Traveler Toolkit
Switzerland Country Security Report
Switzerland Country Security Report
Published: July 1, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Switzerland Travel Advisory and Switzerland Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
Sulgeneckstrasse 19, 3007 Bern.
Embassy Bern Switchboard: +(41) 31-357-7011
Regional Security Office: +(41) 31-357-7296.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 0830-1230 and 1330-1730.
There are two part-time consular agencies in Switzerland. They provide limited services to U.S. citizens by appointment only.
Geneva America Center, Rue Francois-Versonnex 7, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 3259, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
Zurich America Center, Dufourstrasse 101, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 3259, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The Switzerland Country Chapter is active.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Switzerland Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bern as being a LOW-threat location and Geneva as a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Switzerland.
The crime emergency line in Switzerland is 117. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Bern has low crime rates, while the larger cities of Zürich, Geneva, and Basel have slightly higher crime rates. Geneva experiences some of Switzerland’s highest levels of crime, including residential burglaries, vehicle thefts (two and four wheeled vehicles), cell phone thefts, cybercrime and scams, and petty theft.
According to Swiss police crime statistics, in 2025 (most recent), overall crime decreased by about 2% from 2024; property offenses dropped by 3.5%, the primary driver of this decrease. Serious violent crimes, including sexual assaults, rose about 4% from 2024, and homicides rose 8% to 55 recorded incidents. Regardless of these moderate changes in year-over-year crime rates, the number of criminal incidents and violent crimes reported across Switzerland’s 26 cantons remain low when compared to cities of similar size and demographics across Europe.
While violent crime against foreign visitors is rare, petty crime is more common. The most common types of criminal activity include shoplifting, pickpocketing, petty theft, and larceny. These crimes are particularly prevalent in transportation hubs (e.g., train and tram stations, airports, bus stops) and tourist areas. Exercise good situational awareness and take commonsense precautions with belongings when out in public, especially in larger cities, to mitigate risk.
Crime: Areas of Concern
The following areas experience higher levels of criminal activity within Switzerland.
- Transportation hubs
- Areas of high tourism
- In Geneva: Lake Geneva Promenade, areas around the Jardin Anglais/Mont Blanc Bridge; Les Paquis district; Plainpalais; areas around Gare Cornavin train station.
- In Bern: Reithalle Cultural Center. Reithalle is considered an autonomous area with limited enforcement from local police. Bernese police consider the Reithalle and the surrounding area a hot spot for crime, including drug consumption and distribution.
Visitors to congested and popular tourist areas (e.g., museums, monuments, train stations, airports, and subways) should be particularly attentive to their surroundings. Be alert to criminal schemes. Organized groups of pickpockets operate at major tourist sites and when conferences, festivals, shows, or exhibitions occur. Thieves frequently work in pairs. For example, one member of the pair creates a disturbance while the other steals your belongings.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Switzerland.
Since 2010, Swiss police have developed a rapid and comprehensive alarm system, using electronic road signs, text alerts, and radio/television airtime in cases that involve a suspected kidnapping or threat to the life of a minor. This system functions much like the Amber Alert System in the United States.
Cantons, which have almost autonomous authority in such cases, are normally cooperative and responsive. Challenges have sometimes arisen when cantonal courts and child welfare agencies ruled in support of the Swiss parent in parental abduction cases.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State assesses Bern as being a LOW-threat and Geneva as being LOW-threat location for terrorism.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Switzerland.
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad and may attack with little or no warning. They may target high-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.); hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists; places of worship; schools; parks; tourism infrastructure; shopping malls and markets; and public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights).
Extremists have long viewed Switzerland as a place for planning, funding, and providing logistical support for terrorist operations, but the country has not experienced major terrorist attacks that have stricken other Western European nations. The Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) assesses that the terrorist threat in Switzerland became more pronounced in 2024, emanating primarily from the jihadist movement, particularly ISIS sympathizers and people inspired by jihadist propaganda. Spontaneous acts of violence from jihadist-inspired individuals using everyday items, such as knives and vehicles, is the most likely terrorist threat in Switzerland. There is a general risk of terrorist attacks triggered by desecrations of Koran in Europe, which has resulted in subsequent calls to violence from both ISIS and al-Qa‘ida. According to the FIS, both groups are reliant on the supporters in Europe to take up calls to violence. In contrast, the FIS assesses that ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) can use its networks in Europe to conduct small-scale attacks in Europe.
Individuals acting autonomously and who have no direct links to ISIS or al-Qa‘ida remain the main threat actors. FIS has identified self-radicalized teenagers as the most significant terrorist threat. Lone-actor perpetrators pose a serious risk due to their ability to remain undetected, at times, until operational; their willingness to attack civilians and soft targets; their ability to inflict significant casualties with weapons that do not require specialized knowledge, access, or training; and their unpredictability. In March 2024, a radicalized teenager in Zurich attacked an Orthodox Jew with a knife, and in May 2026, a 31-year-old Swiss national carried out a stabbing attack at the Winterthur railway station, injuring three people. Federal prosecutors and government officials declared both events suspected terrorist acts by lone actors.
