Switzerland Travel Advice

• There have been reported cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) in Switzerland. Enhancing personal hygiene and wearing a face-mask can help to protect against Swine Flu. If you have symptoms, you are advised to stay home and avoid any travel until fully recovered.

• There is a general threat from terrorism in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Please be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

• There is a moderate danger of avalanches throughout the year in Switzerland's Alpine regions. You are advised to exercise due care and attention, and observe all written notices and warning instructions.

• You should be aware of the risks involved in the more hazardous sports activities such as canyoning or paragliding. You are advised to take note of weather forecasts and conditions, which can change by the minute in the mountains. You should be well equipped, not undertake the activity alone, and study the itinerary in addition to informing someone of your plans. Off-piste skiers should follow the advice given by local authorities and guides, ignoring such advice could put yourselves and other mountain users in danger.

• You are advised to beware of pickpockets when travelling on public transport and in crowded areas. Do not leave valuables unattended.

• You are advised that tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is common to Switzerland, especially in the summer months in forested areas. Tick borne encephalitis is a tick-borne viral infection of the central nervous system affecting humans and most other mammals. TBE is transmitted mainly through the saliva of an infected tick.

• You are advised that smoking in all public places (except in designated areas) is prohibited in the Canton of Berne. This applies to areas such as hotels, restaurants, and public places.

• You are advised that 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 or trunk of the car). 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 strictly 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/sticker large on the spot fines. Vignettes can be purchased at most border crossings, petrol stations, Swiss post offices, by phone and online. The price of a vignette is currently CHF 40.

• You are recommended to obtain a comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and ensure that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Alpine travellers are advised to take out supplementary insurance to cover extra medical costs such as emergency evacuation. You are advised to ensure coverage for sports activities such as skiing, potholing and mountaineering. Travel insurance must also include mountain rescue services and helicopter costs.