|
| Switzerland |
(Prepared on Oct 22, 2001 4:35:31 PM
GMT) |
| Useful Numbers for
Switzerland |
|
| AMERICAN
EMBASSY |
41-31-357-7011 |
| POLICE
EMERGENCY |
117 |
| FIRE
EMERGENCY |
118 |
| AMBULANCE
EMERGENCY |
144 |
| LOCAL COUNTRY
CODE |
41 |
| LOCAL TOURIST
BOARD |
41-1-288-1111 |
| LOCAL EMBASSY IN
U.S. |
1-202-745-7900 |
| LOCAL TOURIST BOARD IN
U.S. |
1-877-794-8037. | | |
|
| Switzerland Weather |
|
| BERNE: |
| Oct 22 |
|
 |
| High: 58°
F |
| Low: 43°
F | |
| Oct 23 |
|
 |
| High: 51°
F |
| Low: 40°
F | |
| Oct 24 |
|
 |
| High: 47°
F |
| Low: 39°
F | |
| Oct 25 |
|
 |
| High: 42°
F |
| Low: 35°
F | |
| Oct 26 |
|
|
| High: 48°
F |
| Low: 37°
F | | |
| Zurich: |
| Oct 22 |
|
|
| High: 60°
F |
| Low: 46°
F | |
| Oct 23 |
|
|
| High: 56°
F |
| Low: 46°
F | |
| Oct 24 |
|
|
| High: 51°
F |
| Low: 42°
F | |
| Oct 25 |
|
|
| High: 45°
F |
| Low: 39°
F | |
| Oct 26 |
|
|
| High: 52°
F |
| Low: 40°
F | | | |
| |
| Currency Exchange |
|
| CURRENCY NAMES |
Euro |
Swiss
Franc |
US
Dollar |
| Euro |
1.0000 |
0.6768 |
1.1124 |
| Swiss
Franc |
1.4780 |
1.0000 |
1.6423 |
| US Dollar |
0.8995 |
0.6093 |
1.0000 | | | |
| |
This Atlas Trip Brief is provided as a service to our
international travelers so you know important destination
information before you go. |
DETAILED REPORT
TRAVEL ALERTS
KEY:  CRITICAL
 WARNING
 INFORMATIONAL
10/12/2001 - The U.S. Federal Bureau of
Investigation warned Oct. 11 of possible terrorist attacks in the
U.S. or against U.S. citizens or interests abroad over the next few
days.
| |
The Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) warned the public Oct. 11 that there is an
unspecified terrorist threat of additional attacks for the
next few days. It is believed the attacks may either be in the
U.S. or against U.S. citizens or interests
overseas.
State and local authorities were instructed
to increase their security posture. All persons are urged to
immediately notify the FBI and local law enforcement of any
unusual or suspicious activity. Travelers can expect increased
security at all U.S.-owned facilities in the U.S. and
elsewhere. | 10/08/2001 - Terrorism and related
security threats expected to rise worldwide in reaction to military
operations in Afghanistan.
| |
U.S.-led military operations in
Afghanistan are likely to spark strong anti-U.S. sentiment and
retaliatory actions against U.S. citizens and interests
throughout the world by terrorists and their sympathizers.
Also, travelers of Middle Eastern descent may experience
harassment or physical assault, especially when traveling in
European countries or countries with majority Christian or
Jewish populations.
Heightened anti-U.S. sentiment is
expected in all Middle Eastern countries and Pakistan, Iran,
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, India,
Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya and other
countries with large Muslim populations. Clashes between
Christian and Muslim groups in these and other countries are
possible.
All U.S. citizens and facilities abroad are
considered at increased risk. U.S. military facilities and
interests in South Korea, Japan and Italy have been directly
threatened. The Al-Qaeda terrorist network - which has been
directly targeted by the military operation in Afghanistan -
does not differentiate between government and civilian
targets.