The FIS also assesses the threat from left-wing and right-wing violent extremist groups is at a heightened level. Left-wing extremists have historically demonstrated a greater propensity toward violence in Switzerland. In Switzerland, violent left-wing extremists organize demonstrations, deliberately damage property, carry out arson attacks, set off improvised explosive devices, and use physical violence. The targets of physical attacks are primarily individuals perceived to be right-wing extremists or, at demonstrations, the security forces.
According to the FIS, violent left-wing extremists are expected to remain largely committed to the anti-fascism and the Kurdish cause, carrying out demonstrations and causing damage to property will remain their primary forms of action. Direct violence against individuals, especially against people belonging to the right-wing extremist circles or against security force personnel, is also expected to increase.
The FIS also assesses that some right-wing groups will continue to take a public stand on political issues and will resort to violence to protect themselves. Right-wing activists have targeted refugees, asylum seekers, and foreigners. The FIS, in conjunction with the police, cantonal authorities, and the Federal Office of Police are taking measures to detect and prevent such activities, including banning the entry of individuals known to be members of such groups and event bans.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State assesses Bern being a LOW-threat and Geneva as being LOW-threat location for civil unrest.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Switzerland. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Switzerland is a politically stable country. With the exception of demonstration information below, there is little to no political violence.
The Swiss Confederation is a constitutional republic with a federal structure. Legislative authority resides in a bicameral parliament (Federal Assembly) consisting of the 46-member Council of States and the 200-member National Council. Switzerland elects its parliamentary representatives every four years; the last parliamentary elections occurred in October 2023, and the next elections are scheduled for 2027.
Protests & Demonstrations
Switzerland regularly experiences demonstrations, occasionally sparked by U.S. foreign policy and/or global trade issues. Demonstrations are usually peaceful, but protestors will occasionally block traffic, spray graffiti, burn effigies, and clash with police.
As home to the United Nations, Geneva attracts and welcomes political expression. Peaceful demonstrations and protests take place daily in Place des Nations adjacent to the United Nations. Marches (corteges) for political protests, cultural celebrations, union strikes, and sporting events also take in downtown Geneva on both sides of Lake Geneva. All large gatherings must be authorized and permitted by the police. Rarely do protests turn violent; however, police have demonstrated a willingness to use tear gas, water cannons, and other crowd control measures to prevent disruption to national and international train service and to prevent major property destruction. In June 2026, Swiss NoG7 organizers obtained permission to hold anti-G7 protests related to the G7 Summit in Evian, France. Approximately 20,000 NoG7 protesters and Greve des femmes (the annual women’s strike) activists peacefully demonstrated in downtown Geneva. However, a group of about 600 “Black Bloc” anarchists interspersed throughout the crowd caused minor property damage to banks and other “symbols of wealth” along the parade route. Once the authorized protest disbanded, 100-200 protesters continued to violently clash with the police throughout the night. These types of demonstrations have also taken place elsewhere in Switzerland.
In May 2024, approximately 200 pro-Palestine protesters marched to the U.S. Embassy after being evicted from Bern University for occupying the campus for three days. In February 2025, a pro-Ukraine protest took place in Bern with some anti-U.S. messaging.
Monitor media and local information sources as well as Embassy Bern’s safety and security webpage, and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
While there is no widespread anti-U.S. sentiment in Switzerland, the global call for self-radicalization, whether disseminated on extremist forums or via social media, continues.
Law Enforcement
The Swiss Federal Police maintains advisory and coordination roles, while cantonal police forces serve as the operational branch. Each of Switzerland’s 26 cantons maintain police forces with patrol and investigative capabilities, who report to cantonal authorities. The Swiss Army is a defense force and generally does not operate outside the country. Federal Police report to the Federal Department of Justice and Police, while the army reports to the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection, and Sport. For local first responders, refer to the U.S. Embassy Bern website.
Police Response
Police are highly professional, but response to requests for assistance may be delayed due to the limited availability of bilingual police officers or based on the severity of the incident (e.g., severe injuries, weapons involved).
The police emergency line in Switzerland is 117. U.S. citizens in need of urgent, non-emergency assistance may contact the U.S. Embassy in Bern.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Switzerland offers a well-maintained network of roads. Switzerland has four official languages; travelers should prepare for the signage to change languages throughout the country. Swiss highways are toll roads; drivers must purchase a vignette sticker, which drivers affix to the inside of the windshield, or e-vignette to use the highway system. Vignettes are available for purchase at gas stations, post offices, or any manned vehicle border crossing. E-vignettes can be purchased online; use only the official Swiss government portal to purchase the e-vignette.
