Published: March 7, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Switzerland Travel Advisory and Switzerland Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Bern
Sulgeneckstrasse 19, 3007 Bern.
Duty Officer: +(41) 78-966-5863. After-hours emergency: +(41) 31-357-7011
Consular issues: +(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.
U.S. Consular Agency Geneva
Geneva America Center, Rue Francois-Versonnex 7, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 3259, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
U.S. Consular Agency Zurich
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.
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.
Bern has low crime rates, while the larger cities of Zürich, Geneva, and Basel have slightly higher crime rates.
According to Swiss police crime statistics, in 2023 (most recent), overall crime increased by 14% from 2022, mainly attributed to an increase in property offenses, which rose for the second year in a row. Serious violent crime also increased by more than 5.9% compared with the previous year. Cases of sexual violence decreased overall compared to 2022. Find complete 2023 crime statistics (most recent) on the Swiss Government’s Federal Statistical Office website. Regardless, the number of criminal incidents and violent crimes reported across Switzerland’s 26 cantons are 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, pocket picking, 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.
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 area; Plain palais area
- 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 pick-pockets 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.
Report crimes to the local police at 117.
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.
The 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.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State assesses Bern being a LOW-threat and Geneva as being MEDIUM-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 had long avoided the 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 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. 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. This threat was most acute in March 2024, when a radicalized teenager in Zurich attacked an Orthodox Jew with a knife.
Attacks on soft targets such as transport facilities or gatherings of people remain the most likely scenario. In recent years, it has been difficult to determine the motivation of the perpetrators in every case, because it is increasingly likely that individuals who perpetrate acts of violence, though inspired by jihadist ideology, will be led to do so because of psychological or other personal problems. For example, in May 2024 there was an attempted arson attack at a Zurich synagogue near where the knife attack took place in March. There were also several Jewish individuals who were verbally and physically attacked in the vicinity of the synagogue over a week-long period in December. In both instances, police indicated the suspects suffered from mental-health issues and ruled out terrorism as a motive.
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.
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.
In the city of Bern, violent left-wing extremists have revived the “anti-fascist march,” where after years without demonstrations of this kind, they assembled approximately 1,700 people and caused property damage estimated at around 10,000 francs. These types of demonstrations have also taken place elsewhere in Switzerland. Police will deploy tear gas and water cannons to maintain order, if necessary.
Since January 2024, there has been small, weekly pro-Palestine protests across from the U.S. Embassy in Bern. The protests are almost always peaceful. 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.
The activities of COVID extremists and animal rights extremists are currently included in the umbrella term “violent single-issue extremism.” According to the FIS, after the measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted completely in February 2022, there was a sharp fall in the activities of violent COVID extremists; however, a hardcore faction remains active – primarily online – and has turned its attention to a broader range of issues, such as Russia’s war against Ukraine, the World Health Organization, and, notably, the World Economic Forum.
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.
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.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Switzerland, review the local laws and circumstances on the 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.
Cybersecurity
Globally, cybersecurity is an increasing concern due to the prevalence of digital infrastructure in both public and private sectors. Switzerland, like many other nations, has experienced a range of cyber threats, including phishing scams, malware attacks, and data breaches. The FIS assesses that the Russia-Ukraine war and the increasing intensity of ransomware attacks are the primary factors shaping cybersecurity in Switzerland. The most tangible threat in Switzerland stems from financially motivated cyber actors operating criminally and opportunistically. In its 2024 Security Assessment, the FIS noted the emergence of highly professional groups that make malware and attack techniques available to third parties.
The FIS also assesses that “hacktivist” campaigns of groups sympathetic to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East will continue to carry out attacks. In 2024, various Swiss companies and government agencies were subject to distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) cyberattacks during the Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort. Attacks by these groups are primarily aimed at gaining public attention and cause minimal damage. In 2023, a private company that contracted with the Swiss government was subject to a ransomware attack, resulting in the leak of 65,000 Swiss government files, including those related to security measures for the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Ambassador.
Fraud, phishing, spam, and hacking are some of the more common cyber incidents in Switzerland. Cybercrime incidents have become increasingly professional; 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.
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.
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.
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.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
