Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvltxt/SWITZERL.TVL

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Switzerland - Consular Information Sheet
May 10, 1994

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 [phone], 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 international
travelers hotline at [phone].

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 major cities.  Most crime is restricted to specific localities
in major cities that are best avoided by the prudent traveler and residents
such as areas frequented by drug dealers and users, the general vicinity of
train and bus stations, and some public parks.  Countrywide emergency
telephone numbers are:  Police 117, Fire 118, and Ambulance 144.

Travelers should exercise caution on trains, especially when transiting
neighboring countries as reports of thefts on trains in southern France and
Italy indicate that even locked sleeping compartments can be entered
surreptitiously by thieves who steal from passengers while they sleep.

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 U.S. 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 [phone].

The Consulate General in Zurich, is located at Zollikerstrasse 141,
telephone [phone], fax [phone].

Geneva - Limited consular services for U.S. citizens are offered by a part-
time Consular Agency in Geneva located in the Botanic Building, 1-3 Avenue
de la Paix, telephone [phone], fax (41-22)  738-7258.

No. 94-075

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993 to note
the change of telephone numbers at the U.S. Embassy in Bern and to add
information on crime.