Switzerland international medical insurance and visa guide
January 04, 2019
Switzerland is a beautiful vacation destination with its breath-taking mountainous landscape, serene lakes, and quaint villages hidden in the dreamy Alpine peaks. The Swiss cities also house grand medieval quarters and landmarks like capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge. The country also has some of the best and most popular ski resorts and hiking trails in Europe. With such a diverse landscape and an array of activities, it’s no wonder thousands of tourists are drawn to Switzerland every month. There’s a lot to get excited about when organizing your visit. To fully enjoy your Swiss adventure, make sure you give yourself peace of mind and organize your travel insurance policy, so you can kick back, relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that you have got all your bases covered.
Aside from finding the right coverage for you, here are some other important travel tips to be aware of before you set off on your adventure:
Visa Information for Switzerland
Do I Need to Get a Visa to Visit Switzerland?
Whether or not you need a visa to enter Switzerland depends on your home country. For example, if you're a U.S. citizen with a valid passport, you can stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days without a visa. However, it's important to note that not all countries have the same visa agreements as the United States does with Switzerland. To avoid any issues, it's always a good idea for travelers to check the entry requirements for their destination country based on their home country.
Switzerland is also a signatory to the Schengen Agreement, which provides for the free movement of travelers between 26 signatory countries within Europe under a common visa policy. The Schengen visa is a single-entry visa that allows visitors to travel between member states for up to 90 days without needing a separate visa for each country.
Travel Documents You Will Need:
A valid passport and potentially an approved visa depending on your home country. For more visa information, you can visit the Visa Ministry of Foreign Affairs page.
Health and Medical Advice
Before jetting off on your travels, you should check for any health risks, required vaccinations and any epidemic breakouts occurring in Switzerland. It’s also wise to find out where the nearest hospital is in case of an emergency.
Do I Need to be Vaccinated When Travelling to Switzerland?
There generally are no vaccinations required to enter Switzerland from any other country.
For the most up to date vaccination information, visit the CDC travel vaccination website.
Travel Health Updates in Switzerland
Currently, there are no reported epidemics occurring in Switzerland.
To keep up to date on any breakouts, visit the CDC website.
Emergency Contact Information in Switzerland
No one ever wants to have to call the emergency services whilst they’re on vacation, but unfortunately accidents happen and it’s important to be prepared for when they do.
Emergency services throughout Switzerland can be contacted through dialing the European emergency number 112
- Police emergency number in Switzerland: 117
- Fire emergency number in Switzerland: 118
- Medical emergency number in Switzerland: 144
Switzerland Local Laws and Customs
- Smoking in enclosed public spaces is illegal. There are some exceptions of this at a local level, where some small bars, restaurants and cafés have been given smoking licenses, but these are far and few between.
- It's prohibited to jaywalk or cross the street on a red light. If you are caught by the police you will be given an immediate fine.
- Drug possession is also taken very seriously and there are heavy penalties, jail sentences and fines depending on the type of drug found.
- Sundays are very sacred to the Swiss and it is forbidden to use a washing machine or a lawnmower to avoid disturbing the peace in a neighborhood.
Safety and Security
Petty Theft
Switzerland is quite a peaceful country and street crime is relatively uncommon. However, like in any other country, popular tourist attractions and cities are subject to being hot pickpocketing zones where thieves will use a variety of methods to try and divert your attention. Be alert and keep your belongings with you at all times, especially in crowded areas, on public transport and popular tourist areas. It’s always a good idea to keep valuable belongings or extra spending money in a hotel safe, if you have one.
Useful Tips for Switzerland
Official Languages: French, German and Italian
Switzerland boasts four official languages with their own dialects of French, German and Italian. The most popular and widely spoke of the three is Swiss German but a large percentage of the population can also converse well in English, especially in the big towns and cities.
Currency: Swiss franc
Before your trip Switzerland make sure to exchange enough Swiss francs for your spending requirements and to get the best exchange rates.
Swiss Plug Sockets: Type J
Switzerland uses the type J plug socket. The standard voltage and frequency is 230 V and 50 Hz. You will need a plug adapter for your appliances and devices.
You will also need to buy a voltage converter or transformer as the standard Swiss voltage is higher than in the U.S (120 V). Its best to go for a converter which can also alter the frequency as the U.S. frequency rate is 10 Hz higher than in Switzerland and so may be dangerous to use without a converter.
Best places to go and things to do in Switzerland
Switzerland is a country that offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. From stunning natural landscapes to cultural treasures, here are some of the best places to go and things to do during your trip to Switzerland:
- Explore the Swiss Alps: Switzerland is famous for its majestic Alps, and exploring this mountain range is a must-do activity. Whether you choose to hike, ski, or take a scenic train ride, the Swiss Alps offer breathtaking views and endless outdoor adventures. Visit popular destinations like Jungfrau, Zermatt, or St. Moritz for an unforgettable Alpine experience.
- Visit Lake Geneva: Located on the border between Switzerland and France, Lake Geneva is one of the larger lakes in Western Europe. Take a boat cruise to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and visit charming lakeside towns like Montreux and Lausanne. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful Chillon Castle, located on the shores of Lake Geneva.
- Discover Swiss Cities: Switzerland is home to several vibrant cities that are worth exploring. Zurich, Geneva, and Basel offer a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. Wander through the charming streets, visit world-class museums, and indulge in delicious Swiss cuisine. Each city has its own unique charm and attractions to discover.
- Experience Swiss Chocolate and Cheese: Switzerland is renowned for its delicious chocolate and cheese. Take a tour of a chocolate factory in cities like Zurich or Lucerne to learn about the chocolate-making process and indulge in some sweet treats. Don't forget to visit a traditional Swiss cheese factory to taste a variety of local cheeses, such as Gruyère or Emmental.
- Ride the Glacier Express: Embark on a scenic train journey aboard the Glacier Express, often referred to as the "world's slowest express train." This iconic train route takes you through stunning mountain landscapes, crossing over 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels3. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views as you travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz.
- Explore Bernese Oberland: The Bernese Oberland region is a paradise for nature lovers. Take a cable car ride to Schilthorn or Harder Kulm for panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. Visit the picturesque villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, known for their stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.
- Visit the Rhine Falls: Located near the town of Schaffhausen, the Rhine Falls is Europe's largest waterfall. Take a boat ride to get up close to the cascading waters or enjoy the view from various observation decks. The Rhine Falls is a natural wonder that should not be missed during your visit to Switzerland.
These are just a few of the many incredible places to go and things to do in Switzerland. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, Switzerland offers something for every traveler. So, pack your bags, plan your itinerary, get your SafeTrip travel insurance plan to protect your travels and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the heart of Europe.
Sources:
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-switzerland
- https://lostinswitzerland.com/cheese-factories-in-switzerland/
- https://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/offers/excellence-class/?_ga=2.51220970.213057925.1705014314-818883491.1705014314&_gl=1%2A1iwc8zs%2A_gcl_au%2AMTg2MTI1MjkyNC4xNzA1MDE0MzE0%2A_ga%2AODE4ODgzNDkxLjE3MDUwMTQzMTQ.%2A_ga_YR2YZJL7P9%2AMTcwNTAxNDMxNC4xLjEuMTcwNTAxNDMzNS4zOS4wLjA.%2A_ga_RKHML5BCFX%2AMTcwNTAxNDMxNC4xLjEuMTcwNTAxNDMzNS4zOS4wLjA.&cHash=2a6f7722acfdd7a235fa82d0265adb6c
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