to get real-time weather warnings and advice about the impact of severe weather activity.

Mountain rescues can be extremely costly. Check your travel insurance to ensure it covers you for planned activities.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

When you're travelling in alpine areas:

  • take weather warnings seriously
  • follow the advice of local authorities
  • obey warnings and notices
  • stick to marked slopes and trails

More information:

Adventure activities

There are many adventure activities in Switzerland. These include mountaineering, hiking, skiing and air sports. Check your travel insurance covers you for all planned activities.

Mountaineering and hiking

If you're mountaineering, hiking or skiing:

  • monitor advice on weather and safety conditions
  • don't move off marked slopes or trails

Hiking or mountain climbing without appropriate footwear (hiking boots) is dangerous. Stick to marked trails.

In some areas, authorities may arrest or prosecute you if you mountaineer or ski off marked trails.

Skiing and snowboarding

In addition to the above advice, be sure to follow posted etiquette rules as seen at ski resorts when skiing or snowboarding. If in doubt, check with the ticket sales office, tourist office or ski instructors. Failure to follow these rules and give priority to the right people can lead to accidents.

Skiing outside of prepared skiing areas is dangerous and may void your insurance. Stick to marked slopes and trails.

Air sports

These activities are always dangerous, even in Switzerland, where safety standards are generally high.

Always follow the advice of operators and instructors and wear all safety equipment correctly.

Swimming safety

Every year, several people drown in the rivers and lakes.

Most rivers have strong undercurrents and hidden debris. Due to the management of local dams, the undercurrents can vary significantly within short periods.

Lakes and rivers can be significantly colder than the air temperature, leading to thermal shock. Extended periods in any body of water can lead to fatigue.

Wildlife safety

Wolves, wild boar, deer and cows with young calves are occasionally encountered. You should take particular care if you're in an area where they have been sighted. You should avoid these animals in the wild.

Health

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave and closely read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for what is and isn’t covered.

It must cover all medical costs overseas, including evacuation. The Australian Government will not pay for these costs.

If you can’t afford travel insurance, you shouldn’t travel. This is true for everyone, even if you are healthy and fit.

If you don’t have insurance, you might have to pay thousands of dollars up front for medical care.

Before you travel, check your policy, make sure:

  • you know what activities and medical care your insurance covers, including evacuations
  • your insurance covers you for your whole trip, including any stopovers
  • you know any exclusions – for example, you might need to pay extra for activities like motorcycling, snow sports, scuba diving or bungee jumping.

More information:

Physical and mental health

Travelling overseas can be stressful and uncertain. You may experience unfamiliar environments, travel disruptions, changes in normal routines and limited access to health care. 

Not taking your prescribed medications is a common cause of mental ill-health for Australians overseas.

If you are concerned about your welfare, or someone else's, contact your nearest Australian embassy, high commission, or consulate. You can also call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

Mental health resources:

More information:

Medication

Not all medications available in Australia are accessible in other countries. Some medicines may be illegal, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Ensure your medication is legal overseas. Take enough for your whole trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

  • medication names
  • your required dosage
  • that the medications are for your personal use.

More information:

Health risks

Tick-borne encephalitis is present in some areas of Switzerland. Make sure you take precautions to prevent tick bites. 

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

Medical care

There’s no agreement between Australia and Switzerland for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

The standard of medical facilities and care is similar to that of Australia.

There are no public hospitals in Switzerland. 

Hospitals, doctors and medical centres may ask for payment before treatment if you don't have medical insurance.

Local laws

Local law

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

If you're convicted of a crime and you're a foreign national, you may be expelled and unable to return for a long time.

Drugs

Penalties for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs are severe.

More information:

Australian laws

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

Dual citizenship

Switzerland allows multiple citizenship without any restrictions.

More information:

Travel

Visas and border measures

Each country or territory decides its own entry and exit rules, including health border screening measures. To find out what you need to enter a destination, ask their embassy, consulate or immigration office. 

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, along with many other European countries, meaning you can enter Switzerland without a visa in some cases.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Switzerland for the latest details about visas, currency and customs.

Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area.

More information: 

European Entry and Exit Systems

The European Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EES has started registering all non-EU nationals entering and exiting the Schengen area.

When you arrive in a country in the Schengen area for a short stay (90 days or less) using an Australian passport, you'll need to:

  • have your fingerprints and photo taken
  • answer Schengen Border Code questions.

This will create a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen Area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide your fingerprint and/or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

The EES is free. You don't need to do anything before arriving at the border. Be alert to fraudulent websites that say you need to register or pay a fee before you travel to the EU. Only use official EU systems to provide your data.

If you're a dual national of a European country, check whether the EES applies to you and what passport you should enter on. 

