A recent Global Peace Index ranks Switzerland in the 5th place in terms of its safety or, as it puts it, “the absence of violence or the fear of violence.”
This is a very good score, considering that 163 countries were included in the ranking.
Other international studies and surveys have also found Switzerland to be among the safest nations on earth.
For instance, Switzerland ranks among Top-10 safest countries in the world, according to this index.
And the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), also found that “in Switzerland, 86 percent of people say they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 74 percent".
Further, “the homicide rate (the number of murders per 100,000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country's safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police".
According to the OECD data, Switzerland's homicide rate is 0.3, which is much lower than the OECD average of 2.6, and one of the lowest in the OECD.
But Americans see it differently…
In May 2025, the US State Department has classified Switzerland as a risky travel destination for Americans.
In Donald Trump’s lingo, this is actually FAKE NEWS because the State Department itself said that travellers to Switzerland should merely “exercise normal precautions,” but no more than that.
Beware of pickpockets
However other potential perils outlined the US government 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).
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."
What do the readers think?
In response to The Local’s call for the readers to assess the US travel warning, 316 respondents said that it is vastly exaggerated.
“If Switzerland is dangerous, you will have to travel to the moon,” one reader, Eva WA, commented.
As for Martin Häne, in his opinion Switzerland is “very dangerous. You could get hit by a cow, or even worse: suffer from an overdose of delicious chocolate.”
Tell us how safe you feel in Switzerland and whether you think certain places should be avoided. Take a minute to answer these questions.
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