Travelers should maintain a heightened state
of awareness, make every effort to streamline their travel and
avoid potential confrontations with immigration and other
officials. Ensure passports and visas are valid, strictly
adhere to customs regulations and verify ticket and hotel
reservations in advance. Carry a passport, a second form of
photo identification and contact information for the nearest
embassy or consulate at all times.
Maintain as low a
profile as possible; limit photography and avoid sensitive
topics of discussion, including religious or political issues.
Adhere to cultural peculiarities, especially in Muslim
countries. Park in lighted and secured lots and inspect any
vehicle before entry.
U.S. citizens abroad should
monitor the local news, register with and maintain contact
with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and limit their
movement. Embassies and consulates may temporarily suspend
routine services in response to threats; there may be little
or no advance notice of
closures.
| 10/19/2001 - Club Med to close resorts in
12 countries due to reduced demand. Some closures will be
permanent.
| |
Club Mediterranee (Club Med) is
closing at least 14 resorts in 12 countries in response to
recent sharp drops in demand. Some of the facilities are
closing for the winter 2001-2002 season, some for undetermined
durations, and some permanently. The affected sites are:
Resort
Location |
Resort
Name |
Closure
Duration |
| Mexico |
Huatulco |
Winter season |
| Mexico |
Playa Blanca |
Winter season |
| Mexico |
Sonora Bay |
Through summer 2002 |
| Bahamas |
Colombus |
Winter season |
| Saint Lucia |
Saint Lucia |
Winter season |
| Canary Islands |
Tenerife |
Winter season |
| Greece |
Mare Nostrum |
Winter season |
| Switzerland |
Leysin |
Permanent |
| Egypt |
Amound |
Winter season |
| Israel |
Coral Beach |
Winter season |
| Ivory Coast |
Assinie |
Winter season |
| Tunisia |
Djerbe la Douce |
Indefinite |
| Malaysia |
Cherating Beach |
Winter season |
| Australia |
Byron Bay |
Permanent |
Club Med may close up to five more
sites, depending on this season's bookings.
Club Med
contact information:
Web: http://www.clubmed.com/
Phone:
1-888-932-2582 (U.S.
toll-free). | 09/27/2001 - UPDATE: Delta suspends all
flights to Tel Aviv, Cairo, Zurich, Brussels and Stockholm.
| |
UPDATE to Sept. 20 alert; new
intelligence in [brackets]:
[Delta Airlines on Sept. 26
ceased service to Stockholm, Sweden's Arlanda International
Airport (ARN), adding that city to the growing list of
international cities dropped from the carrier's schedule due
to reduced bookings. Delta said it hopes to resume Stockholm
service Nov. 1.]
On Sept. 20, Delta suspended all
flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International
Airport (JFK) and Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV),
Israel; Cairo International Airport (CAI), Egypt; Brussels
International Airport (BRU), Belgium; and Zurich International
Airport (ZRH), Switzerland. Those cancellations are effective
at least through Oct. 31.
Persons holding tickets or
reservations to any of the locations listed above should
contact Delta
Airlines.
Phone: 1-800-241-4141 (toll-free in the
U.S.); 03-620-1101 (in Israel); 02-736-2030/2039 (in
Egypt). | 07/17/2001 - Because of a worldwide
shortage of tetanus and diphtheria vaccines, make sure immunizations
are up-to-date before departure.
| |
Decreased production of tetanus
and diphtheria toxoids (Td) and tetanus toxoid (TT) has led to
a low supply of these vaccines. Because of the long production
time required, this shortage is expected to continue for 12-18
months.
In particular, adventure travelers, extreme
sport enthusiasts, hikers and campers should ensure their
immunizations are current well before
departure. | 10/14/2001 - Anti-war protests likely
worldwide in response to coalition military operations in
Afghanistan.
| |
Anti-war protesters have
demonstrated across the globe, not only in the Middle East and
Asian Islamic countries, but also in Europe, Africa,
Australia, Canada and the U.S., in response to military
operations in Afghanistan by the U.S.-led coalition. More
protests are likely, especially during and immediately after
publicized military actions. Previous anti-war demonstrations
in many locations have been spontaneous and, at times,
violent; they will likely increase in frequency and intensity
as military operations continue.
