Switzerland

Use Normal Level of Caution

The Swiss Confederation (Switzerland) is a country in the central part of Europe between Italy and France. The population is about 7.6 million people. The country forms three main linguistic and cultural regions: German, French, and Italian.

The government is formally a confederation but the structure is a federal republic. The chief of state and head of government is a president.

Switzerland is known for neutrality and is home to many international organizations, including the World Economic Forum, the International Olympic Committee, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization, FIFA, and the World Health Organization.

Switzerland has a very prosperous economy and very high standard of living. This country is known for banking and financial services.

Visitors can enjoy both summer and winter sports in Switzerland as the country is dominated by the Alps. Visitors are also drawn to metropolitan cities like Geneva, Zürich, Basel and Lausanne. Switzerland is famous for precision watches, clocks and music boxes, as well as for chocolates and cheeses.

Currency	CHF: Swiss franc
Language	German, French, Italian, and Romansch
Capital	Bern
Recent Alerts	2
Latest Alert	July 17, 2021 - Risk of Flooding Continues in Switzerland

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Switzerland. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in Switzerland, particularly in the following cantons: Bern, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Aargau, Neuchâtel and Zürich. This disease occurs during the warmer months, most often in early and late summer when ticks are most active.
Lyme Disease Lyme disease occurs in Switzerland. The highest risk occurs from exposure to ticks during camping and hiking in forested areas. Switzerland has one of the highest risks of Lyme disease in Europe, particularly in the forested areas from Lake Geneva in the east to Lake Bodensee in the northeast, as well as on the northern Swiss plateau.
Hepatitis A There is a low risk of hepatitis A in this country.
Hepatitis B There is a low risk of hepatitis B in this country.
Rabies Rabies may be present in bats.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Switzerland.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Travellers who plan to visit this country during the summer months and hike or camp in rural or forested areas that provide a habitat for the ticks that carry the virus should consider obtaining this vaccine. This vaccine is only available in Europe.
Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Switzerland.

None required.

Safety and Security in Switzerland

Emergency Numbers

112

117

118

144

1414 Helicopter for emergency services in areas with difficult access

Personal Safety

Most travellers to Switzerland do not experience any safety or security risks as the country is generally safe. However, petty crime is increasing, particularly in the areas of Berne, Zurich and Geneva. Pickpocketing occurs most commonly in high-traffic public places, such as airports, railway stations, and tourist sites. Pickpockets often work in teams creating a distraction. Ensure that valuables and travel documents are kept hidden and safe. Theft from cars occurs, therefore, do not leave bags containing valuables in the trunk of parked cars or on car seats. Secure valuables on overnight trips on trains.

If you plan to drive in Switzerland, you must purchase a vignette/sticker and display it; otherwise, you could be subject to a large fine. Purchase the vignette online or at auto gas stations, border crossings or post offices. If you receive a traffic fine, you may be asked to pay on the spot. Traffic offences are taken very seriously and could bring criminal prosecution. The speed limit on Swiss highways is 120 kilometers/hour unless otherwise noted.

Avalanches occur in Switzerland. Follow the advice of authorities. Deviating off prepared ski runs is dangerous.

In the canton of Ticino, it is against the law to cover your face in public places. Those who fail to comply with this law are subject to a fine ranging from 100 CHR to 10,000 CHR. Tourists are not exempt from this law.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: July 17, 2021