Switzerland

With snow-capped Alps, forested hills, fairytale castles, Renaissance cathedrals, shimmering lakes, stylish spas and luxury ski resorts - it's easy to see why Switzerland has been one of the world's top tourist destinations for the past two centuries.

It is the country that fashioned tourism, so it's no surprise that Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and summer it offers lakeside chalets, mountain trails and spa resorts. In the sunny southern region of Ticino, near the Italian border, visitors will find palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a host of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will find over 31,000 miles (50,000km) of mountain and forest trails throughout the country.

In November the country's ski resorts begin opening, and visitors pour in throughout the Christmas season and until the snow begins to melt with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, Switzerland's ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

Switzerland's cities are pristine and beautifully laid out with famous Swiss precision. Zurich is widely held to be the intellectual and artistic centre of the country, sporting incredible architecture and more than a thousand fountains, with many museums and galleries. Geneva is the principal city for the international community, and is home to hundreds of world organisations. Its setting on the shores of Lake Geneva gives it a romantic atmosphere, and the city has an exciting, if rather expensive, nightlife.

Climate

The temperature is moderate with no extremes of hot and cold, so Switzerland can be visited at anytime of year. Summer is warm to hot lasting from about June to September, and although good for outdoor activities it is also the most crowded time for a holiday. Ski resorts open in late November and remain so until the snow begins to melt in April.

Money

The official currency is the Swiss franc (CHF) divided into 100 rappen (German) or centimes (French). Although not part of the EU many prices are nonetheless indicated in Euros and some merchants may accept Euros. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted and ATMs are widespread; many are equipped with the Cirrus or Maestro system. Banks offer the best exchange rates for travellers cheques and foreign currency, but it is also possible to exchange money at major hotels, main train stations and airports. Banks are open Monday to Friday.

Passport Visa

Travellers must have all documents necessary for their next destination and passports must be valid at least three months beyond period of stay if a visa is required. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and as of December 2008, Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months. Visitors must hold required documents for return or onward journey.
• UK passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months if passport is endorsed British Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, or British National Overseas.
• Canadian passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months. Visitors must hold required documents for return or onward journey.
• Australian passport holders require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to three months. Visitors must hold required documents for return or onward journey.
• South African passport holders require a valid passport, and a Schengen visa. Temporary passports are not accepted. Visitors must hold required documents for return or onward journey.
• Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
• New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months. Visitors must hold required documents for return or onward journey.

Health

Swiss medical facilities and health care are among the best in the world, but very expensive and health insurance is recommended. Immunisation certificates are only required if the traveller has been in an infected area within two weeks prior to arrival in the country. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free or low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Medical insurance is advised for other nationalities. Outbreaks of the deadly strain of bird flu were confirmed in 2006, but no new cases or human infections have been reported. The risk to travellers from bird flu is very low, but close contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution.

Embassy Consulates

• Swiss Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 745 7900.
• Swiss Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7616 6000.
• Swiss Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 1837.
• Swiss Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6162 8400.
• Swiss Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 452 0660.
• Swiss Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 218 6382.
• Swiss Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 1593.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Bern: +41(0)31 357 7011.
• British Embassy, Bern: +41 (0)31 359 7700.
• Canadian Embassy, Bern: +41 (0)31 357 3200.
• Australian Consulate-General, Geneva: +41 (0)22 799 9100.
• South African Embassy, Bern: +41 (0)31 350 1313.
• Irish Embassy, Bern: +41 (0)31 352 1442.
• New Zealand Consulate-General, Geneva: +41 (0)22 929 0350.