Switzerland

Switzerland has low levels of serious crime.

Petty crime

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 Christmas.

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.

To keep safe:

• ​​​don't leave bags unattended
• watch your things in tourist areas and on public transport

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Protests or demonstrations may happen.

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

To reduce your risk:

• ​check media and local sources for updates
• avoid crowds, protests and demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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 in Switzerland, 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.

• get the right equipment
• plan your activities
• tell someone about your plans

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:

• Swiss ​Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research
• European Avalanche Warning Service
• Alertswiss

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 in Switzerland.

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.

If you plan to spend time in or on the water:

• regularly check weather reports
• take warnings seriously
• check media and local sources for information about potential dangers
• speak to your travel provider about safety equipment and weather conditions before continuing with planned activities
• if possible, take a friend or family member with you when you undertake swimming or water activities

Wildlife safety

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

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

You may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care if you're not insured.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

You can only bring prescription and non-prescription medication into Switzerland if it's for personal use.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Switzerland. Take enough legal medication for your trip. Consider bringing extra supply in case your trip is unexpectedly extended. Leave medication in its original packaging when travelling.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

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

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

Switzerland doesn't have a reciprocal health care arrangement with Australia.

There are no public hospitals in Switzerland. Medical costs can be extremely high.

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

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

If you're convicted of a crime in Switzerland 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:

• Carrying or using drugs

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Switzerland allows multiple citizenship without any restrictions.

More information:

• Dual nationals

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: 

• Swiss State Secretariat for Migration
• Information regarding entry into Switzerland and residence

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area has been delayed until 2025. A specific start date hasn't been announced.

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details. Passports will no longer be stamped.

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

This process should only take a few minutes per person, however you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Switzerland for the latest details on entry requirements before you travel.

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:

• State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

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

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

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

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

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:

• ​​Driving or riding
• Swiss Federal Customs Administration
• Swiss road rules

Rail travel

Information about rail services is available on the SBB website.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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

More information:

• Air travel

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.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help 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