Travel Information
Situated along the banks of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps, Geneva sparkles as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Geneva is easily conquered on foot but a number of transportation options are available.
Please find below some general information about traveling to Geneva (Switzerland)
Visas
Travelers requiring a visa to enter Switzerland should ensure that it entitles them to re-enter after having visited neighboring countries. A valid passport is essential for excursions into France, Italy and other countries and, for certain nationals, visas must be obtained beforehand.
Please check with your local Consulate or Embassy for Switzerland or neighboring countries.
Please check with your local Swiss Consulate or Embassy.
http://www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/en/home/themen/einreise/Ausweis-_und_Visumvorschriften.html
http://www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/en/home/themen/einreise/visumantragsformular.html
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter Switzerland.
Insurance
The organizer is not able to take any responsibility whatsoever for injury or damage involving persons and property during the meeting. Participants are advised to take their own personal insurance.
Veterinary
Domestic animals from urban rabies free countries may be imported into Switzerland without permit. A veterinary certificate confirming that animals have been vaccinated against rabies must be submitted. The vaccination must have been carried out within the last year and at least 30 days prior to entry.
For more information please consult: www.bvet.admin.ch/themen/01614/01884/index.html?lang=en
Airport
Geneva's international airport is conveniently located 5 km (3 miles) from the city centre, the hub for flights from 70 destinations worldwide. Efficient ground transfers are available from the airport to the city centre and hotels.
It takes only 6 minutes from/to Geneva city centre by train (every 15 minutes). The Airport railway station has direct access to the Airport Check-in and Arrival levels. All trains stop at Geneva-Cornavin station (city centre). Tourist information is available at the Unireso information desk in the Arrival hall after the customs.
The document with the Airline Information (
) shows you which airlines are flying to Geneva. For further information about the airport please visit www.gva.ch
Cabin Luggage
Only bring the absolute minimum necessery into the passenger cabin during the flight. You may no longer take on board more than a limited quantity of liquids, gels, toothpaste, sunscreen or other similar products: only containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml (equivalent to 100 grams) will be allowed, and they must be carried in a transparent plastic bag with a capacity of 1 liter (e.g. freezer bag) that can be closed.
Geneva Transport Card
All visitors staying at a hotel, youth hostel or camping in Geneva can benefit from this personal and non-transferable pass with no additional cost.
It is established upon the visitor's check-in, enabling its holder to use of the entire public transportation network of Geneva without restriction (bus, train and boat), with validity for the entire duration of his (her) stay including the departure day. However the pass is limited to the area of Geneva and is not valid for trips around Switzerland.
Since January 2008 the airport of Geneva offers all arriving passengers a free pass for public transport for 80 minutes. This is distributed at the airport, has do be validated and shown with the flight ticket on the transport upon request. Once arrived in the hotels you will receive a free pass for the public transport for the whole duration of your stay, including the day of departure.
Taxis
Taxis in Geneva can be ordered by phone, hailed in the street or found at about 60 authorized taxi ranks in town, airport and main station.
Fares between airport and city range from about CHF 30.- (24 USD) to CHF 35.- (28 USD) and depend on traffic conditions, time of day and number of passengers. Presently, the fare within Geneva, including airport, is the amount shown on the taximeter.
The driver will request a small extra charge for luggage. Tip and VAT are included.
Driving
In Switzerland the following speed limits are compulsory:
In town 50 km/hr. (some zones 30 km/hr.), outside built-up areas (national roads) 80 km/hr., motorways 120 km/hr.
A tax sticker, "vignette", is compulsory to drive on motorways and semi-motorways. Valid for 1 year at CHF 40.- (32 USD) (on sale at post offices, garages and customs posts). The wearing of seat belts both in front and back seats of vehicles is compulsory.
Parking
Around the city you will find different parking zones:
White zones means unlimited parking for free. Blue zones allows parking for 1 1/2 hrs maximum (parking disks compulsory, can be obtained from police stations). Often you will find individual or collective parking meters.
More than 4,500 parking spaces with collective parking meters are at disposal at Geneva International Airport.