Switzerland, celebrated as one of the world’s safest destinations, now appears on the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory list. The Level 1 alert, issued May 20, advises travelers to “exercise normal precautions,” sparking questions for Americans heading to the Alpine nation this summer. Here’s what the advisory means and what travelers should know before visiting Switzerland.
Understanding the New Advisory for Switzerland
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs placed Switzerland under a Level 1 advisory—its lowest risk category. The Level 1 notice simply recommends that travelers remain vigilant but does not suggest altering travel plans. This is standard for most destinations with low security threats.
No specific incident was cited as the cause for the advisory. However, recent protests during the Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland and a medium crime threat in Geneva were referenced in related safety reports. There’s no direct indication that these events triggered the updated guidance.
How Safe Is Switzerland for Tourists?
Switzerland continues to rank among the top countries for safety, recently coming in fifth worldwide—above even Japan and Denmark—in a Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection survey. Violent crime rates remain very low, and infrastructure is excellent.
What Does “Exercise Normal Precautions” Actually Mean?
Level 1 is the least severe of four advisory levels. Here’s a breakdown:
- Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
- Level 2: Exercise increased caution.
- Level 3: Reconsider travel.
- Level 4: Do not travel.
For Switzerland, this means:
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in large crowds or urban areas.
- Be mindful of recent protests or demonstrations, particularly in Geneva or during major events.
- Watch out for petty crime, such as pickpocketing, mainly in busy tourist spots and public transit.
Essential Travel Safety Tips for Visiting Switzerland
The State Department suggests the following steps to stay safe and prepared while traveling in Switzerland:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time safety updates and information from the nearest U.S. embassy.
- Consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.
- Use your best judgement to avoid unsafe situations, and have a plan if things go wrong.
- Bring personal safety whistles or alarms and learn basic self-defense if you’re traveling solo or planning outdoor adventures.
What Else Should Travelers Know?
With summer travel season approaching, the U.S. has also issued alerts for other destinations—such as a dengue fever outbreak in Brazil, Fiji, Mexico, and elsewhere. However, Switzerland’s advisory remains low-level and should not be cause for concern for most tourists.
Bottom Line: Switzerland Remains an Excellent Choice for Safe Travel
While the Level 1 travel advisory may seem surprising for a country long viewed as the gold standard for safety, it reflects routine State Department caution rather than any immediate threat. Travelers to Switzerland should simply remain aware of their surroundings, keep updated with official alerts, and enjoy the country’s lakes, mountains, and world-class cities with peace of mind.
