Frequently Asked Questions

What are the visa and passport requirements?

British citizens need a full passport to visit Switzerland, which must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

The ETIAS via waiver scheme will come into place in 2025. More details here.

All other nationalities should check passport and visa information with the Swiss Embassy on 0207 616 6000 or visaswiss.uk@vfshelpline.com

What does Brexit mean for my holiday in Switzerland?

• UK citizens are able to travel to countries in the Schengen area (of which Switzerland is a part) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

• At border control you will need to use the 'All Passports' lanes (not the EU / EEA lanes). Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit.

• You can apply for a UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) in Switzerland. You may be asked for proof of your nationality or your status when using your UK GHIC in Switzerland. The Card should NOT be relied on as a substitute for adequate travel insurance. 

• Please check with your mobile provider regarding roaming charges as these may now apply.

Please be aware:

The biometric Entry Exit System is due to start in in 2025, involving fingerprints and facial recognition. A visa-waiver scheme is also due to start in 2025. More details here.

Should I check Foreign Office advice?

We recommend you keep up to date with the advice provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for travel overseas. Please follow this link.

Do I need to supply Advanced passenger Information (API)? Advance passenger information needs to be provided to the airline prior to travel and includes your first and last name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, date & country of issue and expiry date. We will enter these details for easyJet bookings but you will need to do so yourself for SWISS and British Airways when you check-in online 24 hours before departure. What is my baggage allowance? We automatically book 23kg per person on Swiss International Air Lines, British Airways and easyJet and 22kg with Jet2. Please note there is no allowance for infants. Can I take my own ski equipment?

Yes, all the airlines with whom we work allow you to take skis, poles, boots and helmet in addition to your standard luggage allowance. There is a free service with SWISS; a charge will apply with all other airlines. 

Can I add excursions to my holiday?

Yes, please do call us to discuss any trips which you would like to add on to your booking. We can also tell you about money saving travel passes which can be pre-booked.

What currency will I need?

In Switzerland the currency is the Swiss Franc, which you may see written as CHF or SFR. Of course the rate of exchange varies but it is generally between 1.1 and 1.2 francs to the pound. Euros are accepted in some places (again, exchange rate varies).

How long is my flight?

All the flights we book from the UK are direct and take between 1½ and 2 hours. There are also connecting flights via London which are longer, depending on connection times.

Can I book specific seat numbers? With easyJet flights we reserve your seat at the time of booking. Please advise if you have a preference for window or aisle seats at the time of booking. With Swiss International Air Lines and British Airways you can check in and reserve your seats 24 hours in advance of travel.  How can I book extra legroom? With easyJet flights, we can book the bulkhead and emergency exit row seats for you at the time of booking for an additional cost. With SWISS and British Airways you can book seats with additional legroom 30 days before travel at an additional cost. Please contact SWISS/BA directly to make these arrangements. How do I book special assistance? Please tell us at the time of booking what help you need on your journey. All airlines can arrange for wheelchair assistance from check in to boarding the aircraft both in the UK and Switzerland. There is no charge for this service. Can I get help with my luggage? Swiss Railways will assist where there is a mobility problem. You just need to call the special number we will provide at least one hour before the service is required. What is Flight Luggage and how does it work?

Check in your luggage at your UK airport and it will be automatically be forwarded from Zurich airport to the railway station of a number of participating destinations. Depending on your arrival time of your flight in Switzerland you can chose delivery the same day or next day. Extra costs apply. Please click here for more details.

Will I receive a meal on the flight? SWISS flights offer a complimentary bottle of water and a small chocolate; British Airways offer a water and a snack. All airlines have hot and cold snacks and drinks available to purchase on board. Can I book business class flights? We have access to business class fares for British Airways and SWISS. The supplement varies according to your route but includes dedicated check-in and departure lounge, increased luggage allowance and in-flight catering. It's my honeymoon, which name should I use? Congratulations! Please book your holiday in whichever name matches your passport. How long is the transfer to my resort?

This varies according to which airport you have arrived at and which resort you are travelling to. Please see our Transfers to resort page for details.

What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class rail?

2nd class is already of a higher standard than you may be used to in the UK. In 1st class, there is more room thanks to the larger seats, and the carriages are mostly quieter than 2nd class.

Can I travel by rail or car from the UK?

There are regular rail services to Switzerland via Paris - see further details here.

You can also drive yourself to Switzerland; we can provide a road 'vignette' as part of your holiday price if required. This is compulsory for travel on the Swiss motorway network. You will also need to check the latest travel information following Brexit.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept deposit payments by debit cards and Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Balance payments can also be made by bank transfer. Please note that we do not accept cheques or American Express payments.

