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TRAVEL REPORTS:
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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: August 16, 2006 16:25 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:16 EST

Switzerland
1.
 INTRODUCTION
2. ATTENTION
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
4. LOCAL TRAVEL
5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9. MONEY
10. GENERAL INFORMATION
11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13. RETURNING TO CANADA
14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15. TRAVEL TIPS
16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
18. ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

A minor editorial change has been made in section 13 of this Travel Report.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Most Canadian visitors to Switzerland do not experience problems. There are no serious safety or security concerns. However, thefts are becoming more frequent in restaurants, on the street, at ATMs, and on public transportation, especially in the Geneva area. Thieves often operate in tandem, with one distracting the traveller while another snatches any valuables. Pickpocketing and purse snatching occur in public areas, including, airports, parks, and train and bus stations. Travellers should exercise caution on trains, especially on overnight trips to neighbouring countries. Do not leave anything on car seats. Never leave bags containing money, airline tickets, credit cards, or passports in the trunk of a parked car. Thefts frequently occur as a result. The emergency number for police is 117, ambulance 144, and roadside assistance 140.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Mountaineers and skiers should note that mountain rescue is expensive and often not included in standard travel insurance. Special insurance should be purchased to cover the prohibitive costs of search-and-rescue and evacuation operations by helicopter. For high-altitude mountaineering and ski touring, travellers should hire a professional guide. Avalanches are a danger. Special avalanche beacons can be purchased or rented to help locate buried victims. Do not venture off established trails, especially in early and late winter. Avoid hiking alone. If you do, tell a friend, relative, or somebody where you are lodging: a) where you are going; b) what your planned route is; and c) when you expect to be back.

Although many roads are mountainous and winding, road conditions and safety standards are very good. In some mountain areas, vehicle snow chains are required in winter. Highway travel requires the purchase of a sticker ("vignette"), which must be affixed to the car's windshield. Vignettes can be purchased at most border crossing points and at post offices. Drivers using the highway system without a vignette are subject to hefty fines levied on the spot. Public transportation is excellent.

Travellers with a valid Canadian driver's licence can drive in Switzerland but are advised to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to meet the requirements of some car rental agencies.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Avalanches present a risk. The weather in mountainous areas can be unpredictable. If you are planning a mountaineering or skiing holiday, you are advised to visit the Web site of Switzerland Tourism for information on weather and safety conditions. Advice should be followed carefully. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Canadian Embassy in Bern (see below) in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Switzerland are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Switzerland to request to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Swiss authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Canadians with dual nationality or who are eligible for Swiss citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Swiss law. Holding dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should check their status at a Swiss Embassy or Consulate.

Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or jail sentences, and driving licences may be confiscated immediately.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Switzerland - BERN, Embassy of Canada
Address: Kirchenfeldstrasse 88, CH-3005 Bern, Switzerland
Postal Address: P.O. Box 234, CH-3000 Bern 6, Switzerland
Tel.: 41 (31) 357 3200
Fax: 41 (31) 357 3210
E-mail: bern@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.bern.gc.ca

The consular section of the Permanent Mission of Canada to the Office of the United Nations has consular responsibility for Canadians in the canton of Geneva. The address is as follows:

Switzerland - GENEVA, Permanent Mission of Canada to the Office of the United Nations
Address: 5, avenue de l'Ariana, CH-1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel.: 41 (22) 919-92-00
Fax: 41 (22) 919-92-33
E-mail: genev@international.gc.ca
Internet: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canada_un/geneva/

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Bern or, if you are in the canton of Geneva, the Permanent Mission, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 00 800 2326-6831 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Switzerland is 0-800-55-8330, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
 
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Switzerland. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Required for remunerated activity
Student Visa: Required

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of Switzerland and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). Switzerland is not a member of the European Union and did not adopt the euro (EUR) in January 2002. However, a growing number of Swiss shops and facilities accept euros as a means of payment, although change is returned in Swiss francs. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Switzerland (capital: Bern) is located in Western Europe, bordering Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy, and France. Tourist facilities are widespread and excellent. German, French, Italian and Romansh are the national languages. English is widely understood.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.



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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Good medical care is widely available. Immediate cash payment is often expected. Medical and hospitalization costs are considerably more expensive in Switzerland than in Canada.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Adoption by foreigners is almost impossible in Switzerland.

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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Last Updated:
2006-08-16

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