Travel Vaccines and Advice for Switzerland
Switzerland is located in western-Central Europe, bordering Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein. The outdoorsy-types will be in awe over the Alpine mountains, vast valleys, clear lakes, and fruitful vineyards.
There’s plenty of chances to go hiking, white-water rafting, skiing, or even ride in a hot-air balloon to appreciate this beauty. Inside the cities are gorgeous architecture, hip clubs, and delicious restaurants. Those looking to experience beautiful sights, whether they be rural or urban, will adore this land of four languages.
Do I Need Vaccines for Switzerland?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Switzerland. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Switzerland: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Tickborne Encephalitis –
Ticks & Unpasteurized Animal Products –
Present throughout country, highest risk in Thurgau region. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Switzerland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tickborne Encephalitis | Ticks & Unpasteurized Animal Products | Present throughout country, highest risk in Thurgau region. |
Routine Vaccinations for Switzerland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Switzerland?
American travelers visiting Switzerland must have a passport that is valid for 90 days beyond their of departure.
Switzerland Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Switzerland? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Switzerland and U.S. State Department
Travelers must show funds for the duration of their stay, as well as a return airline ticket.
What is the Climate Like in Switzerland?
Switzerland has a very moderate climate with no extreme temperatures or humidity. It is warmest from July to August where the temperature are in the 70’s during the day. From January to February it is colder, with daytime temperatures between in the 30’s. The amount of precipitation depends on one’s location within Switzerland. Rocher de Nave receives 260 cm of rain each year, while Staldenreid receives about 53 cm of rain.
How Safe is Switzerland?
Switzerland is a safe country to visit. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing or bag-snatching, is common in crowded places. Travelers should avoid carrying unnecessary valuables with them. Terrorists continue plotting attacks against Europe. There have been no recent attacks in Switzerland.
Visiting Rhine Falls
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
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Get protected with Passport Health’s
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Rhine Falls is the largest plain waterfall in Europe. The falls are 490 feet wide and 75 feet high, with 21,000 cu ft/s of water flowing over the edge during the summer. Visitors can walk along the river or travel to the observation platform. They can then have an amazing meal at Laufen Castel or Schlössli Wörth. For those who want to experience the falls up close, boat tours are available along the Rhine.
What Should I Take to Switzerland?
Nestled in the Alps, it’s important you have everything you need for Switzerland.
- Umbrella – Switzerland can get a fair amount of rain. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket to keep yourself dry during a downpour.
- Jacket – If you’re visiting in the winter, temperatures can get very cold. Pack warm clothes to layer on top of your outfit.
- Plug Adapters – The power sockets in Switzerland are not the same as in the United States. This means an adapter is needed when traveling.
U.S. Embassy to Switzerland
When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the U.S. embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
U.S. Embassy Bern
Sulgeneckstrasse 19
CH-3007 Bern, Switzerland
Tel: 031 357 70 11
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Switzerland
Overall rating: 5 stars – 4 reviews
★★★★★
“Very informative“
“Lots of information to review. Great reminders on how to travel safe in Switzerland.”
Submitted by: Sarah
★★★★★
“Great experience“
“Overall great experience. I feel well informed prepared for my trip to Switzerland.”
Submitted by: Anna
★★★★★
“Most informative visit“
“The staff is very knowledgeable about tropical vaccinations and potential health problems. They answered all of our questions, gave us clear instructions, and generally put us at ease regarding our upcoming trip to Switzerland.”
Submitted by: Linda
★★★★★
“Wonderful Experience“
“I will be traveling to Switzerland and needed to be vaccinated. I have to admit it has been 20 years since I have gotten any vaccinations so I was expecting the worst. To my surprise it was painless and I didn’t need as many as I had anticipated. I received a lot of helpful information about how to stay healthy in Switzerland and safe. Great experience, I would highly recommend Passport Health.”
Submitted by: Rhonda
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Switzerland?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Switzerland?
What is the Climate Like in Switzerland?
How Safe is Switzerland?
Visiting Rhine Falls
What Should I Take to Switzerland?
U.S. Embassy to Switzerland
“Lots of information to review. Great reminders on how to travel safe in Switzerland.”
“Overall great experience. I feel well informed prepared for my trip to Switzerland.”
“The staff is very knowledgeable about tropical vaccinations and potential health problems. They answered all of our questions, gave us clear instructions, and generally put us at ease regarding our upcoming trip to Switzerland.”
“I will be traveling to Switzerland and needed to be vaccinated. I have to admit it has been 20 years since I have gotten any vaccinations so I was expecting the worst. To my surprise it was painless and I didn’t need as many as I had anticipated. I received a lot of helpful information about how to stay healthy in Switzerland and safe. Great experience, I would highly recommend Passport Health.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Switzerland?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Switzerland?
What is the Climate Like in Switzerland?
How Safe is Switzerland?
Visiting Rhine Falls
What Should I Take to Switzerland?
U.S. Embassy to Switzerland
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