What do you need if you travel to Switzerland?

ID and Passports
Vignette and Toll
Weather
Currency
Cheapest flights

ID and Passports

ID
Passport

Citizens from the following regions can enter Switzerland using just a national ID card:

  • European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries: This includes all EU countries plus Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.
  • Switzerland: Swiss citizens can also enter with their ID card.

Ensure your ID card is valid for the duration of your stay.

Most international travelers can enter Switzerland with a valid passport. Here's a general guide:

Visa-Free Entry

Travelers from many countries, including but not limited to:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Most EU countries

Can enter Switzerland without a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Visa Required

Citizens from countries not listed above might need to obtain a visa before traveling to Switzerland. Check the latest visa requirements based on your nationality.

Remember, your passport should typically be valid for at least three more months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

Toll Roads in Switzerland

Switzerland operates a vignette system for its motorways:

  • Vignette: A mandatory sticker (vignette) is required for all vehicles over 3.5 tons, and for cars and motorbikes over 750cc or 45 kW. It costs CHF 40 for a year or CHF 20 for a 10-day period.
  • Purchase: Available at border crossings, petrol stations, post offices, and online.
  • Validity: The annual vignette is valid from December 1st to January 31st of the following year.

Driving Tips:

  • Right-Hand Driving: Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Road Conditions: Excellent road infrastructure, but be aware of mountain passes which might require winter tires or chains in winter.
  • Speed Limits: Generally, 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways.
  • Winter Driving: Winter tires are mandatory from November to April on many mountain roads.

Weather in Switzerland

Overview

Switzerland's climate varies with altitude, but generally, it has a temperate climate:

Seasons

  • Summer (June to August): Warm, with temperatures often between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), cooler in the mountains.
  • Winter (December to February): Cold, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to -10°C (32°F to 14°F) in lower altitudes, much colder in the Alps.
  • Spring and Autumn: Transitional seasons with variable weather, expect rain and cooler temperatures.

Travel Tips

  • Clothing: Dress in layers, especially if visiting mountainous regions where weather can change quickly.
  • Weather Updates: Always check local forecasts, particularly if planning outdoor activities.

Currency in Switzerland

The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF).

Banknotes and Coins

Swiss Franc banknotes come in denominations of CHF 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 1000. Coins are available in CHF 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1, 2, and 5.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and some hotels. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, though carrying some cash is advisable, especially in rural areas or for small transactions.

Travel Tips

  • Card Payments: Inform your bank of your travel to avoid issues with your card.
  • ATMs: Known as 'Bancomats', they are widespread for cash withdrawals.
  • Tipping: While not mandatory, rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% for excellent service is common.

Cheapest flights

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