Book cheap flights to Geneva

Offering a variety of activities (both indoor and outdoor), Geneva is an ideal holiday destination at any time of the year. The summer months (between June and August) are peak season for tourists, and the city comes alive with summer festivals and outdoor activities like picnicking on Lake Geneva. Winter in Geneva (from December to April) brings snowfall, and ski and winter sport enthusiasts flock to the Swiss Alps for skiing, snowboarding and other fun, family activities.

South Africans do require a visa to enter Geneva, the Republic and Canton of Geneva as well as Switzerland as a whole. South Africans planning to travel to Geneva for 90 days or less must apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa.

Passports may not be older than 10 years, must have 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your date of departure from the Schengen state.

To view what other compulsory documents are required for your visa application, please visit the official Schengen website https://www.schengenvisainfo.com.

Rated as enjoying the third highest quality of life, Geneva is an extremely safe city to visit. It is always advisable, however, to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, particularly when handling your luggage and valuable items. Petty crime and theft can occur in busy areas such as bus and train stations, as well as restaurants and bars. Take certified copies of your ID and passport, in case they go missing. Do not leave drinks unattended in restaurants and bars. Geneva is generally a very safe city to walk in during the day and night, but maintain awareness when walking, especially at night.

Travellers keen to be near the historical and cultural sights of Geneva should consider accommodation in Geneva’s Old Town. Filled with galleries, museums and famous landmarks, Old Town invites you to take a trip back in time, as you wander the streets of this preserved district, visiting sights such as the Cathédrale St-Pierre and the Maison Tavel.

For younger, more discerning travellers Plainpalais, Geneva’s university district, is a hotspot for trendy bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Those looking for a slightly quieter setting could stay in Carouge, which houses the majority of Geneva’s English-style pubs and a host of restaurants and cafes.

Geneva is one of the few cities in the world that offers free public transport to visiting travellers. Travellers staying in hotels, hostels or campsites receive a complimentary “Geneva Transport Card” which allows for free transportation by bus, train and boat for the entire duration of stay. As this is a great way to save money, it is highly recommended to make use of the free transport made available (be sure to confirm with your preferred accommodation that they offer “Geneva Transport Cards”.) Other methods of transport include taxi, helicopter, car rental or even bike hire. For more information on transport options in Geneva, please see their official tourism website here.