U.S. warns travelers: Caution in Switzerland? U.S. thinks so
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- May 24
- 4 min read
The U.S. issued a surprising travel advisory for Switzerland, citing petty crime and protests. But is there more behind the move—like rising Swiss crime stats or recent trade tensions?
The U.S. Department of State recently issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Switzerland—its lowest level—urging travelers to «exercise normal precautions.» While such advisories are routine, the alert caught attention due to Switzerland’s reputation as one of the world’s safest and most stable countries.
An unexpected advisory for a peaceful nation
The advisory highlights standard concerns, such as petty theft in tourist areas and a general reminder to remain vigilant. It also mentions the possibility of demonstrations and a low but present risk of terrorism from lone actors, common wording across many countries with similar stability levels. The move mirrors recent advisories for countries like Canada, Japan, and Austria, and does not reflect any acute crisis or security threat.
The announcement, however, comes amid a backdrop of minor diplomatic friction. In April 2025, the United States imposed a surprise 31% tariff on certain Swiss imports. While this economic move drew criticism from Swiss authorities, there has been no indication that it has escalated into broader conflict. Diplomatic relations remain intact, with both sides continuing dialogue on trade and cooperation.
The consensus among both the public and experts is that the Level 1 advisory for Switzerland is a routine update and not a cause for concern. Travelers are advised to maintain standard precautions, as they would in any international destination, but there is no indication of increased risk or danger in Switzerland.
Crime in Switzerland: Still one of the safest countries in the world
Statistically, Switzerland remains one of the safest destinations globally. In 2024, the country experienced an 8% rise in overall reported crimes, including a 19.4% increase in serious violent offenses. Despite that, the homicide rate dropped to just 0.6 per 100,000 people, well below European and global averages.
Urban areas like Basel, Lausanne, and Geneva report higher crime rates compared to the country's rural cantons, but the figures remain relatively low. Switzerland also continues to score well on international safety indexes, such as the Global Peace Index and Numbeo’s 2024 rankings, where it was listed among the ten safest nations worldwide.
Violent crime rates
Switzerland: In 2024, Switzerland reported a homicide rate of 0.6 per 100,000 people, maintaining one of the lowest rates globally. Serious violent crimes, including aggravated assault and sexual offenses, saw a 19.4% increase from the previous year, yet the absolute numbers remain low.
United States: The U.S. had a violent crime rate of 380.7 per 100,000 people in 2022, with aggravated assault being the most prevalent offense. However, 2024 saw a significant decline in violent crimes, with murder decreasing by 22.7%, rape by 17.7%, robbery by 13.6%, and aggravated assault by 8.1%.
Property crime
Switzerland: Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, increased by 8% in 2024, totaling approximately 564,000 offenses.
United States: In 2022, the U.S. reported 1,954.4 property crimes per 100,000 people. While some property crimes have declined, shoplifting incidents surged by 24% in 2024.
Crime Index Rankings
According to Numbeo's 2024 Crime Index, Switzerland scored 25.3, placing it among the safest countries in Europe. In contrast, the United States had a higher overall crime rate, with significant variations across states.
Gun violence
Switzerland: Despite a high rate of gun ownership, Switzerland maintains strict firearm regulations and a low incidence of gun-related crimes.
United States: The U.S. experiences higher rates of gun violence, with firearms involved in a significant proportion of homicides and other violent crimes.
While both countries have seen fluctuations in crime rates, Switzerland continues to be one of the safest nations globally, with low levels of violent and property crimes. The United States, despite recent declines in certain crime categories, still faces higher overall crime rates, particularly in urban areas.
How does Switzerland compare to the United States?
The contrast with the U.S. is stark. According to FBI data, the U.S. recorded a violent crime rate of 380.7 per 100,000 people in 2022, and while crime saw a notable drop in 2024—murder fell by 22.7%, rape by 17.7%, and robbery by 13.6%—the country still faces far higher rates of violent and property crimes than Switzerland.
Gun violence, in particular, highlights the divergence. Despite a tradition of civilian gun ownership in Switzerland, gun-related crime remains rare due to rigorous licensing and cultural norms around firearms. In the U.S., firearms are involved in a significant share of violent crimes and remain a central issue in public safety debates.
A safe destination with routine caution
The U.S. travel advisory for Switzerland appears to be a standard update rather than a reaction to any significant deterioration in safety. While travelers are always encouraged to stay alert—particularly in crowded or urban environments—Switzerland remains one of the most secure countries to visit or reside in.
The advisory also underlines the complexity of modern diplomacy, where economic tensions can coexist with stable political relations and safe travel conditions. For now, Switzerland’s image as a serene and orderly destination is unchanged—and deservedly so.