The minimum driving age is 18. Authorities enforce traffic laws strictly; police can impose on-the-spot fines, which, for grievous violations, can reach up to 10% of the driver’s annual salary. Drivers must keep headlights on at all times. Vehicles must carry third-party liability insurance. All occupants must wear safety belts. Emergency vehicles and trams always have the right of way even in crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at striped crosswalks and shared zones (30 km/h residential zones). Right-of-way rules differ from those in the United States. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, drivers entering intersections from the right have priority over those on the left, even when entering relatively large boulevards from small side streets. Turning right on red is illegal.
Local police have the right to perform on-the-spot breathalyzer tests; the BAC limit is .05 grams/liter (approximately one beer). Police will levy a fine on drivers who have a BAC between .50-.79 g/l and may take them to jail. Police could fine and arrest drivers with BAC higher than .80 g/l, as well as confiscating their Swiss driver's license for a minimum of three months.
Comply with imposed safety restrictions (e.g., maintaining proper distance between vehicles and proper speed). The maximum speed limit (if not posted) is 120 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on open road, 50 km/h in town, and 30 km/h in residential areas.
Speeding fines vary between 20 and 300 Swiss Francs. If you exceed the speed limit significantly or engage in reckless driving the traffic violation can be referred to the public prosecutor. Public prosecutors commonly impose monetary deposit/bail on foreign visitors, which can be over 1,000 Swiss Francs. Please note that a traffic violation that is referred to the prosecutor will incur significant cost in addition to the actual fine.
In alpine areas roads may become dangerous due to snowfall, ice, or avalanches. Some mountain roads may close for extended periods. In some mountain areas, vehicle snow chains are required in the winter.
In the event of a minor traffic accident, turn on hazard lights, set up a warning triangle, and put on a high visibility (yellow neon) vest. Move vehicles out of traffic if safe to do so. Take photos, exchange driver information, and use the European Accident Statement to document the accident. Do not call the police for minor accidents where both parties agree who is at fault. Calling the police is required for accidents involving injuries or property damage, if both parties do not agree on who caused the accident, a driver refuses to provide identification or insurance details, the accident results in hazardous road conditions, or the accident involves a parked car and the owner is not present. In these situations, call the police immediately at 117. Call 118 for the fire department and 144 for medical/ambulance services.
Due to limited resources, police prioritize response to incidents that involve injuries.
As a training tool, visitors can test their knowledge of Swiss regulations for drivers and cyclists online.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Public transportation throughout Switzerland is safe and reliable. Be aware of pickpockets and do not leave bags unattended. Most reported thefts occur on public buses, trams and trains, and at major railway stations. The SBB IC trains running from Bern to Zürich and Bern to Geneva are frequent targets for luggage and electronic device thefts.
If buying paper bus or tram tickets, some Swiss cities require travelers to validate them by punching them in validating machines prior to boarding; find machines near the entrance of tram and bus stops. Travelers must have a valid ticket prior to boarding. With rare exceptions, paper tickets cannot be bought on the train, bus, or tram. Tickets for Swiss Federal Railways may also be purchased online with the SBB Mobile app and a number of local public transportation providers have their own apps. Failure to purchase a ticket usually results in a heavy on-the-spot fine by an inspector.
Aviation Concerns
Security measures are on par with U.S. airports. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assessed the government of Switzerland’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Switzerland’s air carrier operations.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
Switzerland is a landlocked country and does not have any maritime transportation. However, Switzerland’s largest lakes have boat and ferry commuter shuttles.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Switzerland, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Switzerland.
The law provides criminal penalties for conviction of corruption by officials, and the government generally implements the law effectively.
Health Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Switzerland. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
Mountain rescues can be extremely expensive. Maintain sufficient insurance coverage that includes coverage for mountain search and rescue. The non-profit foundation Swiss Air Rescue Organization (REGA) offers a membership that waives the costs of rescue missions; many Swiss citizens are members, and U.S. citizens can join as well.
The medical emergency line in Switzerland is 144. If you suspect a heart attack, explicitly request cardiac assistance. Ambulance crews can include a cardiologist or stroke unit as needed and available. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is common. Travelers planning outdoor or high-risk activities (camping, hiking, adventure travel) should take precautions.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Swiss Federal Customs Administration to ensure the medication is legal in Switzerland. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
Over-the-counter medicine is available at pharmacies and a pharmacist is on call 24/7. Information regarding the pharmacy and pharmacist on duty in your area can be obtained over the medical emergency telephone line by dialing 144.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
The water in Switzerland meets high-quality standards and is safe to drink.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Switzerland.
