Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to enter Switzerland?

Every traveler must have a valid passport. Visa is required for a continuous stay of more than three months. If your stay is shorter than three months you only need to bring your valid passport with you. This applies to citizens of the following countries: countries of the American Continent (except Belize, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Peru), Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

For information on visa please contact the Swiss Consulate General located nearest you or visit the web site of the Federal Office for Migration.

Do I need an adapter for my electronic devices in Switzerland?

The current used throughout Switzerland is 230 Volts (AC), 50 cycles. Most power sockets are designed for three pin round plugs. The standard continental type plug with two round pins, applied for many electrical travel products, may be used without problem. Adaptors are available in most hotels.

As an organiser of a congress/meeting/incentive event, can I get my VAT refunded?

Foreign enterprises that pay the tax on supplies of goods and services made to them within Switzerland by domestic taxpayers and that have been invoiced according to the regulations for these supplies or services and that use these supplies or services for business purposes. The minimum amount for a refund is CHF 500.00 in one calendar year. The foreign employer must not supply goods or services himself on Swiss territory. Any VAT refund presupposes that full reciprocity is granted by the country in which the applicant has his residential or business domicile.
Further information and forms.

Is there a special ticket for public transport for conference and congress participants?

Every visitor who stays in Basel overnight receives a Mobility Ticket upon check-in at the hotel allowing free use of public transport in Basel-City an the closer environment (buses and street cars in the zones 10, 11 and from/to the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg) during the entire stay (max. 30 days).

The hotel’s confirmation of the room reservation entitles the guest to use on the arrival day the public transportation free of charge for the first transfer from the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg or the train stations in Basel to the hotel).

What is the weather like in Basel?

Thanks to the location in the valley of the River Rhine Basel has the mildest climate in Switzerland with above average sunny days and, compared to other regions in central Europe, rarely fog in fall and winter.
Current weather

What are the official holidays in Basel or Switzerland?

New Year, January 1st
Monday and Wednesday afternoon of Carnival
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Labour Day, May 1st
Ascension Day
Whit Monday
National Day on August 1st
Christmas Day, December 25th
Boxing Day, December 26th

Furthermore during the Basel Carnival – germ. Basler Fasnacht - (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after Ash Wednesday) many offices and shops are either closed or have reduced opening hours.