Switzerland

Recommended Vaccinations For Switzerland

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in the regions in the central and north-eastern cantons including Thurgau, Nidwalden, Uri, Aargau, Zurich, Lucerne, Appenzell Innerrhoden, and Schaffhausen or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Recommended Medications For Switzerland

There are no recommendations for Switzerland at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Switzerland

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a low risk of hepatitis A in this country.

Hepatitis B

There is a low risk of hepatitis B in this country.

For Some Travellers

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in all areas of this country. The main affected areas are in the central and north-eastern cantons including Thurgau, Nidwalden, Uri, Aargau, Zurich, Lucerne, Appenzell Innerrhoden, and Schaffhausen. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Rabies

Rabies has not been reported in Switzerland and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.

Safety & Security in Switzerland

Personal Safety

Switzerland ranks among the safest countries globally. Police recorded 563,633 criminal offences in 2024, marking an 8 percent increase from the previous year. Digital crime has more than doubled since 2020, with phishing and identity theft cases seeing sharp increases. Serious violent offences jumped by 19.4 percent between 2023 and 2024, including a 29.4 percent rise in rape cases. Despite these increases, serious bodily harm and rape remain relatively uncommon compared to many countries. The homicide rate stands at approximately 0.54 per 100,000 people, one of the lowest worldwide. Property offences continue to rise, with burglaries reaching 35,732 cases in 2022. Around 40,000 bicycles are stolen annually. Pickpocketing and theft occur mainly in tourist areas and crowded spaces. You face minimal violent crime risk in most circumstances. The terrorism threat remains elevated, particularly regarding jihad-inspired individuals and risks to Jewish and Israeli interests. Terrorist investigations have doubled since 2022. The 2024 security report notes increased radicalisation among minors, happening rapidly through online channels.

Extreme Violence

Extreme violence remains rare in Switzerland. The 2019 homicide rate of 0.54 per 100,000 population places Switzerland among the world’s safest nations. That year saw 46 completed homicides and 161 attempted murders. Most homicides involve bladed weapons rather than firearms. Domestic violence accounts for a significant portion of cases, with 63 percent of completed homicides and 31 percent of attempted homicides classified as domestic. The terrorism threat has become more pronounced since 2024. Active terrorism investigations doubled between 2022 and 2025. In March 2024, a 15-year-old stabbed an Orthodox Jewish man in Zurich after allegedly swearing allegiance to Islamic State. Jewish and Israeli interests remain at heightened risk. Violent right-wing and left-wing extremist groups continue their activities, with both threats stabilised at heightened levels. Radicalisation of minors has increased, particularly regarding jihadism and right-wing extremism. This happens rapidly online and can lead to attacks. Overall violent crime increased substantially, with serious violent offences rising 19.4 percent in 2024. Serious bodily harm cases jumped 16.9 percent. Gang crime warnings have emerged, with authorities noting Switzerland must take action to avoid situations seen in Belgium and Sweden.

Political Unrest

Political demonstrations occur regularly in Switzerland but rarely turn violent. The right to protest has faced some restrictions in several cantons. In March 2023, Zurich residents voted for a law requiring prior authorisation for public demonstrations and charging organisers for policing costs. Left-wing extremists occasionally call for militant rallies, particularly around May Day events. These after-demonstrations have resulted in graffiti, property damage, and clashes with police in recent years. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in 2024 and 2025 led to multiple confrontations with police. In June 2025, 11 arrests occurred at an unauthorised pro-Palestine rally in Zurich where riots broke out. During the May 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with riot police, with tear gas deployed and water cannons rolled in. Police used similar tactics at a May 2025 demonstration in Bern. August 2025 saw a second night of rioting in a Swiss city with seven arrests. While protests happen frequently, most remain peaceful. The country’s tradition of peaceful demonstration generally holds, though specific causes around Middle East politics have sparked more heated confrontations. Visitors should avoid demonstration areas as a precaution, though broader public safety risks remain low.

Areas To Avoid

Switzerland has no outright dangerous regions, but crime rates vary significantly by location. Basel-City recorded the highest crime rate in 2024 at 151.6 offences per 1,000 people. Lausanne follows at 121.1 per 1,000, known for high rates of violent offences. Zurich and Lucerne share third place at 111.3 cases per 1,000 inhabitants. Biel reports 103.5 offences per 1,000 people. These elevated rates partly reflect high numbers of commuters and tourists, which artificially inflate statistics relative to resident populations. Interlaken recorded 211 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2024, a 40 percent increase from the previous year, largely attributed to mass tourism. Urban centres in Bern, Biel, and Thun account for most crime in that canton, particularly property offences and public incivilities. Southern and eastern regions show lower crime rates. Ticino, Valais, Schwyz, Uri, and Graubünden maintain rates below 35 per 1,000, making them among the safest areas. Within Zurich, specific neighbourhoods like Oerlikon Station, Schwamendingerplatz, and parts of Seebach have higher reported incidents, particularly late at night. Crime statistics should be interpreted cautiously. Higher numbers often reflect better reporting systems and tourist populations rather than genuine danger to residents or visitors.