Switzerland is a leader in response to natural and human-influenced disasters. In the event of a natural disaster, the commune or the canton takes charge and manages assistance from fire, police, sanitary, and other civil-protection authorities. In case of extreme weather or serious earthquakes, the national alarm center is responsible for sending the alerts of the Swiss Meteorological Office or the Swiss Seismological Service to the affected cantons, the military, the Federal Police, and all other concerned parties. Resources are limited, however, and if multiple locations succumb to a disaster, a single canton may request assistance from neighboring cantons. Earthquakes and floods have occurred in Bern, Valais and Fribourg cantons. Download the AlertSwiss app for real-time information.
Switzerland is a popular destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts, including skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing. Alpine hazards such as avalanches and snowdrifts, landslides and flooding, glacial crevasses, falling rocks, sun exposure, and sudden weather changes are common year-round. Although safety standards are excellent, be aware that public safety warnings are not comparable to those found in the United States. While hiking paths and ski slopes are clearly marked, not all possibly hazardous situations will have clear warning signs. Use common sense and caution when enjoying the outdoors. Stay on designated paths or slopes, follow the advice given by local authorities and guides, take note of weather forecasts and conditions, stay in a team of at least two when participating in mountain activities, and inform someone of your plans and anticipated time of return.
Cybersecurity
Switzerland ranked 9th in Europe and 22nd in the world for frequency of cyberattacks in 2025. Like many other nations, Switzerland has experienced a range of cyber threats, including phishing scams, malware attacks, and data breaches, but in 2025 the FIS assessed that the increasing intensity of ransomware attacks was the primary factor shaping cybersecurity in Switzerland. Ransomware remains the single largest operational digital risk for Swiss firms, with at least 52% of all attacks driven by financial extortion. In the latter half of 2025 alone, 57 major ransomware events were officially documented. In June of 2025, the Swiss government suffered a significant third-party data leak when a health foundation supporting multiple federal administrations was targeted by the Sarcoma ransomware group. Attackers stole and subsequently leaked 1.3 TB of sensitive scanned documents, contracts, and financial records onto the dark web. Federal administration systems themselves were not directly penetrated.
Fraud, phishing and spam are some of the other common cyber incidents in Switzerland. Cybercrime incidents are very sophisticated; the grammar and spelling in phishing attempts and fraudulent e-mails are of a higher standard than they once were, and the layout and design are of a better quality. This makes it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and fake content. The use of fraudulent QR codes for payment of parking and small independent electric vehicle charging stations has increased. Cyber scam calls and messages are common, particularly throughout the French-speaking areas of Switzerland.
Switzerland has very stringent laws protecting personal privacy. However, travelers should always use good security practices when communicating on mobile devices or other electronic media. Protect devices and personal information to avoid potential exploitation.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
Historically, Switzerland has always been a hub for foreign intelligence services, due to its neutrality and location in the center of Europe. According to the FIS, the threat posed to Switzerland by espionage remains high, stemming mainly from state actors and, in particular, from Russia and China’s intelligence services.
Of the approximately 220 individuals accredited to the Russian diplomatic and consular missions in Geneva and Bern as diplomatic or technical/administrative personnel, it is highly likely that at least one third are working for the Russian intelligence services. According to the FIS, China also has dozens of intelligence officers working under diplomatic or consular cover in Switzerland. However, it has far fewer officers than Russia, even though China employs more staff in its diplomatic and consular missions. It is highly likely that the Chinese intelligence services make greater use of non-diplomatic cover more than Russian services do, with their personnel mainly working undercover as scientists, journalists, or business people.
The FIS has warned that foreign spies have shifted intense focus toward Switzerland’s technological innovation sectors. State actors are actively targeting proprietary research to gain industrial and military advantages, and Geneva remains Europe's primary hotspot for illegal intelligence gathering. Other cities in Switzerland, such as Bern and Zürich are also vulnerable for such activities. These locations are attractive operational bases due to their banking services, high-tech industry, NGOs, universities and private companies, as well as international organizational headquarters (e.g., UN, WTO, WHO, Red Cross).
Individuals should practice good operational security, especially in hotels. This includes not leaving important or sensitive documents in hotel rooms or safes. The same is true for personal and company-owned electronics. Avoid using unsecured, public Wi-Fi and, when necessary, use a VPN. Generally, conducting sensitive business or transactions “over the air” as opposed to on Wi-Fi is more secure. When possible, avoid having sensitive conversations in public spaces, including public transit.
Import/Export Restrictions
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Swiss Federal Customs Administration to ensure the medication is legal in Switzerland. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
There are no restrictions on satellite phones in Switzerland.
The import, transit, and possession of laser pointers, including those integrated into presentation tools such as slide clickers or remotes, is illegal in Switzerland with the exception of Class 1 laser pointers, which must clearly display the Class 1 certification label.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.