Switzerland 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Geneva

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Switzerland at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Switzerland-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is moderate risk from crime in Geneva. Geneva is a relatively safe city, but criminal activity can occur. Most crimes are non-violent and involve petty theft, pickpocketing, or burglary. Drug- related offenses are also common, but generally do not involve violence. There is a general increase in the number of criminal incidents reported in Geneva and Vaud cantons. Rates of violent crime across both cantons are lower than cities of similar size and demographics.

According to the latest (2017) crime statistics for the canton of Geneva, there was a 1% increase in the number of reported vehicle thefts (cars: 246; motorcycles: 1,210; bicycles and other vehicles: 3,077), a 7.5% increase in the number of reported burglaries (4,874 cases), and a 15% decrease in the number of reported pickpocketing incidents (3,494 cases). There was one murder (6 cases reported in 2016), a 50% increase number of reported kidnappings (15 cases), and a 15% decrease in the number of reported sexual assaults (416 cases). The total number of reported “thefts with violence” increased by 13% (315 cases).

According to the latest (2017) crime statistics for the canton of Vaud, the number of reported pickpocketing incidents was almost the same as in 2016 (2,114 cases), the number of reported vehicle thefts saw a 9% increase (cars: 171; motorcycles: 396; bicycles and other vehicles: 1,999), and there was a 29% decrease in the number of reported burglaries (5,825 cases). There was an equal number of murders (3 cases), a 180% decrease in reported kidnappings (5 cases), and a 7% decrease in the number of reported sexual assaults (627 cases). The total number of reported “thefts with violence” decreased by 28% (199 cases this year and 280 last year).

1 Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland (after Zurich). As in any larger city, remain alert for pickpockets, confidence scams, and other attempts to steal mobile phones, laptops, tablets, wallets, purses, bags, or backpacks in public areas, such as:

 Lake Geneva's promenade;  Vicinity of the Jardin Anglais/Mont Blanc Bridge;  Large shopping areas (such as Rue de Rive);  Plainpalais area (open market);  Gare Cornavin train station;  Geneva International Airport, including the train station at the airport;  Les Paquis area;  Public transportation (trams, trains, buses);  Checking into/out of hotels; and  Restaurants

Pickpockets tend to use aggressive, but not assaultive, tactics. They often work in groups and attempt to distract their victims by dropping something or creating a diversion. Pickpockets also masquerade as street performers or other tourists. Stealth pickpockets are also common.

In general, travel in groups, carry only enough money/credit cards to make a purchase, maintain copies of credits cards and identity documents in a safe location, and be aware of surroundings.

Switzerland still has some active organized crime elements from the following locations:  Italy, particularly in money laundering;  Southeast Europe (Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo), particularly in cocaine trafficking, laundering money, migrant trafficking, extortion, and property crimes;  Russia, particularly in money laundering, break-ins, and thefts;  China, particularly in extortion, migrant trafficking, blackmail, credit cards, drugs, arms, prostitution, and illegal gambling; and  West and North Africa, particularly false documents, cocaine trafficking, and fraud.

Cybersecurity Issues

The Swiss Government has not released formal statistics on cybercrime since 2015, but newsletters and other information on cyber trends are available through their Reporting and Analysis Center for Information Assurance (MELANI). In 2014, the Swiss Cybercrime Coordination Unit (CYCO) received 10,214 suspicious activity reports on cybercrime via the online reporting form. This is an increase of 10.9% over 2013 (9,208 reports).

Hacking and data breaches continue to be a concern in Switzerland, as cyberattacks become more sophisticated and numerous worldwide. Cybercriminals use spam and phishing e-mails to compromise victim’s online accounts and steal personal information. E-mails containing e- banking malware are also common. Variations of the malware can also capture keyboard entries and network traffic in order to steal usernames and passwords.

2 Malicious actors also target business accounts for information on payment methods and outstanding invoices. Cybercriminals use the information to send fake invoices demanding payment to a designated account. They also use false advertisements, online auctions, classified advertising websites, and fictitious real estate advertisements to perpetrate fraud. Cybercrime incidents have become increasingly professional; the grammar and spelling in phishing attempts and fraudulent e-mails are of a higher standard, and the layout and design are of a better quality. This makes it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish between genuine content and fake content.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Switzerland offers a well-maintained network of roads. Switzerland has four official languages; travelers should be prepared for the signage to change languages throughout the country. Swiss highways are toll roads; drivers must purchase a vignette sticker (for 40 Swiss Francs), which is affixed to the inside of the windshield, to use the highway system. Vignettes are available for purchase at gas stations, post offices, or any manned vehicle border crossing.

