Rules and laws in Switzerland (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
Every topic we cover for Switzerland. Each rule links to its official source.
Driving
Car speed limits
General limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside them, 100 km/h on signed Autostrassen and 120 km/h on motorways, under favourable road, traffic and visibility conditions. Signed limits take precedence. Signed Tempo-30 zones are limited to 30 km/h and shared zones (Begegnungszonen) to 20 km/h.
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Drink-driving limits
The general limit is 0.5 per mille blood alcohol (0.25 mg/l breath), with a qualified level at 0.8 per mille. A stricter ban applies to probationary licence holders, learners, accompanying persons and professional drivers, with alcohol influence at 0.10 per mille. Any driver may be breath-tested.
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Driving after drugs
Switzerland deems a driver unfit once THC or another listed drug is detected in blood; the THC value is 1.5 µg/l. A person taking a substance on prescription is not automatically unfit. Police may do preliminary tests, and the sanction can be up to 3 years in prison or a monetary penalty.
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E-bikes and speed pedelecs
An e-bike with assistance up to 25 km/h (Leicht-Motorfahrrad) needs no driving licence and no helmet and may be ridden from age 16, or from 14 with category M. A fast e-bike with assistance up to 45 km/h is a moped (Motorfahrrad): it needs category M, a helmet, a number plate and insurance.
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E-scooters
E-scooters are treated as light motorised bicycles: up to 20 km/h, one rider, no registration plate, from age 14 (category M licence at 14 to 15). They follow cyclists' rules and may not use pavements; a helmet is recommended, not required.
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Foreign driving licences
A valid foreign national licence entitles visitors to drive in Switzerland, with an international permit only needed alongside a national licence under the listed conventions. After twelve months of residence a Swiss licence is required.
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Mopeds
A moped (Motorfahrrad) needs special licence category M from age 14, and the rider must wear a helmet. It needs a registration certificate, a number plate and an insurance vignette. The motor-only design speed is at most 30 km/h.
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Seat belts and child seats
Swiss rules require seat belts to be worn where fitted. Children under 12 need an approved child restraint on belted seats, unless they are at least 150 cm tall or an exception applies. The fixed penalty is CHF 60.
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Travel
Air passenger rights
Switzerland applies the EU air passenger rights regulation 261/2004 through its bilateral air transport agreement, and the Federal Office of Civil Aviation enforces it. Compensation of EUR 250, 400 or 600 is stated for cancellations by distance. For delays the office says the Regulation provides no compensation and a civil judge decides.
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Customs allowances for tobacco and alcohol
Switzerland gives one duty-free allowance per person per day for goods for private use, with no separate figures by country of origin: 250 cigarettes or other listed tobacco units, 1 litre of drinks over 18% ABV and 5 litres of drinks under 18% ABV. Allowances apply from age 17.
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Health cover for temporary visitors
Switzerland accepts the EHIC for people staying temporarily, with a flat cost-sharing amount for visitors. Planned treatment needs form S2 instead. The sources read do not state whether private care or repatriation is covered.
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Meat and dairy imports
Animal products such as meat and dairy may only be imported for private use from EU member states, Iceland, Northern Ireland and Norway; imports from all other countries are prohibited. Duty-free allowances apply per person per day.
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Rail passenger rights
Switzerland has its own rules in the Passenger Transport Act and its ordinance. Compensation is at least 25% of the fare for a delay of more than 60 minutes and at least 50% for more than 120 minutes, where the fare was not refunded. The Federal Office of Transport supervises public transport.
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Short stays (90/180-day rule)
UK visitors do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. A travel document must be valid three months after departure and issued within ten years.
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Tax-free shopping for visitors
Switzerland has a tax-free scheme for buyers who do not live in Switzerland. The purchase must be at least CHF 300 including VAT per export document, and the goods must leave Switzerland within 90 days. The export document is confirmed by Swiss customs when the goods leave.
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Travelling with pets
Entering Switzerland from the EU, dogs, cats and ferrets need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a recognised pet passport. Up to 5 animals may travel together. Importing dogs with cropped ears or tails is prohibited.
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Living
Dual nationality
Switzerland has allowed dual nationality without restriction since 1 January 1992. Naturalisation in Switzerland does not require giving up the previous nationality, and Swiss citizens who acquire another nationality abroad keep Swiss citizenship. Whether the other country allows dual nationality depends on its own law.
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Naturalisation by residence
Ordinary naturalisation requires 10 years of residence and a C permit, with years between ages 8 and 18 counting double (at least six real years). Language skills of B1 oral and A2 written are required, and dual nationality is allowed.
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Restrictions
Cannabis
Cannabis (the non-medical kind with a total THC content of 1.0 per cent or more) is prohibited under federal narcotics law: growing, importing, producing and sale are banned, and consumption is punishable by a fine. Adults caught consuming are normally dealt with by a CHF 100 fixed fine. Medical use is excepted from the ban.
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Drones
Switzerland applies the EASA drone rules. Operators register with the FOCA (CHF 10) unless the drone is under 250 g and has no camera or other sensor recording personal data, and the maximum height is 120 m above ground level. Liability insurance is required above 250 g.
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Tobacco and nicotine age limits
Switzerland sets a single national age of 18 for tobacco, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches (since 1 October 2024). Federal law bans smoking in enclosed public places and covers e-cigarettes and heated tobacco; cantons can go further.
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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.