Travelers have
occasionally been targeted; crowds have attacked
Western-looking people on the assumption that they are U.S.
citizens. Avoid all demonstrations and large public
gatherings. Maintain as low a profile as possible. If caught
in a developing and potentially violent situation, seek
shelter in upscale hotels, restaurants or large public
buildings such as libraries, theaters or museums. Avoid police
stations, banks and Western-franchised establishments. Plan
pedestrian and vehicular routes to avoid demonstration areas
(which are usually in city
centers). | 10/18/2001 - Security threats are causing
unexpected delays and cancellations at airports and other
transportation facilities worldwide.
| |
Increased security measures and
ongoing investigations at airports, train and bus stations,
ports, ferry terminals, tunnels and bridge facilities are
causing transportation disruptions around the
world.
Security officials are responding immediately
and with extreme caution to any suspected terrorist incident,
threat or suspicious activity. Investigations may cause
spontaneous and temporary closures of airport and
transportation facilities; they may also cause cancellation of
services. Bridges and tunnels on major routes may also be
affected.
Disruptions may occur at any time and in any
location. Cooperate fully with authorities during any security
response. Keep abreast of the local travel and security
situation. Monitor local news and radio reports for any
changes that may affect travel itineraries. Be aware of your
surroundings at all times. Proactively note escape routes from
facilities or modes of conveyance to be prepared for an
emergency situation. |
| |
 |
| Map of
Switzerland. |
Location: Western
Europe. Time Zone: GMT+1.
Switzerland
attracts visitors with the picturesque Alps, clean mountain
air, lush valleys and the economic and political bustle of
Geneva and Zurich, the capital.
This highly
industrialized country harbors many financial and
international organizations and is a member of the
International Monetary Fund, World Bank and European Free
Trade Association. Switzerland produces a wide range of goods
and services for export, most famously its chocolate and time
pieces.
Switzerland's central European location - it
borders France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy -
gives visitors a cultural and linguistic potpourri. Most
residents speak German, particularly in the central and
eastern areas, but French and Italian are also
spoken,especially in the west and south. Many people also
speak English.
The climate varies, depending on the
altitude. The average temperature in summer is 20 C (68 F) and
in winter 6 C (43 F). Snow is common in the mountains in
winter.
Compared to the rest of Western Europe, the
overall crime rate is low in Switzerland. Assaults on
travelers are few, and are usually committed at night in
cities. However, petty theft is common in tourist
destinations.
Switzerland has two international
airports, in Geneva, and Zurich. Public transportation, the
rail network in particular, is well developed. Buses are
available to take travelers to remote areas, but, in general,
trains are a better way to travel outside major cities. The
road system is very well developed, and driving is on the
right.
Switzerland also has an excellent
communications infrastructure, with international direct
dialing and fax services widely available. Expect to pay more
in Switzerland for goods and services than in other European
countries. |
| |
|
Passports: |
You will need a passport for
travel to Switzerland. |
| |
For travel to Switzerland, you
should have a passport valid for at least six months after
your intended stay. |
| |
|
Visa: |
A visa is not required for a
U.S. citizen traveling to
Switzerland. |
| |
Visas are not required for U.S.,
Australian, New Zealand, Canadian or EU country passport
holders. Holders of other passports must check with the local
Swiss Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for the latest
details on visas before traveling.
Admission into the
country as a visitor does not include the right to work, which
is authorized only by the Swiss
government. |
| |
|
Visa: |
Visa fees for varying lengths
of stay in Switzerland. |
| |
For those requiring a visa, fees
are:
USD 25 -- valid for one day up to 12 months; USD 50
-- valid for 12-24 months; USD 75 -- valid for 24-36 months.
Single minors under 18 years of age pay half the fee.
