Geneva Travel Advice

Threat level: Medium-High

Switzerland COVID-19 Update

A large number of cases of the Coronavirus disease have been reported in the the Switzerland. All with all things involving policy in Switzerland, the response it complicated as cantonal authorities have much autonomy in deciding the steps they should take, so there is so far no real national effort. Sunday 15th of March 2020, Germany announced it has close its borders to most traffic including that with Switzerland.

All schools and universities, are closed until further notice, while bars and restaurants are limited to 50 guests. The Swiss Government has also banned any event of more than 50 people.

Switzerland Security Situation

Known as the "city of peace", Geneva is ranked as one of Europe’s most beautiful and idyllic cities, renowned for its stunning lakes and parks, it is one of the greenest cities in Europe.

Geneva is a global city that is the central point to numerous international organizations, it is the second largest office for the UN at the Palais des Nations.

Intelligent Protection International Limited provides Security and Bodyguard Services in Geneva for its clients. For more information about these services, please visit our page: Bodyguard Services in Switzerland.

Recent Security Risk Events
In 2015, Geneva was placed on high alert following reports of terrorist activity in the region for a potential terrorist attack. During this time, security and the presence of police were increased outside main public buildings such as synagogues, the main UN buildings and public transportation.

The high alert level has now been lowered but it is still advised to all travellers to remain vigilant around Geneva and avoid large gatherings or suspected threats.

Security Risks
In general, the crime rate across Switzerland is particularly low. However, recently there has been a substantial increase in reports of theft in Geneva, particularly within public transportation. As in most popular cities, public areas are a main target for petty thefts and pickpocketing. The general travel advice for Geneva is that tourists should remain cautious and keep valuables close at all times.

A no smoking policy took effect on 1 July 2008 whereby smoking is banned in public places and private premises. Some restaurants and bars provide separate areas for smokers but if unsure make sure to ask locals.

If travelling around Geneva by car it is advised to park your vehicle at the entrance to the city and continue by train or bus. This is to avoid any unnecessary congestion and traffic jams that will add time to your journey.

Public transportation in Geneva is of a very high standard. It is recommended that the most convenient and quickest way to and from the airport in Geneva is by train. The trains operate half-hourly and take approximately 15 minutes.

Police emergency: 117
Fire emergency: 118
Medical emergency: 144

Official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh
Religion: Christianity
Currency: Swiss franc
Time now in Geneva:

British Consulate Geneva
37-39 Rue de Vermont
1211 Geneva 20
Telephone: +41 22 918 24 00

U.S Consulate Geneva
Rue Versonnex 7
CH-1207 Geneva
Telephone: +41 22 840 51 60

French Embassy Geneva
Cours des Bastions 2
1205 Genève
Telephone: +41 22 319 00 00
Email: info@consulfrance-geneve.org

For further embassy information and locations please see our live travel map below.

Tourist information: Geneva useful information
Places to stay: Accommodation information
Tourist travel guide: myswitzerland

Healthcare in Switzerland is recognised as one of the best and most expensive healthcare systems in Europe. It is therefore advised to take out necessary health care insurance in order to avoid excessive overseas costs. Most medical staff in hospitals are well-qualified and speak English and French.
Below are a list of two hospitals located in Geneva:

Hopitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG)
Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4,
1205 Geneva

Clinique Générale Beaulieu
Chemin Beau-Soleil 20,
1206 Geneva

In 2016 Intelligent Protection International Limited opened an office in Geneva, Switzerland to better serve our Clients.

For further information on our services in Switzerland, see: Close Protection Services

Intelligent Protection International Limited - Switzerland