Europe

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Most visits to Switzerland and Liechtenstein are trouble-free.  There is a generally low rate of serious crime in Switzerland compared with other European countries.  However, crime does occur and you should be aware that petty theft is on the increase.  Be particularly alert to pickpockets, confidence tricksters and thieves in city centres, airports, railway stations and other public places.  If travelling overnight by train, you should take precautions against being burgled while you sleep by opportunist thieves.  You should not become involved with drugs of any kind.

Scams

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

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Switzerland Country Profile

Local Travel

Road Travel

All road users should follow instructions given by local police and officials on the main alpine transit routes, at bottlenecks and areas of heavy traffic congestion. A warning triangle is compulsory and must be kept within easy reach (not in the boot). Radar detectors are prohibited in Switzerland whether in use or not. The limit for alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.05% and police may request any driver to undergo a breath test or drugs test. Swiss traffic regulations are strenuously enforced.  Any serious breach of the regulations can result in heavy fines and/or imprisonment.

To travel on Swiss motorways, road users must purchase and display a vignette or face large on the spot fines. Vignettes can be purchased at most border crossings, petrol stations, Swiss post offices, by phone (on 00800 10020030) and online (at http://swisstravelsystem.com). The price of a vignette is currently CHF 40.

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: http://www.tcs.ch (GER/FR/IT only).

A full (i.e. not provisional) valid UK, or other EU/EEA, driving licence is sufficient for driving in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  There is no need for an International Driving Permit.  Drivers can find up-to-date information about road closures at: http://www.tcs.ch.  Information about rails services is available at: http://mct.sbb.ch/.

In 2007, there were 384 road deaths in Switzerland (Source:  DfT).  This equates to 5.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population, and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

Further advice on driving outside the UK can be obtained from motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC and for more general information see Driving Abroad.
 

Air Travel

 

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Switzerland.  For more details about this see Airline Security.