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464 mi away
£1 CHF 1.06
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Weather & climate
Weather in Switzerland
Switzerland
14°
Thunderstorm
Mon
8°
14°
Tue
5°
11°
Wed
2°
15°
Thu
6°
11°
Fri
5°
8°
Sat
5°
9°
Sun
4°
11°
SPF level in Switzerland
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Switzerland
What British travellers need to know
You can stay visa-free in Switzerland for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, visiting, or short study.
Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before your arrival date and be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
You may need to show a hotel booking, travel insurance, a return ticket, and proof you have about 100 Swiss francs per day for your stay.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) may require you to register your fingerprints and photo on first entry and exit, which could take extra time at the border.
When returning to the UK, you must carry a valid British passport; certificates are not enough.
Your passport must be issued less than 10 years ago and have at least 3 months validity left after you plan to leave Switzerland.
Good to know:
Children aged 11 or younger are exempt from fingerprint scans under EES but may need to have their photo taken.
There are strict customs rules, and you must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Safety in Switzerland
Tips when travelling
Switzerland is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be particularly alert for petty theft, such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing, in larger cities, at Geneva airport, and on trains to and from Geneva.
Do not leave your valuables unattended, especially in crowded areas, airports, and railway stations.
Never cover your face in public in Ticino and St Gallen, as wearing balaclavas, full veils, or masks can result in a fine of 100 to 10,000 Swiss francs.
Possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties such as long jail sentences and heavy fines.
For adventure sports like skiing, mountaineering, or paragliding, ensure your travel insurance specifically covers mountain rescue services, helicopter costs, and repatriation.
Bonus tips:
You must buy and display a motorway vignette (sticker) for your vehicle, or you could face a large fine.
If you plan to drive, remember that roads outside urban areas are often narrow, winding, and can deteriorate quickly, so reduce your speed and equip your car with winter tyres and snow-chains in alpine areas.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Switzerland
A UK driving license is valid for tourist visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not always required.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Switzerland drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Switzerland
You should still obtain travel insurance, even if you have a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). These cards entitle you to state-provided medical treatment but may not cover all costs, including repatriation or specialist treatments. Ensure your insurance covers all planned activities.
No vaccinations required
Generally, Switzerland has high standards of healthcare. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it is always advisable to consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions before travel. Drink tap water, as it is safe.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted in Switzerland, especially in larger establishments and tourist areas, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller businesses or more remote locations.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Switzerland
In Switzerland, service charges are usually included in the bill at restaurants, bars, and for other services. However, it is still customary to round up or add a small tip for good service.
Restaurant
Round up the bill or add 2-5% for good service.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or add a small amount for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare or add 5-10% for good service.
Hotel Porter
1-2 CHF per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 CHF per day, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
5-10 CHF per person for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU 'Roam Like At Home' regulations no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for their roaming charges in Switzerland. Switzerland is not part of the EU. Roaming charges with a UK provider can be expensive. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 20 CHF (~£18)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Switzerland
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type J
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Good, especially in urban areas, hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
Average speed
50 Mbps
WiFi is widely available in Switzerland, particularly in hotels, restaurants and cafes. Mobile data speeds are good too, and you can purchase a local SIM for reasonable prices with data options.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
117
Ambulance
144
Fire
118
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Switzerland
Country code
+41
To call a number in Bern, which starts with 031, you would dial 00 41 31 [local number].
To call the UK from Switzerland, dial 00 44 followed by the UK number (without the leading zero).
Languages in Switzerland
UK Embassy
British Embassy Berne
Thunstrasse 50, 3005 Berne, Switzerland
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
20 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Long-term residents of Schengen countries are now exempt from EES registration in all Schengen countries.
- You now need to allow more time for immigration controls both on entry to and when departing the Schengen area due to EES.
Border procedures
- The previous note reminding travellers to get their passport stamped on entry and exit has been removed, as EES is replacing manual stamping.
Airports in Switzerland
Beaches in Switzerland
Frequently asked questions
No, British citizens do not need a visa for tourist travel to Switzerland for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
The best time to visit Switzerland depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) is ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, while winter (December to February) is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Yes, tap water in Switzerland is of very high quality and is safe to drink throughout the country. You can also fill up your water bottle from many public fountains.
Switzerland is generally a safe country, but be aware of common tourist scams like fake police officers asking for money, overpriced souvenirs, and pickpocketing in crowded areas. Always be mindful of your belongings, especially train stations and tourist hotspots.
The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. It's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets.
The Swiss are known for their punctuality and politeness. Being on time for appointments and respecting personal space are important. It's customary to greet people with a handshake. When hiking, it's essential to stick to marked trails and respect wildlife.
Switzerland has an excellent and efficient public transport system, including trains, buses, and trams. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on the network and is a convenient option for tourists. Services are reliable and punctual.
In Switzerland, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. A motorway vignette (toll sticker) is required to use the motorways. Speed limits are strictly enforced, and winter tires are often necessary during the colder months. Always carry your driving license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.