Passport / Visa

Switzerland can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Geneva International Airport (GVA)

Geneva Airport, situated 4 kilometres from the city centre, offers convenient transportation options through a united network of public transport, known as Unireso. The CFF Railway Station at Genève Aéroport provides direct access to trains heading to Geneva's city centre, other Swiss destinations, and even cities in France. The journey between the airport and Geneva-Cornavin station takes 7 minutes. TPG city buses operate at the airport with frequencies of 8-15 minutes during rush hours. Timetables and fare details are available at the airport's information desk. In addition, the Aérobus Morning Service, encompassing A1 to A6 lines, facilitates early morning travel for passengers staying in Geneva and France, providing free airport shuttles. Travellers staying in Geneva hotels, youth hostels, or campsites receive a ‘Geneva Transport Card’, allowing complimentary use of public transport in Geneva (zone 10) during their stay. This includes the Genève-Cornavin – Genève-Aéroport train journey. At the airport, you will also find taxi services as well as car rental companies.

• Web:

  www.gva.ch/en

• Address:

  Geneva International Airport, Geneva

• Phone:

  +41 848 192 020

Public Transport

Geneva has excellent local public transport consisting of bus, trolley bus, tram, boat and train. The Unireso public transportation network lets you use the same ticket for all means of transportation. Tickets can be bought from ticket machines, agencies and online. A weekly pass and a monthly pass are also available. Note that the Geneva Unireso Network is free for anyone arriving by plane at Geneva Airport. This offer is limited to 80 minutes, counted from arrival time. Pick up your free ticket from the machine in the baggage collection area. At your hotel, you will receive the Geneva Transport Card which gives you a free passport to the entire transport network.

• Web:

  www.tpg.ch/en

• More info:

  www.sbb.ch/en

Taxi

Taxis in Geneva can be ordered by phone, hailed on the street, or found at designated parking areas downtown, at the airport, and at train stations. Note that taxis are fairly expensive in Geneva. AA Genève Central Taxi +41 22 320 22 02 Taxi-Phone Central +41 22 331 41 33

Electricity

Switzerland operates on a voltage of 230V/50 Hz, consistent with the standard in most of Europe. The country uses both Type C (2-pin) and Type J (3-pin) plugs, with Type C plugs (2-pin) also compatible with Type J sockets. The majority of power sockets in Switzerland are specifically designed to accommodate three-pin round plugs.

Pharmacy

Some of the main pharmacy chains in Geneva include Pharmacieplus, Sun Store, and Amavita. Pharmacieplus des pâquis Rue des Pâquis 10, Geneva +41 22 732 29 59 Open Mon–Fri 8am–7pm, Sat 8am–5pm, Sun closed Amavita Métro-Shopping Rue du Mont-Blanc 30, Geneva +41 58 878 17 30 Open Mon–Fri 7:30am–8pm, Sat 8am–6pm, Sun closed