In a rather surprising move, the U.S. government has issued a Level 1 Travel Advisory for Switzerland, which is considered one of the world’s safest countries.
The alert, issued on Tuesday, May 20, by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, advises travelers to “exercise normal precautions” while visiting Switzerland. Though the agency didn’t specify an immediate reason for the advisory, it did reference recent protests during the Eurovision Song Contest, according to France 24. However, it’s unclear whether these demonstrations prompted the advisory.
The travel advisory also points to a medium crime threat in Geneva and highlights the recent protests. While this Level 1 advisory doesn’t suggest altering travel plans, it definitely encourages vigilance, as Switzerland remains one of the safest destinations in the world. In fact, the country was ranked the fifth safest globally according to a study by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.
Level 1 is the lowest of the four advisory levels. Travelers are still urged to be cautious but are not necessarily required to change their travel plans. The U.S. government also recommends signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates on safety and security, and to consider purchasing travel insurance before embarking on international trips.
“Use your best judgement to avoid unsafe situations. Think ahead and come up with a safety plan to deal with unsafe situations, in the event you end up in one. Consider bringing personal safety whistles/alarms and taking self-defense courses before you travel,” the state department warns.
As the summer travel season approaches, travelers are also advised to stay informed about other potential health risks. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control has issued alerts regarding a dengue fever outbreak in Brazil, Fiji, Mexico, and other countries.
U.S. Issues Travel Alert for One of the World’s Safest Countries first appeared on Parade on May 23, 2025
