Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Travelers from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Switzerland visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Other visitors may need to get a Schengen Visa. Check with the Swiss information portal for the latest visa regulations for Switzerland travel.

You can travel to Switzerland all year-round. Visit in winter (December–March) for skiing and snow sports, spring (April–June) for wildflowers and milder weather, summer (July–September) for hiking and lake activities, and fall (October–November) for stunning foliage and fewer crowds.

Switzerland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold with snowfall in the Alps, while summers are warm with temperatures around 64–86°F (18–30°C).

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Some places accept euros, but expect change in CHF. Credit cards are widely accepted but it’s good to carry some cash for small purchases - especially in the countryside.

Switzerland uses Type J power outlets with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. EU plugs work in Switzerland, but most travelers from other regions will need an adapter for their devices, including those coming from the US. Find more information on Switzerland's utilities here.

Tipping is not mandatory on your Switzerland trip, as service charges are included in the bill. However, rounding up to the nearest CHF 1–5 or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated.

ATMs are widely available throughout Switzerland in cities, airports, and towns. Major credit and debit cards are accepted, but check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.

Yes! Switzerland has some of the cleanest tap water in the world, sourced directly from nearby glaciers and mountain springs. You can safely drink tap water everywhere.

On a tour through Switzerland, pack according to the season. In winter, you'll want warm clothing, hats, gloves, and thick socks. Cover your extremities. In summer, waterproof jackets and breathable clothes. For the seasons in between, bring layers so you can adapt depending on the day. At any time of year you should bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the sun will burn you at high-altitude - even in the winter.

A minimum of 5–7 days allows you to explore major cities and the Alps. If you want to experience multiple regions, consider 10–14 days for a comprehensive Switzerland trip.

Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh, which is a direct descendant of the Latin spoken in the Roman Empire! Don't worry, this unique language is only spoken in one specific region, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip. Please ensure you add the details of your insurance to the MyTrafalgar portal.

Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events.

Book your travel insurance with Trafalgar's Travel Protection Plan, which includes the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Certificate Feature and the Travel Insurance Benefits that may help to protect your vacation payment against the unexpected.