Orientation briefing: Switzerland

Orientation briefing: Switzerland1 / 15

Overview

Alert levelNo general travel restrictionOfficial advice updated on 11 August 2026 (FCDO)

89open jobs

13organisations hiring

0violent events in 3 months

Region: Europe

To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.

The country in its region

Orientation briefing: Switzerland2 / 15

Socio-political and economic situation

History and context

The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, which was modified in 1874 to allow voters to introduce referenda on proposed laws, replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government. The major European powers have long honored Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality, and the country was not involved in either World War. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half-century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.

Political system

federal republic (formally a confederation)

Orientation briefing: Switzerland3 / 15

Ethnic groups, languages, religions

Ethnic groups

Swiss 69.2%, German 4.2%, Italian 3.2%, Portuguese 2.5%, French 2.1%, Kosovan 1.1%, Turkish 1%, other 16.7% (2020 est.)

Languages

German (or Swiss German) (official) 62.1%, French (official) 22.8%, Italian (official) 8%, English 5.7%, Portuguese 3.5%, Albanian 3.3%, Serbo-Croatian 2.3%, Spanish 2.3%, Romansh (official) 0.5%, other 7.9% (2019 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 34.4%, Protestant 22.5%, other Christian 5.7%, Muslim 5.4%, other 1.5%, none 29.4%, unspecified 1.1% (2020 est.)

Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).

Orientation briefing: Switzerland4 / 15

Economy and society

Economic overview

high-income, non-EU European economy; top ten in GDP per capita; renowned banking and financial hub; low unemployment and inflation; slowed GDP growth post-pandemic; highly skilled but aging workforce; key pharmaceutical and precision manufacturing exporter; leader in innovation and competitiveness indices

9.1 MPopulation2025

85.7 %Urban population2025

$114,769GDP per capita2025

1.3 %GDP growth2025

0.2 %Inflation2025

0.1 %Extreme poverty (international line)2023

4.9 %Unemployment2025

97.3 %Internet users2025

100 %Access to electricity2024

Refugees and displaced people

208,287refugees hosted2025

17,039asylum seekers2025

39refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025

1,332stateless people2025

Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.

Orientation briefing: Switzerland5 / 15

Arms bearers

Armed and security forces

Swiss Armed Forces (aka Swiss Army or Schweizer Armee); Army (aka Land Forces), Swiss Air Force (2025)

Designated terrorist groups

Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)

Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.

Orientation briefing: Switzerland6 / 15

Warnings and insurance

UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.

G7 Summit

The G7 Summit will be taking place in Evian, France, between 15-17 June 2026. A number of attendees will be transiting through Geneva.

In preparation, the Swiss authorities are preparing to close several border crossings with France over the dates surrounding the Summit, which is likely to lead to severe delays at the crossings that remain open. You should plan your journey carefully and consider avoiding travel between France and Switzerland on these dates if possible.

The Swiss authorities have given permission for a protest linked to the G7 in central Geneva on the afternoon of Sunday 14 June. There may be other unauthorised protest activity related to the G7 around the period from 12-19 June. Stay away from any areas where protest activity is underway and follow the instructions of the authorities.

The Republic and Canton of Geneva (in French) has further information on the Swiss preparations for the G7 Summit.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

see general advice for women travellers
read our guide on disability and travel abroad
see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
read about safety for solo and independent travel
see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Follow FCDO:  

Orientation briefing: Switzerland7 / 15

Recent security

Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.

No organised violence event recorded in the country over this period.

Orientation briefing: Switzerland8 / 15

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Switzerland

Terrorist attacks in Switzerland cannot be ruled out.

Crime

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

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pickpocketing. Be particularly alert at airports, railway stations and in crowded areas. Do not leave your valuables unattended.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Switzerland have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Face-covering ban

In Ticino and St Gallen, it’s illegal to cover your face in public, including for tourists. Do not wear balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask that hides your face. You could get a fine of 100 to 10,000 Swiss francs if you do not comply.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Hiking, mountaineering and extreme sports

Adventure sports can be risky. British nationals in the Swiss Alps have been involved in accidents and have been hospitalised or died.

Check the company you are using is well-established and that your travel insurance covers any specific activity.

For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (for example, off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping), you could get into difficulty and need emergency rescue. Your insurance should include:

mountain rescue services
helicopter costs
repatriation to your home country or transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment

See ‘Altitude sickness’ in Health.

Skiing and winter sports

Read FCDO advice about preparing for winter sports abroad. See the guidance on avalanches in ‘Extreme weather’.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Switzerland, see information on driving abroad and read the rules of the road in the RAC’s Switzerland guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

Road users must observe Switzerland’s traffic laws, including speed limits, rules on alcohol intake and child security. Traffic police strictly enforce these regulations. Any serious breach can result in heavy fines or imprisonment.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Switzerland. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

If you are visiting Switzerland, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.

Tolls

You must buy and display a vignette (sticker) to travel on Swiss motorways. You can buy one at most border crossings, petrol stations, post offices, by phone (+800 1002 0030) or buy a vignette online. If you do not have a vignette, you could get a large fine.

