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, the 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 Airport (GVA)

Located just 4 km from the city centre, Geneva Airport is extremely well-connected. The CFF/SBB railway station, directly beneath the terminal, offers frequent departures to Genève‑Cornavin, with the journey taking about 7 minutes. TPG bus lines 5 and 10 also run between the airport and central Geneva, with travel times ranging from 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses typically run every 8 to 15 minutes during peak hours. For early departures, the Aérobus shuttle service (lines A1–A6) operates between 4:30am and 6:30am, connecting several neighbourhoods in and around Geneva and neighbouring France. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available just outside the arrivals hall. Travellers staying in a hotel, youth hostel, or campsite in Geneva receive a Geneva Transport Card, valid throughout zone 10. This includes buses, trams, local boats (Mouettes), and the train between the airport and city centre — all free for the duration of your stay.

• Web:

  www.gva.ch/en

• Address:

  Geneva International Airport, Geneva

• Phone:

  +41 848 192 020

Public Transport

Geneva’s public transport is arguably one of the best ways for visitors to get around the city. It's reliable, frequent and covers most tourist spots. It includes trams, trolleybuses, buses, trains and even lake ferries (the yellow Mouettes Genevoises), all covered by one ticket. Tickets are valid across all modes within Zone 10, with day passes available. If you're staying in a hotel, hostel or campsite registered with Geneva Tourism, you'll receive a Geneva Transport Card — a digital pass sent before arrival that gives you free, unlimited travel on all local transport during your stay. There’s also a Geneva City Pass offering transport plus discounts on about 50 attractions for 24–72 hours.

• Web:

  www.tpg.ch/en

• More info:

  www.sbb.ch/en

Taxi

Taxis in Geneva can be ordered by phone, hailed at specific stands, or booked via the Taxiphone Genève app, which is widely used. Ride‑hailing apps like Uber and Bolt also operate in the city. Taxis are fairly expensive, which is why most travellers opt for public transport.

• Address:

  Taxi-Phone Central

• Phone:

  +41 22 331 41 33

Electricity

Switzerland operates on a 230V/50 Hz electrical system and uses both Type C (two-pin) and Type J (three-pin) plugs. Type C plugs are also compatible with Type J sockets.

Pharmacy

In Geneva, the main pharmacy chains are Amavita, Sun Store, and Pharmacieplus. They are widely present across the city and offer prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, health products, and basic travel or hygiene essentials. For urgent needs outside of these times, Pharma24, at Boulevard de la Cluse 38, operates 24/7.

• Address:

  Pharmacieplus - Rond-Point de Plainpalais 6, Geneva

• Phone:

  +41 22 320 07 59

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 8am–7pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun closed