This process may cause extended delays at border crossings.

  • Arrive well before your flight departure time.
  • Allow for delays when planning transits and onward travel.

Schengen Area trip duration rules still apply.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

The ETIAS is separate from EES.

ETIAS is due to be implemented towards the end of 2026. Once implemented, travellers visiting any of the 30 participating European countries visa-free will need to get an ETIAS travel authorisation prior to travel.

Applications are not yet open. Be cautious of fraudulent websites claiming to sell ETIAS authorisations. Apply only through the official EU website once the system is launched. Stay subscribed to Smartraveller to hear updates.

ETIAS and dual citizenship

Dual citizens of participating European countries or Ireland will not be eligible for an ETIAS travel authorisation.

If you're a dual citizen of Australia and an ETIAS country, once the system is implemented you won't be able to enter any participating countries using your Australian passport. You'll have to enter using the passport from your other country of citizenship.

Passport application wait times in some countries can be very long. Apply soon if you:

  • don't have a passport from your other country of citizenship
  • have an expired passport and need to have it renewed.

If you're unsure if you're a citizen of a participating country, contact the country's embassy or consulate in Australia. You may be denied entry to your destination if you travel on your Australian passport without checking your citizenship.

Trip duration limits

Australians can travel to the Schengen area for short trips without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You must ensure your total stay in the Schengen area does not exceed this limit.

The EES makes it easier for local authorities to see if you have overstayed. Immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit apply, and vary depending on the country you're in.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements.

More information:

Other formalities

Travelling with children

The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) recommends that children under 18 travelling alone or with only one parent/guardian carry a letter of consent from their parents/guardians/non-travelling parent.

The letter should contain the following:

  • the particulars of the parent(s)/guardian(s)
  • dates of travel
  • destination
  • duration of travel/stay
  • reason for travel
  • a copy of the absent parent's passport or ID and contact details.

In cases where the second parent isn't present evidence of this should also be provided.

More information:

Passport

Validity

Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months before entering or departing. This includes for transit.

If your passport expires too soon, you might not be able to travel.

The Australian Government doesn’t make these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you go. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to get a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is valuable and can be used by others to commit crimes. 

Don’t let anyone trick you into giving it to them. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government: 

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender. If your passport has an 'X' in the sex field, we can’t guarantee your entry or transit to other countries. Ask the embassy or consulate of your destinations if they’ll accept your passport with an 'X' gender marker. Check all transit destinations too.

More information:

Money

Switzerland's currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). 

ATMs are widely accessible, and most major credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Local travel

Borders

Check local media and ask transport providers for updates on border issues.

Driving permit

Drivers must:

  • be at least 18 years old
  • hold a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)

Some car hire agencies may need you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

The standard of roads is generally high.

Pay attention to road conditions in winter.

Ask for local advice on using snow tyres and snow chains.

When driving, be aware that:  

  • ​​vehicle headlights must be on at all times
  • vehicles on motorways must display a valid car sticker — known as a vignette
  • vehicles must have a warning triangle for use during breakdowns or accidents
  • vehicles crossing into France, Germany and Italy must also carry a fluorescent safety vest
  • vehicles must carry a first-aid kit

It's illegal to use a radar detector.

​Penalties for breaking these rules include significant on-the-spot fines.

More information:

Rail travel

Information about rail services is available on the SBB website.

More information:

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are.

Safety risks and weather events may cause flight delays and cancellations. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans.

Airlines and airports can restrict what you can take in your luggage. Regulations may be different to those in Australia. Check with your airline before you travel.

Check Switzerland's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Local contacts

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

  • family and friends
  • travel agent
  • insurance provider
  • employer
  • airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 118.

Medical emergencies

Call 144.

Police

Call 117.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Consular assistance is available from the Australian Embassy in Bern and the Consulate-General in Geneva. The Embassy only provides routine passport services by appointment and as scheduled on the website. The Consulate-General in Geneva provides routine passport and notarial services by appointment and emergency passport services.

Australian Embassy, Bern

Address: Weltpoststrasse 5, 2nd Floor – Flex Office
3015 Bern, Switzerland

Phone: +41 (0)31 310 17 80 
Email: bern.embassy@dfat.gov.au 
Website: Switzerland.embassy.gov.au
X: AusAmbCH

See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate-General, Geneva

Address : Chemin des Fins 2, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex
Postal address: Case postale 102, 1211 Geneva 19
Switzerland 

Phone: +41 (0)22 799 9100 
Email: australian.consulate-geneva@dfat.gov.au
Website: geneva.mission.gov.au 
Facebook: Australian Consulate-General, Switzerland
X: Australian Consulate Geneva

See the Consulate-General website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

  • +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
  • 1300 555 135 in Australia
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