Switzerland
About Switzerland
| Currency | Swiss franc (CHF) |
| Language | German, French, Italian, and Romansch |
| Capital | Bern |
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.
Recommended Vaccinations For Switzerland
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in the regions in the central and north-eastern cantons including Thurgau, Nidwalden, Uri, Aargau, Zurich, Lucerne, Appenzell Innerrhoden, and Schaffhausen or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.
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.).
Recommended Medications For Switzerland
There are no recommendations for Switzerland at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Switzerland
For Most Travellers
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.
For Some Travellers
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
There is a risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in all areas of this country. The main affected areas are in the central and north-eastern cantons including Thurgau, Nidwalden, Uri, Aargau, Zurich, Lucerne, Appenzell Innerrhoden, and Schaffhausen. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.
Rabies
Rabies has not been reported in Switzerland and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.
Safety & Security in Switzerland
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.
Covering your face in public places in the Swiss cantons of Ticino and St Gallen is illegal, including for tourists. This includes balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask that is used to hide the face. You could be fined 100 to 10,000 Swiss francs if you don’t comply.
Don’t use or carry drugs. Penalties are severe.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. Follow the advice of local authorities.
