Switzerland

Switzerland is a federal parliamentary republic consisting of 26 cantons officially known as the Swiss Confederation or Confoederatio Helvetica (CH). The country is situated in Central Europe, where it is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east.

Switzerland is a landlocked country geographically divided between the Alps, the Swiss Plateau, and the Jura. The Swiss Confederation has a long history of armed neutrality and did not join the United Nations until 2002. It pursues, however, an active foreign policy and is frequently involved in peace-building processes around the world. Switzerland is also the birthplace of the Red Cross and home to a large number of international organizations. On the European level, it is part of the Schengen Area although it is not a member of the European Union. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Switzerland for additional information on U.S.- Swiss relations 

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Road conditions in Switzerland differ significantly from those in the United States.

Although many roads are mountainous and winding, Swiss road safety standards are high. Vehicle snow chains are required in some mountain areas during the winter. Road travel can be more dangerous during summer, winter holidays, the Easter break, and Whit Sunday weekend (late spring) because of increased traffic. Travel on expressways (indicated by green signs with a white expressway symbol) requires the purchase of a sticker (“vignette”), which must be affixed to the car’s windshield. Vignettes can be purchased at most border crossings points, gas stations and Swiss post offices. Drivers using the highway system without a vignette are subject to hefty fines levied on the spot. 

Public transportation in Switzerland is excellent and punctual. The Swiss tourist office and train station are the best places to obtain information about special fares for tourists.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Switzerland’s national tourist office.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Switzerland’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Switzerland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Switzerland remains largely free of terrorist incidents; however, like other countries in the Schengen area, Switzerland’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow for the possibility of terrorist groups entering/exiting the country anonymously. You should remain vigilant with regard to your personal security. Although there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Switzerland, violence by anti-globalization, anti-Semitic, and anti-establishment (anarchist) groups does occur from time to time. This violence is typically in the form of property damage and clashes between these groups and the police. The potential for specific threats of violence involving U.S. citizens in Switzerland is remote. Nevertheless, the consular agencies in Zurich and Geneva may close periodically to assess their security situation.

Public demonstrations occasionally take place mostly in Zurich, Geneva, and Bern. These events are almost always known in advance to the police, who provide appropriate personnel to observe and maintain order. Such demonstrations rarely turn violent; nonetheless, you should avoid them if at all possible.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland on Twitter and visit the Embassy's website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check our useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Switzerland has a low rate of violent crime; however, crimes of all types do occur. Pick-pocketing and purse snatching are the most common and frequently occur in the vicinity of train and bus stations, airports, and some public parks, especially during peak tourist periods (such as summer and Christmas) and when conferences, shows, or exhibits are scheduled in major cities. Be especially vigilant in the airports and railway stations in both Zurich and Geneva, as these locations experience multiple incidents of petty theft almost every day.

Additionally, be alert while on trains and always keep an eye on your baggage. Overhead baggage frequently gets stolen when it is unattended even for a few seconds, especially on overcrowded trains regardless of the length of the train ride. You should be particularly careful on overnight trains to and from neighboring countries. Thieves, who steal from passengers while they sleep, can enter even locked sleeping compartments. Thieves have been known to work in pairs to target train passengers; while one member of the pair creates a diversion at a train window or on a platform, the other steals items you have left briefly unattended.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care, if you are the victim of a violent crime such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends; and
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Switzerland, through its 26 cantons (states), has programs to assist victims of crime and their immediate relatives. Medical, psychological, social, financial, and legal assistance are available throughout the country. This type of assistance must be applied for and the local police can assist if necessary. These programs also protect the rights of the victim during criminal proceedings. The victim may receive compensation for some damages if requested during the criminal procedure. Information is available at the Swiss Department of Justice located on Bundesrain 20, 3003 Bern, telephone: 41-31-322-4750.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Switzerland is 144 for medical/ambulance services; 117 for the police department; and 118 for the fire department.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.