The minimum driving age is 18. Traffic laws are strictly enforced; police can impose on-the-spot fines, which, for grievous violations, can reach up to 10% of the driver’s salary. Drivers must keep headlights on at all times. Vehicles must carry third-party liability insurance. All occupants must wear safety belts. Trams, police vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, and buses always have the right of way, and pedestrians have the right-of-way at striped crosswalks.

Local police have the right to perform on-the-spot breathalyzer tests; the BAC limit is .05 grams/liter (approximately one beer). Police will charge drivers with a BAC between .50-.79 g/l with a fine and could take them to jail; police could fine and arrest drivers with BAC higher than .80 g/l, as well as confiscating their Swiss driver's license for a minimum of three months.

Comply with imposed safety restrictions (e.g. maintaining proper distance between vehicles and proper speed). The maximum speed limit (if not posted) is:  Highway - 120 km/h;  Open road - 80 km/h;  In town - 50 km/h;  Residential areas - 30 km/h.

Due to limited resources, police prioritize their response to incidents that involve injuries.

As a training tool, visitors can test their knowledge of Swiss regulations for drivers and cyclists online. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices.

3 Public Transportation Conditions

Public transportation in Geneva and throughout Switzerland is safe and reliable. However, the SBB IC train running from Bern to Geneva is a frequent target for luggage and electronic device theft.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Geneva International Airport (GVA) and Zurich International Airport (ZRH) adhere to international air-safety standards, as does management of flight operations. Security measures are on par with U.S. airports.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is moderate risk from terrorism in Geneva. Extremists have traditionally viewed Switzerland as a place for planning, funding, and logistical support for terrorist operations, but not as a target for attack. Recent threats through Europe, however, have highlighted a new paradigm of terrorist planning and attack execution. The Schengen agreement allows free movement between member countries, which makes tracking cross-border movements of potential terrorists more difficult. In 2017, Swiss authorities arrested at least five individuals for terrorism or related offenses, according to media reports.

In 2015, the Swiss Federal Council adopted a counter-terrorism strategy with the main objectives of preventing attacks in Switzerland, preventing the export of terrorism from Switzerland, and preventing Switzerland from use as a breeding ground for terrorism. In 2017, Switzerland adopted a National Action Plan (NAP) to combat radicalization and violent extremism. The NAP expands police authorities and implements new measures to investigate those suspected of extremist activities. The 2017 Swiss Federal Intelligence Service annual security report is also available.

Switzerland also has active environmental and animal-extremist organizations that seek to disrupt business operations, sometimes violently, causing property damage to Swiss-based firms.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment.

While there is no widespread anti-U.S./anti-Western sentiment in Geneva, the global call for self- radicalization, whether disseminated on extremist forums or via social media, continues.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is a minimal risk of civil unrest in Geneva. Geneva regularly experiences demonstrations, occasionally sparked by U.S. foreign policy and/or global trade issues. Demonstrations are usually peaceful, but protestors will occasionally block traffic, spray graffiti, and burn effigies. Police must approve all demonstrations; they deploy tear gas and water cannon to maintain order, if necessary. The last major protest that resulted in major property damage was in 2015.

4 The majority of demonstrations take place at the Place de Nations in front of the United Nations, less than one kilometer (0.5 miles) from the U.S. Mission. Other common locations for demonstrations include:

 United Nations;  World Trade Organization (WTO);  United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHRC);  World Economic Forum (WEF);  Israeli Mission to the United Nations;  Jardin Anglais/Mont Blanc Bridge;  U.S. Mission to the United Nations;  Downtown area of Geneva.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

There is little religious/ethnic violence occurring in Geneva. Geneva claims to be the “most international city in Europe,” with well over 40% of its population composed of foreign nationals, encompassing 192 nationalities. Relative to its small size, a significant number of refugees have come to Switzerland. The number of refugees applying for asylum in Switzerland has decreased over the two years, down from over 40,000 in 2015 to 18,088 in 2017. Final numbers for 2018 are not available, but likely will continue the downward trend. For 2017 (the most recent available statistics), there were 18,088 new applications and a total of 20,503 pending applications at year’s end. As of the end of 2017, there are approximately 2,990 recognized refugees with asylum status in Geneva and 5,058 in Vaud. The majority of refugees come from Eritrea, Afghanistan, and Syria

