Europe

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There are reports of confirmed human cases of Swine Flu in Switzerland. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6.  The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. Check Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
  
  
• There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• There is a moderate danger of avalanches throughout the year in Switzerland's Alpine regions.  Please exercise due care and attention and observe ALL written notices and warning instructions.  See the General (Sports Activities and Winter Sports) section of this travel advice for more details.
  
  
• Around 826,000 British nationals visit Switzerland / Liechtenstein every year (Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office, 2008).  Most visits are trouble-free. 109 British nationals required consular assistance in Switzerland in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (63 cases); hospitalisations (6 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (24 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (401 cases).
  
  
• We recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling.  Alpine conditions can be hazardous and you should ensure that your insurance covers winter/mountain activities.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.