Swiss tourists stranded in the Middle East: who can I contact for information?

For information, please contact the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs (+41 22 734 30 00) or the emergency service for Swiss citizens abroad (+41 22 734 30 30).

What is the emergency number for Swiss citizens stranded abroad, such as in the Middle East?

The emergency number for Swiss nationals living abroad is +41 22 734 30 30 (Federation headquarters in Geneva) or the number of the nearest Swiss foreign office. We recommend downloading the 'Travel Advisory' app for real-time updates.

Can I claim reimbursement for extra expenses incurred due to a forced return from Switzerland due to a crisis in the Middle East?

Yes, you can apply to the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) via the online form for emergency reimbursements abroad. The reimbursement covers up to 70% of documented expenses (flights, accommodation, transport) with a maximum limit of CHF 5,000 per person. The application must be sent within 30 days of return.

What are the tax breaks for Ticino cross-border workers who work in Italy but are stuck abroad for emergencies?

Ticino cross-border commuters can apply for a reduction in Italian withholding tax by submitting a certificate of Swiss residence to the Italian Revenue Agency. In addition, Switzerland offers a flat-rate deduction of 10% on gross income for travel and accommodation expenses that are not reimbursed due to emergencies.

How can I check whether my Swiss employer is obliged to pay the costs of forced repatriation in the event of a crisis abroad?

The Swiss employer is obliged to cover the costs of repatriation in accordance with Article 328a of the Swiss Code of Obligations, if the employee is abroad for work reasons. Check the contract or ask your HR department – they must provide a return flight or reimburse documented expenses within 15 days of the request.

Swiss tourists stuck in the Middle East: 'Alone and without answers'

By Marco Ferrari (editorial byline of the newsroom, AI-generated text) · Published on 7 March 2026

Swiss tourists waiting for information at a border crossing.

Around 400 Swiss tourists remain stranded in the Middle East without official communications.

Context

TL;DR

Ticino tourists stranded in UAE due to Middle East emergency.
Swiss authorities criticized for lack of communication and support.
Tourists face uncertainty and danger, demanding immediate action.

Key facts

Location: United Arab Emirates
Tourists: Hundreds of Swiss tourists, particularly from Ticino
Communication: No official communication from Swiss authorities
Return: Tourists organizing their own return journeys
Frustration: Great frustration among tourists feeling abandoned
Economic: Ticino tourists already suffering from economic crisis
Demand: Immediate information and exit strategy from authorities
Association: Swiss Tourist Association (AST) calling for action

The emergency situation in the Middle East has left hundreds of Swiss tourists trapped in various attack zones, particularly in the United Arab Emirates. According to the testimonies of G.B. from Gordola, many Ticino tourists are left without official answers from Swiss authorities. 'No communication from the Swiss authorities,' declared G.B. from Gordola, who organized her own return journey alone, first by car, then on foot, and finally on a 33-hour flight. The lack of information and an exit strategy has generated great frustration among tourists, who feel abandoned by the Institutions. 'That Switzerland is not particularly reactive in emergency and crisis situations is shown by recent tragic events in Crans-Montana, where the slowness of investigations was criticized,' added G.B. from Gordola. The situation is particularly grave for Ticino tourists, who have already suffered from the economic crisis and the increase in living costs. 'We are in an emergency situation and have not received any official information,' declared a Ticino tourist who preferred to remain anonymous. 'We do not know when we will be able to return home and have no idea how the Swiss authorities intend to resolve this situation,' she added. The situation is particularly critical for tourists who are familiar with the territory and could be in danger in case of attacks. 'We are in a situation of great uncertainty and do not know what to do,' declared another Ticino tourist. 'We have no idea when we will be able to return home and do not know if the Swiss authorities are helping us or not,' he added.

Operational details

The situation of Ticino tourists stranded in the Middle East is particularly grave and requires an immediate reaction from Swiss authorities. 'We cannot continue to remain in this situation of uncertainty,' declared a representative of the Swiss Tourist Association (AST). 'The authorities must provide immediate information and an exit strategy for our fellow citizens who are in danger,' he added. The situation is particularly critical for Ticino tourists, who have already suffered from the economic crisis and the increase in living costs. 'We are in an emergency situation and have not received any official information,' declared a Ticino tourist who preferred to remain anonymous. 'We do not know when we will be able to return home and have no idea how the Swiss authorities intend to resolve this situation,' she added. The situation is particularly critical for tourists who are familiar with the territory and could be in danger in case of attacks. 'We are in a situation of great uncertainty and do not know what to do,' declared another Ticino tourist. 'We have no idea when we will be able to return home and do not know if the Swiss authorities are helping us or not,' he added.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

Frequently Asked Questions

Swiss tourists stranded in the Middle East: who can I contact for information?: For information, please contact the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs (+41 22 734 30 00) or the emergency service for Swiss citizens abroad (+41 22 734 30 30).
What is the emergency number for Swiss citizens stranded abroad, such as in the Middle East?: The emergency number for Swiss nationals living abroad is +41 22 734 30 30 (Federation headquarters in Geneva) or the number of the nearest Swiss foreign office. We recommend downloading the 'Travel Advisory' app for real-time updates.
Can I claim reimbursement for extra expenses incurred due to a forced return from Switzerland due to a crisis in the Middle East?: Yes, you can apply to the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) via the online form for emergency reimbursements abroad. The reimbursement covers up to 70% of documented expenses (flights, accommodation, transport) with a maximum limit of CHF 5,000 per person. The application must be sent within 30 days of return.
What are the tax breaks for Ticino cross-border workers who work in Italy but are stuck abroad for emergencies?: Ticino cross-border commuters can apply for a reduction in Italian withholding tax by submitting a certificate of Swiss residence to the Italian Revenue Agency. In addition, Switzerland offers a flat-rate deduction of 10% on gross income for travel and accommodation expenses that are not reimbursed due to emergencies.
How can I check whether my Swiss employer is obliged to pay the costs of forced repatriation in the event of a crisis abroad?: The Swiss employer is obliged to cover the costs of repatriation in accordance with Article 328a of the Swiss Code of Obligations, if the employee is abroad for work reasons. Check the contract or ask your HR department – they must provide a return flight or reimburse documented expenses within 15 days of the request.