Switzerland Travel Advice & Safety

Updated:14 October 2025
Still Valid:Yes
Latest update:We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions in Switzerland. The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) has started for all non-EU nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area. You’ll need to register at borders and have your fingerprint and photo taken. There may be longer border queues.
 

We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in Switzerland.

Advice Levels

Level 1
Exercise normal safety precautions in Switzerland.

Full Advice

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The level of health care in Switzerland 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The new European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.
  • Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Switzerland for the latest details.

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.