The FDFA Helpline provides detailed information about:

services provided by Switzerland’s representations abroad in connection with identity documents, registration abroad, civil status, citizenship, legalisations (authentications), attestations and certifications, inheritance and estate matters, pensions and social welfare, collateral, etc.
the current security situation at travel destinations abroad
general questions concerning emigration and life abroad (Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, the network of Swiss representations abroad, Swiss Review, Swissinfo).

For citizens travelling or living abroad who experience an emergency, the FDFA Helpline is a first contact point for co-ordinating support from their families and friends in Switzerland as well as from the relevant representations.

From Switzerland, individuals in need can dial 0800 24-7-365. The call is free of charge. From abroad, it is necessary to dial first the country code for Switzerland, +41, and then 800 24-7-365; this call is chargeable. The Skype address – “helpline-eda” – is free.

The FDFA Helpline was set up at the beginning of 2011. It has operated up to now from 08:00 to 18:00 and has answered an average of 2,300 calls per month. Since 1 May 2012, eleven operators are working in shifts to provide a 24-hour service.

The question of Swiss nationals living or travelling abroad is one of the strategic dimensions of Swiss foreign policy that was presented at the beginning of the year by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter. The FDFA has restructured and updated its consular services to provide efficient support to the Swiss Abroad. In addition to the Helpline, the FDFA has expanded its Crisis Management Centre (KMZ) to support Swiss citizens anywhere the world who find themselves caught in situations of armed conflict or political unrest, are affected by natural disasters, or fall victim to a kidnapping. To meet the demand for the increasing number of incoming enquiries from citizens in a crisis situation, the Helpline is reinforced by trained specialists from a special pool. In this manner, the Helpline is able to assess the information needed to support those affected and to provide relevant information.

For further information:
FDFA Information
031 322 31 53

FDFA Helpline now operating around the clock