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- #CARD:Switzerland:Travel\Consular Information
- Switzerland - Consular Information Sheet
- April 29, 1993
-
- Country Description: Switzerland is a highly developed democracy with a
- modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.
-
- Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is not required for
- tourist or business stays up to three months. For further information on
- entry requirements travelers can contact the Embassy of Switzerland at 2900
- Cathedral Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, tel (202) 745-7900, or the
- nearest Swiss Consulate General in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles,
- New York, or San Francisco.
-
- Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. U.S. medical
- insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have
- found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific
- overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on specific health
- matters is available through the Centers for Disease Control's hotline for
- international travelers at (404) 332-4559.
-
- Crime Information: Switzerland has a low rate of violent crime. However,
- pickpocketing and purse-snatching do occur during peak tourist periods (such
- as summer and Christmas) and when major conferences, shows, or exhibits are
- scheduled in Geneva. Most crime is restricted to specific localities in
- major cities (areas frequented by drug users, the general vicinity of train
- and bus stations, and some public parks, for example). Countrywide
- emergency telephone numbers are: Police 117, Fire 118, and Ambulance 144.
-
- The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
- to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S.
- citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip
- Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is
- available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
- Office, Washington D.C. 20402.
-
- Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
- which they are traveling. In Switzerland, the penalties for possession,
- use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can
- expect jail sentences and fines.
-
- Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are considered to also have Swiss
- citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other
- requirements while in Switzerland. Those who might be affected can inquire
- at a Swiss embassy or consulate regarding their status. In some instances,
- dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection
- abroad.
-
- Registration: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section at the
- U.S. Embassy in Bern or at the Consulate in Zurich can obtain updated
- information on travel and security in Switzerland.
-
- Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Bern is located at
- Jubilaeumstrasse 93, telephone (41-31) 357-7011, fax (41-31) 357-7221.
-
- The Consulate General is located at Zollikerstrasse 141, in Zurich,
- telephone (41-1) 422-2566, fax (41-1) 383-9814.
-
- There is a branch office in Geneva, offering limited consular services
- located in the Botanic Building, 1-3 Avenue de la Paix, telephone (41-22)
- 738-7613, fax (41-22) 749-5388.
-
- No. 93-105
-
- This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 7, 1992, to add
- information concerning dual U.S./Swiss nationality, and to add information
- on reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport.
-
- #ENDCARD
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