Consular protection: emergency assistance abroad

The FDFA can offer assistance to Swiss and Liechtenstein nationals facing an emergency whilst abroad. It grants consular protection in situations where the individuals concerned can no longer manage on their own or with the help of third parties. The focus is on providing guidance, facilitating access to the relevant authorities and offering support in difficult situations so that the emergency can be resolved as quickly as possible and, ideally, independently.

Support is provided within the framework of the Swiss Abroad Act (SAA) and the related ordinances, meaning it is granted on a subsidiary basis only. It is based on clearly defined principles that reflect both the government's generally limited scope for action in this area as well as the responsibilities of the individuals concerned.

The key principles under the Swiss Abroad Act

Personal responsibility

Anyone travelling abroad is, in principle, responsible for planning and managing their own trip. This specifically includes in particular being informed about the security situation and local laws in the country of destination, ensuring adequate insurance cover, having valid travel documents, and organising both outward and return travel. Being well prepared makes it easier to get quick and effective support in an emergency.

General travel advice (German, French, Italian)

Travel Admin app

Principle of subsidiarity

The FDFA supports Swiss nationals facing an emergency abroad if they can no longer manage on their own or with the help of third parties. However, responsibility lies first and foremost with the individuals themselves, their relatives, insurance companies, tour operators or the local authorities, as well as with the relevant contact points (e.g. police, ambulance services, medical facilities or financial institutions). The FDFA offers additional assistance within the available means, mainly by providing information, coordinating efforts, facilitating contacts or extending consular support.

Fees

With a few exceptions, consular services are generally subject to a fee. This applies in particular to situations where negligence (e.g. failure to follow FDFA travel advice or other federal recommendations, breach of local laws or absence of travel insurance) results in an emergency, creates additional work or necessitates special support services. Fees are charged based on the amount of time spent on a given case (CHF 150 per hour).

FDFA Fees Ordinance (de, fr, it)

No legal entitlement

Consular support is provided subject to the capacities of the federal government and the specific circumstances on the ground. There is no general entitlement to specific forms of state assistance. The nature and extent of the assistance depend, in particular, on the security situation, local conditions, the legal framework and the often limited scope for action available to the relevant Swiss representations.

Exclusion of liability

The FDFA's travel advice is based on information and sources that are deemed to be reliable. It is intended to help individuals planning to travel abroad. However, the FDFA's travel advice does not exempt travellers from their responsibility to make decisions, prepare for and undertake trips.

Dangerous situations are often unpredictable and chaotic and may change very quickly. The FDFA makes no warranty that its travel advice is complete or that any information accessed from links to external websites is accurate. It accepts no liability for any loss or damage suffered in connection with a trip. Claims resulting from cancellation must be submitted directly to the travel agency or insurance company.

Documents