Destinations / Switzerland
Driving in Switzerland as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Non-EU visitors should carry an IDP to drive in Switzerland.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Switzerland expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in CHF. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Motorway vignette required (sold at borders/petrol stations). |
|---|---|
| Lights | Headlights on at all times, day and night. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.01% for new/professional drivers. |
| Speed | Strict speed-camera enforcement. |
On the road in Switzerland
At the pump
Stations sell Bleifrei 95/98 petrol and Diesel; nearly all are self-service and accept international credit cards, with many unattended pumps overnight requiring a chip-and-PIN card. Petrol runs roughly CHF 1.75 to 1.95 per litre.
After a crash
Call police on 117 (rescue 144, fire 118); police must be called for any injury and for anything beyond minor bodywork damage. Place the warning triangle at least 50 m back (100 m on fast roads), photograph the scene and complete the European Accident Statement (recommended, not compulsory). Do not move vehicles if there are injuries.
Sources: ch.ch · iamexpat.ch · thelocal.ch · lenews.ch
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Switzerland?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Non-EU visitors should carry an IDP to drive in Switzerland.
Which translation format is used for Switzerland?
Switzerland uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Switzerland ask for a translation?
Requested by major desks for non-EU licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Switzerland?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.