Swiss media reported this week that the US State Department has classified Switzerland as a travel destination risk for Americans.
This sounds ominous, but are people from the US really in danger here, and what kind of risks are the running while visiting Switzerland?
Putting the risks in perspective
The US travel risks are rated on a scale of 1 to 4, with the former being the lowest and the latter the highest.
So assigning the Level 1 to Switzerland should actually be quite reassuring, as in the State Department's lingo it means visitors should “exercise normal precautions,” but no more than that.
In fact, it is a much better rating than many US cities should get.
American travellers are advised to get travel insurance before they head to Switzerland and also to "prepare a plan for emergency situations".
What dangers should US tourists be aware of in Switzerland (according to their government?)
"Although safety standards [in Switzerland] are excellent, visitors need to be aware that public safety warnings are not comparable to those found in the United States,” the State Department writes on its website.
“While hiking paths and ski slopes are clearly marked, not all possibly hazardous situations will have clear warning signs. People are expected to use common sense and caution when enjoying the outdoors."
It is true that in the US certain warnings are much more common than in Switzerland — for instance, signs like “Watch your step”, or “This coffee is hot” — but this is mostly to avoid lawsuits.
Other warnings concerning Switzerland are a bit exaggerated: “low to medium risk” of terrorism and political violence.
However other potential perils are more realistic — for instance, the risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing.
This is true, especially (but not only) in places like the Geneva airport and the central train station (Cornavin).
'Thieves work in pairs'
The US country report on Switzerland states: "Bern has low crime rates, while the larger cities of Zürich, Geneva, and Basel have slightly higher crime rates.
It adds: "While violent crime against foreign visitors is rare, petty crime is more common. The most common types of criminal activity include shoplifting, pocket picking, petty theft, and larceny. These crimes are particularly prevalent in transportation hubs (e.g., train and tram stations, airports, bus stops) and tourist areas."
Tourists are advised to be aware of pickpockets working in groups:
"Be alert to criminal schemes," the country report says. "Organised groups of pick-pockets operate at major tourist sites and when conferences, festivals, shows, or exhibitions occur. Thieves frequently work in pairs. For example, one member of the pair creates a disturbance while the other steals your belongings."
Specific areas:
The country report points out certain areas in Geneva and Bern where US tourists should be cautious.
In Geneva, the areas listed were "Lake Geneva Promenade, areas around the Jardin Anglais/Mont Blanc Bridge; Les Paquis area; Plain palais area"
And in Bern: "Reithalle Cultural Center. Reithalle is considered an autonomous area with limited enforcement from local police. Bernese police consider the Reithalle and the surrounding area a hot spot for crime, including drug consumption and distribution."
READ ALSO: How likely are you to be a victim of theft in Geneva?
So all things considered, tourists should not fear Switzerland, as it is generally very safe, especially in comparison to some other European destinations.
Which ones?
The US slapped both Germany and Spain with the ‘Level 2’ risk, “due to terrorism and civil unrest” in those countries.
READ ALSO: Why a record number of American tourists are visiting Switzerland
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