Genvisec advises all travel can continue.

 

Crime

 

There is a low rate of serious crime in Switzerland. However, we have recently received increased reports of theft especially in larger cities, at Geneva airport and on trains to/from Geneva.

 

Watch out for pickpockets, confidence tricksters and thieves in city centres, airports, railway stations, on trains and in other public places. Don’t leave your luggage unattended at any time. Don´t keep your passport, credit cards and other valuables in the same place. Use the inside compartments in bags where possible. Carry your bag across your body rather than on your shoulder.

 

If you’re travelling by train, take precautions against being burgled, especially at night. Pickpockets can work in gangs: one to distract you while the other one goes into your bag. Keep your belongings close to you in restaurants and bars. Alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control, and less aware of your environment. If you’re going to drink, know your limit and take sensible precautions. Don’t become separated from friends.

 

Scams

 

Foreign visitors and residents can be targeted by scam artists. Scams can cause great financial loss. If you receive an e-mail claiming to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs HMRC offering a tax refund on provision of your bank details you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam.

 

Road Travel

 

Road users have to comply with Switzerland’s road regulations, such as speed limits, rules on alcohol intake and child security, or risk fines or other punishments.

 

Follow instructions given by local police and officials on the main alpine transit routes and in areas of heavy traffic congestion.

 

A reflective jacket and a warning triangle are compulsory and must be kept within easy reach (not in the boot). You must also have a first aid kit in the car. Radar detectors are prohibited in Switzerland whether in use or not. The limit for alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.5% and police may request any driver to undergo a breath test or drugs test. Swiss traffic regulations are strictly enforced. Any serious breach of the regulations can result in heavy fines and/or imprisonment.

 

The speed limit on Swiss motorways is 120km/h unless otherwise indicated. To travel on Swiss motorways, road users must purchase and display a vignette (sticker) or face large on the spot fines. You can buy a vignette at most border crossings, petrol stations, post offices, by phone (+800 1002 0030) and online. The price of a vignette is currently CHF 40.

 

Many roads are narrow and winding and road conditions can deteriorate fast even in summer, especially during heavy rainfall and subsequent snowfall at higher altitudes. You should reduce your speed significantly to suit the conditions.

 

Alpine winters often make driving more difficult. You should equip your car with winter tyres and snow-chains, and check road conditions prior to departure. The Swiss motoring organisation, TCS, has up-to-date information on its website.

 

Drivers must be 18 years of age and hold a full valid UK, or other EU/EEA, driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents. There is no need for an International Driving Permit.

 

In 2013 there were 269 road deaths in Switzerland (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 3.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2013.

 

See the European Commission, AA and RAC guides on driving in Switzerland.

 

Motorway journeys are usually trouble-free, but if you´re involved in a car accident, use the orange emergency phones to ask for help.

 

Rail travel

 

Information about rail services is available on the Swiss Travel System website.

 

Outdoor sports activities

 

Make sure your insurance covers you for sports activities such as skiing, potholing, mountain biking and mountaineering. Travel insurance should also include mountain rescue services and helicopter costs.

 

Many accidents happen due to insufficient information, inappropriate equipment or overestimation of your own capabilities. Don´t undertake any activity alone, and consider hiring a guide for expert advice. Always leave copies of your itinerary with someone. Follow the advice given by local authorities and guides. To ignore such advice could put yourself and other mountain users in danger.

 

The following alpine hazards exist throughout the year:

 

avalanches and snow drifts

landslides and flooding

glacial crevasses and hollows

rockfall

thunder storms and lightning

altitude sickness

sun exposure

sudden weather changes

You should:

 

take note of weather forecasts and conditions

make sure you are physically fit and have the necessary experience

be in a team of at least two

inform someone of your plans.

take warm clothes and wet weather gear.

use sun block (SPF20 or higher) and sun glasses.

To check the latest avalanche risk, visit the website of the Swiss Federal Commission for Snow and Avalanche Research. Observe all warnings about avalanches and where appropriate consider carrying search equipment. Conditions on roads in mountainous areas can quickly become difficult in winter. You should carry water, food and warm clothing and medicines in your vehicle.

 

Off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. You should follow all safety instructions carefully given the danger of avalanches in some areas and particularly during times of heavy snow. Avalanche beepers (receivers) are the most common rescue devices and when properly used provide the fastest way of locating an avalanche victim.

 

For more information and advice on enjoying outdoor activities safely and responsibly, visit the Official website of Swiss Tourism

 

Local laws and customs

Smoking has been banned throughout Switzerland in the workplace and in most enclosed spaces accessible to the public, including bars, restaurants, cinemas, schools, shopping centres and sports centres. Exceptions can be made at a local level where smoking licences are sometimes granted to small restaurants, cafés and bars. Larger restaurants and bars have the option of providing separate areas for smokers.

 

f you’re visiting Switzerland you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your home country (EU citizens only). The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Swiss nationals.  The EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

There is an increased risk of tick bites from April to October. The Ministry for Health warns of a significant number of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases annually.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 or 144 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

 

Visas

 

If you are a EU Citizen or EU Subject, you will not need a visa to enter Switzerland. 

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

The Swiss authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Customs regulations

 

For information and advice about Swiss customs regulations, visit the official website of the Swiss Customs Administration.

 

 Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

 

ETDs are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Switzerland.