Note: fees must be paid in cash or money order
(personal checks and credit cards are not accepted at the
Swiss Embassy). |
| |
|
Personal Security: |
The crime rate in Switzerland
is relatively low. |
| |
Relative to the rest of Western
Europe, crime rates in Switzerland are low.
Violent
crime directed at travelers is rare, but in 1999 and 2000,
metropolitan areas saw increases in the level of violent
crimes including: assault, sexual assault, homicide and
kidnapping. In spite of the increase in violent crime, petty
crime is still a greater threat, and drug-related criminal
activity is present in metropolitan areas.
Remain
alert for petty crime in public areas such as transportation
centers and public parks. Exercise caution and be sure to
secure all valuables. |
| |
|
Property Security: |
Property security precautions
for Switzerland. |
| |
Keep hotel doors and windows
locked at all times. Do not leave valuables unattended in
hotel rooms; lock large personal items in luggage and keep
cash, valuables and personal documents in the hotel or room
safe.
Do not leave any personal property openly
displayed in unattended in vehicles. Do not leave anything in
a car; if you must, make certain it is out of sight or in the
trunk. Roll up windows, lock doors and activate the theft
deterrent system, if available. If possible, park in a
well-lit, guarded lot. |
| |
|
Public Transportation
Security: |
Take security precautions when
using public transportation in Switzerland.
|
| |
Travel by public transportation is
usually secure, although common sense should be exercised if
you are unfamiliar with the local crime situation. Newly
arrived travelers often are distracted, disoriented, in a
hurry and usually carrying a number of things.
In
larger cities, subways, buses, commuter trains, trolleys and
their associated stations, prove to be havens for thieves,
pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Fanny and tummy packs should
never be used since they identify to thieves the exact
location of valuable items and cash. Loose items such as
cameras and purses should be kept within a larger and
securable carrying bag that is kept in front of you, never
behind.
Taxis usually provide a more secure means of
transport but foreigners face the possibility of being scammed
into paying higher fares. A taxi arranged by the hotel offers
greater security than one hailed on the street.
If
planning to use any means of public transportation, travelers
should ask their hosts or hotel management staff to ask about
the presence of any threats and for recommendations on the
most secure means, as well as for itineraries and
fares. |
| |
|
Security: |
Fire safety information for
travelers worldwide. |
| |
Most local fire departments
worldwide lack the equipment to effectively combat fires in
multi-story buildings. Request rooms above the second floor
and below the eighth floor. Rooms above the seventh floor are
out of reach of most fire departments' ladders. Additionally,
ground-level and second-floor rooms should be avoided because
they are easier for burglars to enter and
leave.
Consider bringing a portable battery-operated
smoke alarm for use in hotel rooms and/or private lodgings
abroad. |
| |
|
Health Planning: |
Travel health risks in
Switzerland. |
| |
The preventive measures needed
while traveling in Western Europe depend on the areas visited
and the length of stay. For most areas, you should observe
health precautions similar to those that would apply while
traveling in the U.S.
| Disease |
How transmitted |
Comments |
| Tick-borne encephalitis |
Through tick bites |
Travelers are at risk if they visit or
work in forested areas during the summer months. The
vaccine for this disease is not available in the U.S. at
this time, but is available in Europe. Most exposures
occur in forests, fields or pastures. |
| Bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE) (mad cow disease) |
Transmission is suspected to be
through ingestion of contaminated beef products. |
BSE may cause a variation of
Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease in humans (a degenerative
neurological disorder).Cases of BSE have been reported
in Switzerland. There are no official restrictions on
beef
consumption. | |
| |
|
Immunizations: |
Recommended immunizations for
Switzerland. |
| |
When possible, see your health
care provider at least four weeks prior to your trip.
| Immunization |
Comments |
| Tetanus/diphtheria |
Booster is recommended every five to
ten years based on health care provider evaluation.
| |
| |
|
Medical Facilities/Services:
|
List of medical facilities in
Switzerland. |
| |
Medical treatment in Switzerland
is among the best in Europe, and is expensive.
