Switzerland travel guide for Britons

Do Britons need a visa for Switzerland? No. As a UK citizen, you can enter Switzerland without a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to the whole Schengen area, which includes Switzerland.

From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before you fly. ETIAS is not a visa; it is an online application that takes about 20 minutes and costs around €7. You must apply before departure, and it is valid for multiple entries over three years. Check the official ETIAS website for the exact start date and requirements.

You do not need a visa for short stays, but you must meet the entry conditions: a valid passport, proof of your travel purpose, and evidence you can support yourself and leave Switzerland. Border officials may ask for return tickets and accommodation details.

For stays longer than 90 days, such as work, study or residence, you need a national visa or permit. Apply at the Swiss embassy or consulate in the UK before you travel. The 90-day limit applies to the whole Schengen area, so days spent in France or Italy count against it.

The British Embassy in Bern is the main point of contact for UK citizens in Switzerland. It provides consular services, including passport replacements and emergency assistance. For non‑urgent queries, use the UK government's online contact form.

If you need urgent help while in Switzerland, call the embassy's 24‑hour line. For lost passports or emergencies, the embassy can issue an emergency travel document. The embassy is in Bern, the capital, but consular services are also available in Zurich and Geneva for some matters.

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. A budget traveller can expect to spend around £80–£120 per day, including a hostel dorm, self‑catering meals and local transport. A mid‑range hotel and restaurant meals will push that to £200–£300 per day.

The Swiss franc (CHF) is the local currency. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including at mountain cable cars and small shops, so you rarely need much cash. ATMs are common, but check your bank's foreign transaction fees. Prices in tourist areas like Zermatt and Interlaken are higher than in cities like Bern or Zurich.

Direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted) to Zurich or Geneva take about 1.5–2 hours. British Airways, Swiss, easyJet and Ryanair operate routes. From other UK cities like Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh, you may find direct flights to Zurich or Geneva, or connect via London or a European hub.

Zurich Airport is about 10 minutes by train from the city centre; Geneva Airport is about 6 minutes. Both have direct rail links to the city and onward to the rest of Switzerland. Book flights early for the best prices, especially in summer and ski season.

Switzerland uses type J plugs (three round pins in a line) and type C (two round pins). The voltage is 230 V, 50 Hz, the same as the UK, so your devices will work with a simple adaptor. UK plugs (type G) do not fit Swiss sockets, so bring a travel adaptor.

Type C plugs (common in Europe) fit type J sockets, but type J sockets are recessed, so a type C plug may not sit flush. A universal adaptor is the safest bet. Most hotels have UK‑compatible sockets in bathrooms for shavers, but not for general use.

Service is included in the bill in Switzerland, so tipping is not expected. In restaurants, a service charge is usually added, but you can round up the bill or leave a small tip for good service. In taxis, rounding up to the nearest franc is common.

In hotels, a service charge is included, but you can leave a small tip for housekeeping or porters if you wish. Tipping is not required in bars or cafés, but rounding up is appreciated. In general, tipping is a gesture of thanks, not an obligation.

In an emergency in Switzerland, dial 112 for the general European emergency number, 117 for police, 144 for ambulance, and 118 for fire. The Rega air rescue service is at 1414. Operators speak English and other languages.

For non‑urgent medical issues, you can visit a pharmacy (Apotheke) or a walk‑in clinic. Pharmacies are open during business hours and some are open late in cities. Your UK EHIC or GHIC card is no longer valid in Switzerland, so you need travel insurance that covers medical treatment.