Switzerland: travel laws for tourists, topic by topic

Relaxed

Overall verdict for Switzerland: Relaxed. Below, the risk level of each of the 23 topics that get travellers fined or arrested. The exact rule, thresholds and penalties are in the LawsTravels app.

Switzerland: read the 3 riskiest rules free →

🎁 Free, no account: Fines, Drugs, Smoking

The 23 topics at a glance

Banned or serious riskAllowed, with limitsRelaxed

Get the exact rules for your trip

This page gives you the level. The app gives you the rule, the numbers and the penalties for Switzerland, offline, in 23 languages.

Switzerland: read the 3 riskiest rules free →

Also onApp Store Google Play

How Switzerland compares

With 1 of 23 topics flagged red, Switzerland is more relaxed than 26 of the 34 other countries in Europe (regional average: 2.2). Worldwide, Switzerland ranks #132 of 148 for strictness (tied with 13 other countries).

What sets it apart

Fines: flagged red here, while only 22 of 148 countries are this strict.
Jail risk: relaxed here, while 127 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.
Medicines: relaxed here, while 119 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.

What to watch most in Switzerland

💶 Fines · Guides by topic

Littering, spitting and cigarette butts — small acts, disproportionate fines in strict cities.
Jaywalking is enforced with cameras in some countries and ignored in others.
Eating or drinking on public transport is fined in a growing list of cities.

Switzerland at a glance

CapitalBern

CurrencySwiss Franc (CHF)

LanguageGerman, French, Italian

Emergency number112

Driving sideRight

Mains voltage230 V

Calling code+41

Time zoneUTC+01:00

Plug typesC · J

Land borders🇦🇹 Austria 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇷 France 🇮🇹 ItalyLiechtenstein

Frequently asked questions

Is Switzerland strict with tourists?

Overall verdict: Relaxed. 1 of 23 topics are flagged as banned or a serious risk (Fines), 7 require caution.

What can get me fined or arrested in Switzerland?

The strictest topics for travellers in Switzerland are: Fines. Each has specific thresholds and penalties, detailed in the app.

Where do I find the exact rules for Switzerland?

In LawsTravels: open Switzerland, each topic shows the level, the rule, the thresholds and what to do at customs, offline. 3 topics are free on every country; the other 20 unlock for the price of a coffee.

What is the emergency number in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, dial 112. Capital: Bern. Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF). Main language: German, French, Italian.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, traffic drives on the right. Mains voltage: 230 V. Calling code: +41. Time zone: UTC+01:00. Plug types: C · J.

Countries with the closest profile

🇦🇹 Austria 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇫🇮 Finland 🇨🇦 Canada 🇳🇱 Netherlands 🇵🇱 Poland

Levels summarise publicly available legal information for travellers and are not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies: confirm with the embassy or consulate of your destination.