SWITZERLAND

For all those James Bond Fans check out these walks.  Stunning place to visit.  Certainly on my buck list to visit.

There has been many new additions to the Schilthorn – Piz Gloria alpine mountain excursion in the last few years to add to the amazing 360° restaurant Piz Gloria and the stunning views to 200 alpine peaks. They are as follows:

On the Schilthorn itself, we have the BOND WORLD  https://www.jamesbondclub.ch/?id=277

exhibition and the 007 WALK OF FAME on Schilthorn

and the brand new BOND CINEMA with its 12-metre wide screen.

This year we are celebrating 50 years since the making of our 007 film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”

At the Birg Station we have the SKYLINE WALK and the THRILL WALK, they are guaranteed to get the adrenaline flowing and provide fantastic views of our big three mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and should be visited on the ascent of your evening on the Schilthorn!

Overview

Safety

Serious crime levels are low, but petty crime is on the rise. Take care at tourist spots and on transport, including overnight trains. Watch out for thieves who use distraction techniques. Keep your belongings close.

Terrorists are likely to plan attacks targeting Switzerland. Terrorists have targeted European cities, including transport hubs and places visited by travellers. Always be alert. Take official warnings seriously.

Avalanches, flash floods, rock falls and mudslides occur in alpine areas. Monitor local weather. Follow the advice of authorities. Stick to marked slopes and trails when skiing.

Health

COVID-19 is present in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Information for travellers is available from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. 

All foreigners will receive the same level of medical care as Swiss residents, but you may need to guarantee payment in advance. Costs can be extremely high. Contact your insurer for advice.

Local laws

Don't use or carry drugs. Penalties are severe.

If you're a foreigner convicted of a serious crime in Switzerland with at least a three year prison sentence, you can be deported. You might not be able to return for 5 to 15 years.

Travel

You can enter Switzerland directly from the Schengen area and directly from certain other specified countries, including Australia. You can also enter Switzerland if you have a right to enter, such as having a residence permit, or you are transiting through Switzerland to go to another country that you are permitted to enter. EU/EFTA and UK citizens, and their families, irrespective of their nationality, can also enter. However, you can't leave Australia unless you seek an exemption from Home Affairs.  

If you've been in a country or area listed as having an increased risk of infection in the last 14 days, you'll be required to quarantine in your accommodation for 10 days unless an exemption applies. Exemptions include being a transit passenger in one of these countries and having stayed there less than 24 hours.

There are strict hygiene and social distancing rules in Switzerland. It is mandatory to wear a mask on public transport. There may be additional requirements at the canton level. Check the rules of the canton you're in.

Visas

The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.

Switzerland is part of the Schengen area.

You can enter Switzerland without a visa if:

• you're travelling for tourism or business
• you're staying for 90 days or less
• In other circumstances, you'll need a visa.
• Make sure you get a clear entry stamp in your passport on arrival.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Switzerland for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Money

Switzerland's currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF).

Local travel

Borders

• Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area.
• Check local media and ask transport providers for updates on border issues.

Driving permit

Drivers must:

• be at least 18 years old
• hold a valid Australian driver's licence
• Some car hire agencies may need you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

• The standard of roads is generally high.
• Pay attention to road conditions in winter.
• Ask for local advice on using snow tyres and snow chains.

When driving, be aware that:  

• ??vehicle headlights must be on at all times
• vehicles on motorways must display a valid car sticker — known as a vignette
• vehicles must have a warning triangle for use during breakdowns or accidents
• vehicles crossing into France, Germany and Italy must also carry a fluorescent safety vest
• It's illegal to use a radar detector.
• ?Penalties for breaking these rules include on-the-spot fines.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

You can get consular assistance from the Consulate-General in Geneva.

Australian Consulate-General, Geneva

Chemin des Fins, 2 
Case postale 102 
1211 Geneva 19 
Switzerland 
Phone: (+41) 22 799 9100 
Fax: (+41) 22 799 9178 
Email: australian.consulate-geneva@dfat.gov.au
Website: geneva.mission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Consulate, Switzerland
Twitter: Australian Consulate Geneva

See the Consulate-General website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia