More and more Swiss travellers in need of consular protection

Last year the consular service of the Swiss foreign ministry assisted Swiss travellers abroad in 1,238 cases. This represents a 14% increase on the previous year. There are several reasons for this rise.

According to federal figures, Swiss people are travelling abroad more and more – in 2025, there were around 12 million trips lasting more than one day. According to the consular directorate at the foreign ministry, there is also a trend towards adventure holidays – that is, travelling to countries where it is dangerous.

More

More

Swiss Diaspora

Stranded in a crisis zone – who is responsible for repatriation?

This content was published on

Mar 18, 2026


Over 1,000 registered Swiss citizens remain in the Middle East region, yet no further repatriation flights are planned. Bern stresses personal responsibility, but criticism is mounting.

Read more: Stranded in a crisis zone – who is responsible for repatriation?

The increase in consular protection cases in 2025 can also be explained by the fact that there were more frequent mental health emergencies while travelling abroad. Furthermore, more Swiss citizens of working retirement age fell ill while travelling abroad.

Finally, according to the foreign ministry, more people were travelling alone. Often, the necessary preparation was lacking. Those responsible therefore appealed to travellers to take personal responsibility.

More

More

Swiss Diaspora

‘Swiss expats’ expectations are too high’

This content was published on

Jun 8, 2022


Thailand is one of the most challenging places to work for Swiss diplomatic staff. We ask the foreign ministry why.

Read more: ‘Swiss expats’ expectations are too high’

Translated from German, sub-edited by ts