First-aid centers and hospitals in major cities
provide medical care by English-speaking doctors. In most
major cities at least one pharmacy is open 24 hours a day
(pharmacies in the city rotate on this duty).
For
assistance during a medical emergency, phone
144.
Travel clinics in Switzerland:
Christoph
Hatz, PD
Travel Clinic, Swiss Tropical
Institute
Socinstrasse 57
P.O.Box
Basel,
4002
Phone: 41-61-284-82-55
Fax:
41-61-271-86-54
Email: tropmed@keep.touch.ch
Languages:
English (principal), French, German, Swahili
Louis
Loutan, MD, MPH
Travel and Migration Medicine
Unit
Geneva University Hospital
24 Rue
Micheli-du-Crest
Geneva, 1211-14
Phone:
41-22-372-9610
Fax: 41-22-372-9626
Email:
loutan-louis@digoenes.hcuge.ch
Jurg Skalsky,
MD
Aerztepraxis Eichwis (Practice for Travel and Tropical
Medicine)
Rickenstr. 9
Hombrechtikon, CH-8634
Phone:
41-55-244-4440
Fax: 41-55-244-4761
Email:
juerg.skalsky@freesurf.ch
Languages: German (principal),
English, French, Italian
Blaise Genton, MD, PhD, MSc,
DTM&H
Associate: D'Acremont Valerie MD
DTM&H
Centre de Vaccination et de Medecine des
Voyages
Policlinique Medical Universitaire
Cesar Roux
19
Lausanne, Vaud 1005
Phone: 41-21-345-22-22
Fax:
41-21-345-23-23
Email:
Blaise.genton@hospvd.ch
Languages: French (principal),
English, German, Italian, Spanish
Pietro Giuseppe
Antonini, MD
v. Moncucco 7
Lugano, 6900
Phone:
41-91-950-92-50
Fax: 41-91-950-92-52
Email:
pantonini@tinet.ch
Languages: Italian (principal), German,
French, English, Spanish
Frei, Markus,
Dr.
Zurichsstrasse 85
Luzern 6004
Phone:
41-41-420-63-36
Fax: 41-41-420-82-50
Email:
mfrei@centralnet.ch
Languages: German (principal), English,
French
Pierre Landry, MD, DTMH
Cabinet
medical
Place Pury 9
Neuchatel, 2000
Phone:
41-38-724-55-33
Fax: 41-38-724-55-34
Email:
pierrelandry@swissonline.ch
Languages: English (principal),
French, German
Roland Weibel, MD
Gruppenpraxis
Bifang
Aarauerstrasse 55
Olten,4600
Phone:
41-62-296-50-55
Fax: 41-62-296-57-66
Email:
Roland.Weibel.@hin.ch
Languages: German (principal),
English/French
Benedikt Holzer, MD, DTM&H
Travel
Clinic
Mittlere Strasse 3
Thun, BE CH-3600
Phone:
41-33-225-0555
Fax: 41-33-225-0559
Email:
rbholzer@bluewin.ch
Languages: German (principal), English,
French, Italian
Eidenbenz, Juerg Rolf, Doctor of
General Medicine
Cabinet medical de medicine generale
FMH
35 rue du Simplon
1800
Vevey, VD 1800
Phone:
41-021-921-89-91
Fax: 41-021-021-89-92
Email:
jeidenbenz@popmail.smis.ch
Languages: English (principal),
French, German, Italian
Gammeter, Hans
FMH Allg.
Med/ FMH Trop Med
Susanne Muellerstr. 6
Wattwil,
CH-9630
Phone: 41-71-988-63-63
Fax:
41-71-988-63-66
Email:
hansgammeter@bluewin.ch
Languages: German (principal),
English, French, Italian. |
Every effort is made to ensure that the information
provided here is the most up to date and accurate information
available. Due to the dynamic nature of this information, use this
as a guide but check any information critical to your travel plans
with the information source or authority. |
| © 2001 iJET Travel
Intelligence
|
|