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Switzerland is an internationally recognized leader in response to natural and manmade disasters. In the event of a natural disaster, the commune or canton manages assistance from fire, police, sanitary, and civil-protection services. In case of extreme weather or serious earthquakes, the national alarm center is responsible for sending the alerts from the Swiss Meteorological Office or the Swiss Seismological Service to the affected cantons, military, Federal Police, and all other concerned parties. Resources are limited, however, and if multiple locations succumb to a disaster, authorities would request assistance from other cantons. Download the “AlertSwiss” app for real-time information.

Earthquakes and floods have occurred in the Valais and Fribourg cantons, both of which border Vaud.

Privacy Concerns

Switzerland has very stringent laws protecting personal privacy. However, travelers should always use good security practices when communicating on mobile devices or other electronic media. Protect devices and personal information to avoid potential exploitation.

5 Drug-related Crimes

A market for marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs exists within the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. Since 2011, cannabis containing up to 1% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is legal to sell and consume in Switzerland. Despite the lower levels of THC, locally procured cannabis contains higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which may result in unexpected side effects. If police suspect that the cannabis does not comply with local drug laws, they can require a laboratory test for THC levels and issue fines for illegal possession of any product with levels above 1%. Only certain shops have licenses to sell cannabis; cannabis sold on the street is likely illegal, and may result in an arrest for possession. Drug-related offenses and crimes have increased slightly over the past few years in the cantons of Geneva (approximately 9,500 cases) and Vaud (approximately 13,000 cases). The most common areas for drug activity are:

 Paquis;  Plainpalais;  Coulouvreniere along the Rhone River;  Quai du Seujet.

Kidnapping Threat

There were 15 cases of kidnapping in the canton of Geneva, a 50% increase from the previous year. The number of kidnappings reported in the canton of Vaud decreased by over 100%, but due to a very small number of cases (5). Switzerland does not comply fully with the Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abductions. Switzerland has a federal system of government with powerful and independent cantons, which are normally cooperative and responsive; there have been problems nonetheless with the cantonal courts and child welfare agencies that have sided with a Swiss parent in some parental abduction cases.

Police Response

Police in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud are highly professional, but their response to requests for assistance may be delayed due to the limited availability of bilingual police officers, or based on the severity of the incident (e.g. severe injuries, weapons involved, etc.).

Crime Victim Assistance

For police assistance, dial 117.

For local first responders, refer to the U.S. Embassy Bern’s Emergency Assistance page.

Medical Emergencies

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical emergencies, dial 144. If a heart attack is suspected, explicitly request cardiac assistance. Ambulance crews can include a cardiologist or stroke unit as needed and available. Additional information regarding hospitals/clinics is available online.

For medical assistance, refer to U.S. Embassy Bern’s Medical Assistance page.

6 Available Air Ambulance Services

Reach Swiss Air Rescue service Rega by dialing 1414 around the clock.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Switzerland.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Switzerland Country Council is active and alternates meetings between Bern and Geneva. For programing information on the Switzerland Country Council, please contact the Regional Security Office at U.S. Embassy Bern or U.S. Consulate Geneva, or OSAC’s Europe team.

Consulate Location and Contact Information

Consulate Address and Hours of Operation

The U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva does not provide consular services.

U.S. Mission Geneva, Route de Pregny 11, CH-1292 Geneva

Consulate Contact Numbers

U.S. citizens with an emergency should call U.S. Embassy Bern at: +41 31 357-7011 (during business hours) or +41 31 357-7777 (after business hours, including weekends and holidays).

U.S. Consular Agency Geneva operates by appointment only. Find information and hours here: Rue Francois-Versonnex 7, CH-1207 Geneva.

U.S. Embassy Bern offers a full range of consular services to U.S. citizens in Switzerland and Liechtenstein and is located at Sulgeneckstrasse 19, CH-3007 Bern.

In case of a lost/stolen passport in Geneva, contact U.S. Embassy Bern or Consular Agency Geneva.

Nearby Posts

Embassy Bern, Virtual Presence Post Liechtenstein

Consulate Guidance

U.S. citizens traveling to Switzerland should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

Switzerland Country Information Sheet

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