War halts foreign travel: a third of Swiss cancel plans

Context

In brief

• One third of Swiss people refrain from traveling abroad due to insecurity
• Political instability and wars influence travel habits
• Spain and Portugal are the most appreciated destinations
• Ticino cross-border workers prefer nearby destinations like Italy and France

Key facts

• What: Feeling of insecurity for traveling abroad
• When: 2026 Barometer conducted in February/March
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Swiss Touring Club (TCS)
• Amount: 33% of Swiss people consider foreign vacations insecure

The war is deterring travel abroad. According to the TCS, one third of Swiss people do not feel safe leaving the country for vacations. The sense of security among Swiss people when traveling abroad is worsening. According to the tenth barometer of the Touring Club (TCS), one third consider vacations outside national borders as rather insecure, compared to 19% a year ago. This is a rate that had not been reached since the pandemic. According to the survey results, published today, political instability and wars are the main factors influencing travel habits (66%). These are followed by terrorist threats (44%), crime (34%), and health risks (33%).

Implications for cross-border workers

The desire to travel remains high. The percentage of those who never do it has decreased, from 19% in 2025 to 9% this year. About 10% travel more often than before, 40% less, while for 38% the frequency has remained unchanged. 'This demonstrates a stabilization of the desire to travel, after the recovery effect observed in the first years following Covid,' explains the TCS in a note. European destinations are gaining popularity, with Spain and Portugal particularly appreciated, while North America has lost some of its appeal.

Compared to previous editions, there has also been a change in the choice of transportation. 51% of respondents indicated their own car as the preferred means, a rate that two years ago was still at 67%. The private car has therefore now fallen in preference to the same level as airplane (51%) and train (50%). The 2026 barometer was conducted in the months of February and March. The survey involved 1004 citizens, from the three main linguistic regions of the country, as well as 810 TCS members.

Checklist for Ticino cross-border workers

For Ticino cross-border workers, who often work in Switzerland but reside in Italy, the choice of vacations is also influenced by practical factors such as proximity and costs. Here is an operational checklist to plan safe and economical trips: 1. Check entry requirements: Verify the necessary documents for the destination country, especially if outside the EU. 2. Compare costs: Use price comparators for flights, trains, and accommodations. 3. Health insurance: Check the insurance coverage, especially for countries with expensive healthcare systems. 4. Local transportation: Inform yourself about the public and private transportation available at the destination. 5. Safety: Consult the safety advice of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

For a cross-border worker from Chiasso who works in Lugano, a trip to Spain might cost around 1,500 CHF for two weeks, including flight, accommodation, and local transport. In comparison, a holiday in Italy, such as in Milan or Turin, could cost around 800 CHF for the same period, thanks to the proximity and lower transport costs. Additionally, for cross-border workers residing in Italy, traveling to Switzerland for the weekend is a popular option, with contained costs and ease of access.

Regulations and Incentives

As of January 1, 2024, Switzerland has introduced new regulations for cross-border workers, which include tax incentives for those residing in Italy and working in Switzerland. For example, cross-border workers can benefit from a 20% tax deduction on travel costs between their residence and workplace, up to a maximum of 3,000 CHF per year. This incentive can be particularly useful for those who decide to travel during weekends or holidays, combining work and leisure.

Conclusion

Despite the perceived insecurity, the desire to travel remains strong among Swiss and Ticino cross-border workers. The choice of destinations and means of transport is influenced by factors such as safety, costs, and proximity. With careful planning and the use of tax incentives, it is possible to enjoy safe and economical holidays, both within and outside the country.

Operational details

Travel Trend Analysis

The travel trends of Swiss citizens are changing significantly, directly impacting cross-border workers in Ticino. According to the recent travel barometer, political instability and armed conflicts are the main factors influencing travel decisions. This has led to greater caution among Swiss travelers, with an increase in preference for closer and safer European destinations.

"Safety has become the top priority for many travelers," says an industry expert.

Comparison with Previous Editions

Compared to previous editions of the barometer, there has also been a change in the choice of transportation. Two years ago, 67% of respondents preferred private cars, while today this preference has dropped to 51%, the same level as air and train travel. This change could be due to greater awareness of the risks associated with international travel and a greater availability of alternative transportation options.

📊 Concrete Data:

• Private Car: 51%
• Airplane: 24%
• Train: 25%

Future Scenarios

If the geopolitical situation were to worsen further, it is likely that the number of Swiss people giving up foreign travel will increase. However, the desire to travel remains high, and many people may seek safer and closer alternatives. European destinations such as Spain and Portugal could continue to be popular, while North America could lose further appeal.

