Switzerland travel guide for Canadians

Canadians do not need a visa for Switzerland for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Enter with a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay (check), and be ready to show proof of accommodation, funds and travel insurance if asked. From 2026, an ETIAS travel authorisation will be required for visa-free entry to the Schengen area; apply online before you fly (check).

Switzerland is part of the Schengen area. Canadians can enter without a visa for short stays, but border officers may ask for evidence of your return ticket, accommodation and enough money for your trip. Carry copies of your itinerary and insurance policy.

Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area (check). ETIAS, the European travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, is expected to be required from 2026; it is an online application, not a visa, and costs about €7 (check).

The Embassy of Canada to Switzerland is in Bern. It provides consular services for Canadians, including passport renewals and emergency assistance. For urgent help, call the embassy or the Global Affairs Canada 24/7 emergency line. See the embassy tool for current contacts and hours.

Switzerland is one of Europe's most expensive countries. Budget travellers can manage on about CHF 100–150 a day with hostels and supermarket meals; mid-range travellers should plan for CHF 200–300 a day including hotels and restaurant meals. In Canadian dollars, that is roughly CAD 150–450 per day, depending on the exchange rate (2026 estimate).

Accommodation is the biggest cost: a basic double room in a city runs CHF 120–200 a night, and mountain resorts cost more. Trains are efficient but pricey; a Swiss Travel Pass can save money if you plan several long journeys. Eating out adds up, so mix restaurants with Migros or Coop supermarkets for picnic supplies.

Direct flights connect Toronto and Montreal to Zurich and Geneva, about 8 hours non-stop. From Vancouver, expect 10–11 hours with a connection. Swiss, Air Canada and Edelweiss operate on these routes. Book early for summer and winter holidays; prices peak in July–August and December–March.

Switzerland uses type J sockets (three round pins) and type C (two round pins), with a standard voltage of 230 V and 50 Hz. Canadian devices run on 120 V, so bring a voltage converter for appliances that are not dual-voltage. Most phone chargers and laptops are dual-voltage and only need a plug adapter.

Service is included in hotel and restaurant bills, so tipping is not expected. For good service, round up the bill or leave a small amount, about 5–10%. Taxi drivers and hairdressers appreciate rounding up too. Tipping more is not necessary and can be seen as odd.

In an emergency, dial 112 for a general emergency, 117 for police, 144 for an ambulance, and 118 for the fire service. The Rega air rescue number is 1414. Save these in your phone. For consular help, contact the Canadian embassy in Bern.