Emergency Help Abroad – Switzerland

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Switzerland — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession or use of illegal drugs can lead to fines or criminal charges.

• Drug trafficking offences carry severe penalties, including imprisonment.

• Carrying weapons (including certain knives) without authorisation is prohibited.

• Drinking alcohol in public may be restricted depending on the canton.

• Switzerland has strict drink-driving limits with strong enforcement.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Switzerland values cleanliness — littering can lead to on-the-spot fines.

• Quiet hours in residential areas are enforced; loud noise can result in penalties.

• Modest clothing and respectful behaviour are expected in religious sites.

• Damaging nature reserves, protected plants or mountain environments is illegal.

• Graffiti or vandalism of public property is prosecuted.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — carry your passport or a copy at all times.

• Disorderly behaviour, especially while intoxicated, can lead to fines or removal by police.

• Scams are relatively rare but can occur in busy tourist areas.

• Attempting to bribe police or officials is a serious offence.

• Blocking pavements, bicycle lanes or public walkways can attract penalties.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Public transport requires valid tickets — inspections are strict and fines are immediate.

• Speed limits, seatbelt rules and mobile-phone restrictions while driving are strictly enforced.

• Pedestrians have priority at crossings — failing to yield can result in fines.

• Cycling without proper lights or equipment is prohibited.

• Overstaying Schengen limits may lead to bans on future entry.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is regulated and restricted near airports, residential areas and nature reserves.

• Photography of military buildings or security-sensitive infrastructure may be prohibited.

• Flash photography may be restricted in certain churches and museums.

• Always ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Leaving marked mountain trails may be restricted for safety reasons.

• Lighting fires is only permitted in official barbecue or fire zones.

• Swimming in rivers or lakes is only safe in designated areas with signage.

• Feeding wildlife is restricted in many cantons and may incur fines.

• Picking or damaging protected alpine plants is illegal.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Removing stones, fossils or natural materials from protected areas is prohibited.

• Damaging monuments, historic buildings or cultural sites is illegal.

• Entering avalanche-risk or closed mountain zones is forbidden.

• Possessing or purchasing items made from protected species may be illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels comfortable or commonplace in the UK may not be interpreted the same way in Switzerland.

• Don’t jaywalk or cross roads outside official crossings, as fines can apply even when streets appear empty.

• Don’t be late for trains, tours or reservations, as Swiss punctuality is taken very seriously.

• Don’t drop litter, cigarette ends or chewing gum, as towns and nature areas are kept immaculately clean.

• Don’t ride cable cars or mountain transport without checking weather, as conditions can change rapidly.

• Don’t underestimate the danger of alpine hiking, and avoid trails without proper footwear, layers and maps.

• Don’t swim in lakes or rivers where currents are strong, even on warm days.

• Don’t ignore cycling rules, especially in cities with busy bike lanes and strict right-of-way norms.

• Don’t play loud music in public places, including trains and mountain viewpoints, where quiet is appreciated.

• Don’t assume tap water is unsafe, as Swiss drinking water is exceptionally clean — avoid buying unnecessary plastic bottles.

• Don’t attempt to pet livestock or approach farm animals, particularly cows guarding calves.

• Don’t trespass onto alpine meadows or private land, especially during grazing season.

• Don’t underestimate sun exposure at altitude, which can cause burns even in cool weather.

• Don’t treat mountain rescue lightly, as careless behaviour may result in costly emergency operations.

• Don’t smoke where prohibited, as rules differ by canton and many indoor places are strictly non-smoking.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments, as some mountain huts and rural cafés may accept cash only.

• Don’t use drones where restricted, especially near residential areas, wildlife zones or airports.

• Don’t ignore avalanche advice in winter, and avoid off-piste skiing unless you are properly equipped.

• Don’t leave food scraps outdoors, as they attract wildlife and disrupt ecosystems.

• Don’t assume quiet neighbourhoods allow late-night noise, as residents value tranquillity.

• Don’t treat local etiquette casually, and greet shopkeepers or staff before making requests.