Customs: No visa is needed by American citizens traveling to Switzerland.

Health: Immunization against disease is required only if the traveler has passed through an infected area. Health requirements change; therefore, check latest information. Special health measures are unnecessary in Switzerland. Swiss medical facilities are good.

Transportation: Railroads connect the main cities and towns. The Swiss Federal Railway system is entirely electric. Trains are clean and run on schedule; fares are reasonable, with special roundtrip and holiday rates.

Geneva and Zurich are international flight centers, and both airports schedule daily flights to the US. Railroad stations are located in the terminals at both airports.

Local transportation systems--trams, buses, taxis, and commuter lake steamers--are efficient. Swiss roads are good, though often narrow and winding. Traffic moves on the right. A good system of limited-access highways joins the major cities.

Telecommunications: Direct dialing is in use throughout the country and includes international telephone calls. Telegraph service also is excellent. Bern is 6 hours ahead of eastern standard time.

National holidays: Jan. 1, Jan. 2, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whitmonday, Aug. 1 (National Day), Christmas Day, December 26.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, March 1989.