Is there a charge for using a credit card? There is no fee for paying by debit or credit card. We do not accept American Express cards. How much deposit do I need to pay?

Your deposit is £150 per person when travelling with Swiss International Air Lines. Exceptions include:

• travelling with BA, easyJet or Jet2
• travelling by rail from the UK
• booking an itinerary of 3 centres or more
• bookings with the Glacier Express

Deposits for any of these elements will be higher; we will advise you at the time of booking of the precise amount. 

When is my balance payment due? Your balance needs to be paid 10 weeks before travel. The actual date will be confirmed on your confirmation invoice and we will send you a reminder. Are you bonded with ABTA and ATOL? Yes, our ABTA number is W6262 and our ATOL is 3148. Your money is therefore fully protected. Do you provide travel insurance?

No. Please ensure that you have arranged cover which is appropriate to your requirements as soon as your holiday is confirmed, in case you should fall ill at any point between booking and the travel date. 

You can use the UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) in Switzerland if you're a UK national, a Swiss national or a citizen of an EU member state. You may be asked for proof of your nationality or your status when using your UK GHIC in Switzerland. The Card should NOT be relied on as a substitute for adequate health insurance. 

What are the cancellation charges?

If you need to cancel your holiday you will be charged at least loss of deposit. If you cancel within 10 weeks of travel further charges will be made as shown in our booking conditions.

Can I change my holiday once it is booked? Some elements can be changed for an administration charge of £50-£100 per person plus any costs we incur in making the alteration. Certain tickets may not be changeable and will incur a 100% cancellation charge of that part of the holiday arrangement. When will I receive my tickets? We will send your tickets and personalised itinerary 2-3 weeks before your holiday. Please check everything carefully upon receipt.

What is there to see and do?

With the beautiful lakes and mountains linked by a superb transport system, the possibilities are endless! Please click here for a summary, or use the resort drop down menu at the top of this page to see an overview of things to do in each destination. The resort pages also have links to excursion information for the wider regions. Please do call us for our recommendations as well. If there is a particular excursion you would like to do, please double check operating dates and bear in mind that local weather conditions can affect availability.

What is scenic rail?

There are several journeys which cross the country and offer stunning views en route. The carrriages on trains such as the Glacier Express and GoldenPass Express have huge panoramic windows so you can really make the most of the passing scenery. Since many of the routes traverse the Alps, you can also enjoy a series of amazing viaducts, bridges and tunnels. A popular choice is to book a two or multi centre holiday, with scenic rail journeys connecting your resorts.

What is the Half Fare Card?

This is included in all our standard holidays (except self drive arrangements). It entitles you to half or reduced fare travel on most mainline trains, mountain railways and cable cars, boats on the lakes, long distance PostBuses, and local bus travel in the bigger towns. More information...

What is the Swiss Travel Pass?

The Swiss Travel Pass is an upgrade of the Half Fare Card and is recommended for visitors who intend to travel around Switzerland as it gives you unlimited travel on most mainline trains, lake boats and PostBuses. It also offers free or discounted entry to hundreds of museums and attractions, and a 50% discount for most mountain transport. You can pre-book a 3, 4, 8 or 15 day pass. It is included in our scenic rail itineraries. 

Can children travel free on the Swiss transport network? Yes, they can travel absolutely free! We will issue families with a free 'Swiss Family Card' which covers children aged 6-15 when travelling with their parents. Under 6's are free anyway. How can I make the most of my spending money?

There are many ways to make your money go further. Book half board for excellent value evening meals. Pick a summer mountain resort which offers a free mountain travel pass such as Saas-Fee, St. Moritz or Appenzell. Choose a hotel which offers a free night's stay. Book early to ensure the cheapest flight prices and to take advantage of early bird accommodation offers.

What will the weather be like? There are no guarantees of course, but the climate is generally moderate with no excessive heat, cold or humidity. Spring and Autumn: 8-15°C (46-59°F) Summer: 18-28°C (65-82°F) Winter: -2-7°C (28-45°F) Temperatures do vary considerably at altitude, so we recommend taking something warm even in the summer if you are planning to explore the mountains. Do I need proper boots for walking? That depends. The most challenging alpine trails (red & white or blue signs) do require proper equipment. The yellow signposts show routes which are more suitable for all and can be enjoyed with everyday sensible footwear. Do they speak English in Switzerland?

English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and at tourist locations. Depending on which part of Switzerland you visit, you may like to practice your French, German or Italian, or even try a few words in the local Swiss dialect, Schwitzerdütsch.