💡 Operational Checklist for Travelers:

• Check the political situation of the chosen destination.
• Consider closer and safer travel options.
• Evaluate alternative transportation such as train or airplane.
• Inform yourself about local regulations and entry requirements.

Impact on Cross-Border Workers

For cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and live in Italy, these trends could influence their travel decisions. They may prefer closer and safer destinations, such as European destinations. Additionally, they may opt for alternative means of transportation to the private car, such as train or airplane, to reduce the risks associated with international travel.

⚠️ Regulations and Costs:

• Ticino Cross-Border Workers: Must comply with Swiss and Italian regulations for business travel.
• Transportation Costs: The price of airline and train tickets can vary significantly depending on the season and destination.
• Travel Insurance: It is advisable to take out insurance that covers any unforeseen events related to safety.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker from Chiasso who prefers to travel by private car may face additional costs for insurance and fuel, as well as possible security risks.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker from Lugano who opts for the train may benefit from discounted rates and greater security, but will need to plan the trip in advance to avoid surcharges.

These changes in travel habits reflect a greater focus on safety and planning, crucial elements for cross-border workers who work in Switzerland and live in Italy.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

What to do if you want to travel abroad

If you decide to travel abroad despite security concerns, it's important to take some precautions. First, it's advisable to inform yourself about the political and security situation of the chosen destination. You can consult the websites of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country to obtain up-to-date information.

Steps to follow

1. Inform yourself about the political and security situation of the chosen destination.

• For example, for Ticino cross-border workers traveling to Italy, it's useful to monitor the red or orange zones indicated by the Italian Department of Civil Protection.
• According to recent data, 30% of Swiss people canceled international trips in 2023, with a significant drop in destinations like Ukraine, Lebanon, and Turkey.

2. Consult the websites of the FDFA or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for up-to-date information.

• The FDFA provides real-time updates on any risks and travel advice.
• For residents of Lugano, the Swiss Consulate in Milan is a reference point for assistance and information.

3. Evaluate the available transport options and choose the one you consider safest.

• For example, cross-border workers traveling between Chiasso and Milan can opt for direct trains like the Gotthard Panorama Express, which offers a safe and scenic route.
• Costs vary: a round-trip train ticket costs approximately 50 CHF, while by car, you add the costs of fuel and highway tolls.

4. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers any medical emergencies or other unforeseen events.

• Standard travel insurance covers up to 100,000 CHF for medical expenses, but it's important to check the specific conditions.
• For cross-border workers, some cross-border health insurances, such as LAMal, offer coverage abroad, but with limitations.

5. Prepare an emergency kit with medications, important documents, and useful contacts.

• An emergency kit should include headache medication, antihistamines, bandages, and disinfectants.
• It's useful to have a digital copy of documents, such as the passport and ID card, saved on a cloud or a USB device.

Operational checklist

• 📊 Documents: Passport, ID card, health insurance, driver's license.
• 📊 Health: Essential medications, first aid kit, travel insurance.
• 📊 Contacts: Local emergency numbers, Swiss embassy or consulate, family and friends contacts.
• 📊 Transport: Booked tickets, route map, information on schedules and stops.

Useful tools

To plan your trip, you can use various online tools available. For example, the travel calculator can help you estimate travel costs and plan your budget. Additionally, the travel insurance comparator can help you find the insurance that best suits your needs.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Train vs. car travel:
• Train: Safe, convenient for medium distances, but with fixed schedules.
• Car: Flexible, useful for reaching remote destinations, but with additional costs for fuel and tolls.

• Cross-border health insurance vs. travel insurance:
• LAMal: Covers basic medical expenses, but with limitations abroad.
• Travel insurance: Covers medical emergencies and other unforeseen events, but with additional costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current geopolitical situation is significantly influencing the travel habits of Swiss people. However, with the right precautions and information, it is still possible to travel safely and enjoy your vacation. For cross-border workers, it is important to carefully evaluate travel options and choose those that offer the best balance between safety and convenience.

"Safety is fundamental when traveling abroad, but with good preparation, many risks can be avoided." - FDFA travel expert

For residents of Ticino, it is advisable to consult the FDFA website and the Swiss Consulate in Milan for up-to-date information and assistance.

Source: tio.ch