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 2026. 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 still be stamped on entry and exit, although this will change as the new Entry Exit System registers our fingerprints and facial recognition. More details here.

• 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.

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 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. The cover should also be enough to cover assistance - including repatriation - when abroad. Please see ABTA for advice.

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 travel insurance. 

Are there any health requirements for travelling to Switzerland?

There are no compulsory health requirements or vaccinations needed for travelling to Switzerland. ABTA recommend the Travel Health Pro website for further information.

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.  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. 

It's my honeymoon, which name should I use? Congratulations! Please book your holiday in whichever name matches your passport. 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 1.10 and 1.15 francs to the pound. Euros are accepted in some places (again, exchange rate varies).

What plug adaptors will I need?

For travellers from the UK, we recommend taking both a type C adaptor (standard European two pins) and a type J adaptor (newer, hexagon style with 3 pins). Hotel rooms may feature either of these sockets.

Both types are widely available from UK supermarkets and at airports. Your hotel reception will also likely be able to lend an adaptor in most circumstances.

You will not need a voltage converter as Switzerland's voltage (230V) is compatible with most UK appliances.

What is the EES? 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 on my flight? 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. 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.

We can also offer The Baggageman delivery service and - for London flights - Airportr service.  

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. 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. More details...

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. More details...

Do I need to book the seat reservations for scenic rail trains?

No, we will take care of that for you as part of our service. 

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
• bookings with the Glacier Express 2nd Class, 1st Class, Excellence Class
• bookings with GoldenPass Express Prestige Class

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. 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. 

Which is best - Jungfrau Travel Pass or Bernese Oberland Pass?

It really depends where you are staying and what you'd like to do on your holiday.

The Jungfrau Travel Pass gives free travel in the Jungfrau mountains (and lake cruises in Interlaken) and is best suited for those staying in a Jungfrau village such as Wengen or Grindelwald, or Interlaken if you intend to spend most days in the Jungfrau mountains.

The Bernese Oberland Pass includes free travel in a much wider area (all the way to Montreux, Lucerne and Brig) including cruises and many mountain journeys. 

Please ask our knowledgeable team, or check the relevant travel pass pages. 

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.

Can I request a particular room number?

We help many guests every year who return again and again to a specific room. Although we cannot offer a guarantee, if you do have a particular room in mind, please be sure to book early to have the best chance.

How do I guarantee a room with a great view? We can advise you on hotels with the best scenic positions in each resort. To guarantee a spectacular view from your own bedroom, we recommend an upgrade which can start from fairly modest supplements. Can I use all of the hotel's facilities?

Yes, although please be aware that there may be charges payable locally for some of the facilities and beauty/health treatments in hotel spas. If you book half board and wish to dine in the hotel's à la carte restaurant, extra charges will apply.

Do I save money by booking half board?

The quick answer is yes! Your evening meal is generally cheaper than eating in local restaurants. There are often 4 or 5 courses offered for the evening meal and you have the advantage of managing your budget ahead of travelling. Please note that half board comprises breakfast and a set evening meal, sometimes with a choice of dishes for the main course. 

Can I make a special dietary request? Most hotel kitchens are able to cater for special requirements. We can check with your preferred hotel before you book for your peace of mind. Which hotels have gourmet restaurants?

A number of our partner hotels have restaurants which have received special mention in the prestigious Gault & Millau gourmet guide.

Is it usual to pay for tap water at dinner? This is customary practice in some hotels and restaurants in Switzerland.  What is the tourist / city tax? The majority of Swiss cities, towns and even villages have a 'city tax' in place for tourists. The amount varies by location but is generally in the region of 4-7 Swiss francs per person per night. More and more hotels are moving towards charging the guest directly rather than including the tax in the rates they charge us. Therefore you should be prepared to pay the tax at most hotels upon check out.  Is there a kettle in my room?

It is not the norm to provide tea and coffee making facilities in the room, although some hotels do offer this. If this is important to you, please mention it at the time of enquiry and we can double check and let you know. 

Will my room have air conditioning? All our hotels in the southern Ticino region (Lugano, Locarno, Ascona) feature rooms with air conditioning. Alpine hotels do not feature air conditioning but nights are always cool even if the day has been warm. Other resorts such as Lucerne and Interlaken have weather similar to the UK and therefore air conditioning is not standard for the few hot days of the year. Hotels may be able to provide a fan or portable unit on request.