If you’re involved in a car accident, use the orange emergency phones to ask for help.

Road conditions

Roads outside urban areas are narrow and winding. Road conditions can deteriorate fast, even in summer, especially during heavy rainfall and snowfall at higher altitudes. Reduce your speed significantly to suit the conditions.

Alpine winters make driving difficult. Equip your car with winter tyres and snow-chains. Check road conditions before you depart. Carry water, food, warm clothing and medicines in your vehicle.

Find the latest information on road conditions using the Swiss government’s ‘Easy answers’ website.

Accessibility

The official Switzerland Tourism website has useful information for travellers in wheelchairs or with impaired mobility who are travelling in Switzerland.

Extreme weather and natural hazards

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Alpine conditions

Check weather forecasts and conditions and make sure you’re properly equipped for the worst-case scenario. Always carry a map, compass, GPS and fully charged mobile when travelling outside urban areas. Do not undertake any activity alone and consider hiring a guide for expert advice. Always leave copies of your itinerary with someone.

These alpine hazards exist throughout the year:

avalanches and snowdrifts
landslides and flooding
glacial crevasses and hollows
rockfalls
thunderstorms
altitude sickness
sun exposure
sudden weather changes

Avalanches

Avalanches are a risk, particularly during heavy snow. Off-piste skiing is very dangerous due to the risk of avalanches. Follow safety instructions and warnings. Consider carrying search equipment. Avalanche beepers (receivers) are the most common rescue devices and when properly used, are the fastest way of locating an avalanche victim.

Conditions on roads in mountainous areas can quickly become difficult in winter. Carry water, food, warm clothing and medicines in your vehicle.

Check the latest avalanche risk at the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology.

For more information, visit the official Switzerland Tourism website.

Wildfires

There is a heightened risk of wildfires in summer, especially after a period of drought.

Fires in mountainous areas can lead to rockfalls. Wildfires also cause travel disruption in wider areas.

Always check the bans on open fires for the area you’re visiting and:

leave no litter
make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
use only designated concrete-based barbecue areas and douse coals before you leave

Causing a forest fire in a place where there’s a ban is illegal, even if unintentional, and can lead to a fine of up to 20,000 Swiss francs.

If you see a wildfire, call the fire department on 118.

Orientation briefing: Switzerland9 / 15

Health

Health indicators

84.4yearsLife expectancy2024

3.9per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024

5per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023

4.48per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2022

100 %Basic drinking water access2024

Health risks and precautions (official advice)

Before you travel check that:

your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 or 144 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

check the latest vaccine recommendations for Switzerland
see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Switzerland, including:

biting insects and ticks, especially between April and October
tick-borne encephalitis

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Switzerland, including the ski and hiking areas around:

4 Vallées
Belalp-Blatten
Chandolin
Corvatsch
Engelberg-Titlis
Hohensaas
Lauchernalp
Matterhorn
Saas-Fee
St Moritz

Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Switzerland

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Switzerland where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Switzerland, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

how to apply for a GHIC
how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

changes to travel and accommodation bookings
additional standard costs for treatment
medical repatriation to the UK
treatment that is ruled non-urgent
private healthcare
private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Switzerland.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

Orientation briefing: Switzerland10 / 15

Entry and visas

Your nationality

For other nationalities:

Visa-free (68): Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela
Visa to apply for at the embassy before travel (103): Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)

Work visa and humanitarian permit

A tourist visa does not allow you to work: your organisation usually applies for a work or mission visa, with an invitation letter and the NGO's registration with the authorities.
It often takes several weeks: have a passport valid for at least 6 months, photos, diplomas, contract and international vaccination certificate ready.
United Nations staff travel on the laissez-passer with an official visa requested by the agency.

Detailed entry requirements (FCDO, for British travellers)

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Switzerland set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Swiss Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Switzerland follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Switzerland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

as a tourist
to visit family or friends
to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
for short-term studies or training

At passport control, use the ‘All passports’ lane.

The requirements for working in Switzerland are different.

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

At Swiss border control, you may also need to:

show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking or proof of address if visiting your own property
show proof of insurance for your trip
show a return or onward ticket
prove that you have enough money for your stay – around 100 Swiss francs a day

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the Swiss government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Swiss Embassy in the UK.

If you are in Switzerland with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

See entry processes if you live in Switzerland.

New Schengen entry requirements

The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. 

This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration. 

On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken. 

You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.

EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.

If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK. 

Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.

If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.

If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.

Vaccine requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Switzerland guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into and out of Switzerland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Orientation briefing: Switzerland11 / 15

Humanitarian coordination

Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.

Global directory of NGO forums (ICVA)

Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.

Orientation briefing: Switzerland12 / 15

Humanitarians on the ground

Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:

ONU · 23CICR · 17Fonds mondial · 14UNICEF · 11OIM · 6IMPACT · 5MSF · 3PNUD · 3UNESCO · 2PATH · 2Street Child · 1Medair · 1One Acre Fund · 1

See jobs in Switzerland Funding ↗Tenders ↗Train in field security

Orientation briefing: Switzerland13 / 15