Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva, Switzerland’s second largest city, is situated at the southwest tip of the country on Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountain ranges.  The River Rhone divides the city as it flows out from Lake Geneva.  Geneva is a city known for its high quality of living.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
Area for Travel Insurance : Europe

The European Headquarters of the United Nations is situated in the enormous Palace of Nations building, which is one of Geneva’s best-known landmarks – and tours are available.  The Red Cross Museum and World Health Organization (WHO) are also based in Geneva. 

Geneva is a lively city, with many museums, galleries, churches, parks, gardens, and opera house and cathedral.  St Peter’s cathedral affords a spectacular view for those with the energy to climb the north tower.  The Russian church is also a beautiful and dramatic sight on the skyline with its golden domes and spires. 

Geneva is the airport destination of choice for many skiers and winter sports enthusiasts heading to the nearby glamorous ski resorts.  For ski insurance, ski advice, and ski guides click here.

Geneva is a wonderful summer destination a with wide range of outdoor activities available in the surrounding mountainous terrain, lakes and rivers. 

Geneva is mainly French speaking and currency is the Swiss franc. 

Geneva’s Old Town area has cobblestone streets and is a great place to stroll and explore its antique shops, galleries and cafes. Market Street is the place to shop for bargains, or head to the upmarket Rue de Rive or Rue du Rhone where the designer labels have price tags to match. 

Many day trips are possible from Geneva to nearby towns such as Lausanne, Chamonix or Montreux.  Boat trips across the river to Carouge, a pretty area Mediterranean-style area, are also popular. 

Geneva’s lakefront and quay area is very popular with locals and tourists alike.  The Jet d’eau fountain shoots a jet of water high into the air and is illuminated at night.  The Jardin Anglais (English Garden) is on the must-see list of most visitors for its spectacular blooms, and especially for the Flower Clock – a symbol of the watch-making industry – and adorned with blooms that give the face of the clock a different appearance as the seasons change.

The Paquis Jetty and Baths (Bains-des-Paquis) on the western shore of the lake are popular attractions and a place where people congregate and meet.  The 1930s Baths provide bathing, saunas and a cafe

CERN and the large hadron collider are close to Geneva.  CERN was featured in Dan Brown’s bestsellers The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. 

Gondola rides are available, which provide stunning views over the city – and it is often possible to see Mont Blanc, which is about one hour’s drive away. 

Geneva has an international airport and a rail link with direct connections to many major cities such as Paris and Marseille.  Public transport by tram, trolleybus, train and bus, as well as a boat and ferry services provide easy ways to get around. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonweath Office for travel to Switzerland. Click Here

Before you travel to Geneva we recommend a visit to the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for the latest travel advice and information as part of their ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. 

The FCO advice covers many topics including:

• Passport and visa information
• Driving in Switzerland
• Useful links and Embassy contact details
• Smoking ban information

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid in Switzerland, although payment is usually required upfront and must be reclaimed upon your return home. 

The EHIC should never be used as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance or ski insurance.  Note that emergency use of ambulance and air ambulance is not provided free in Switzerland.  It is always wise to take out travel insurance, as the EHIC does not cover medical repatriation, ongoing or non-urgent treatment, or many other common travel mishaps such as lost luggage, and cancellation and curtailment.

Useful website:   http://www.geneva-tourism.ch

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure the information in this Travel Guide is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy, or the content of external links.

Inclusion in this Travel Guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in any country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued an advisory against travel.

You are strongly advised to visit the FCO website for updated travel information and general travel advice before you travel.