1. Do I need a visa to visit Switzerland as a Belgian citizen?
No, Belgian citizens do not need a visa for tourist trips to Switzerland.
You can stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
2. Do I need a valid passport?
Yes, you need a valid passport that is valid for the planned period of your stay in Switzerland.
3. Do I need a COVID-19 test to travel to Switzerland?
The COVID-19 situation is similar to that in Belgium. If you are not vaccinated, there is no problem; you can cross the border.
4. Do I need travel insurance?
It is strongly recommended to take out travel insurance that covers medical expenses and cancellations in case unexpected events occur during your trip.
5. What currency is used in Switzerland?
The official currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are generally widely accepted, but it’s convenient to have some cash for smaller expenses.
6. Congress and Pre-tour Dates:
▪ The pre-tours start on: Saturday, November 11th, and ends November 14th.
▪ The World Congress starts on: November 14th to 18th, 2023.
7. Hotels with Locations by Date:
Saturday, November 11 – 14, 2023:
Arrival in Bern, Prizeotel Bern-City
Address: 21 Viktoriastrasse · 3013 Bern
+41 31 561 29 60
Tuesday, November 14 – 18, 2023:
ibis Zürich Messe Airport
Heidi Abel-Weg 5 · 8050 Zürich
+41 44 307 47 00
8. Congress Program:
JCI World Congress 2023 – Program (jci-wc23.ch)
Use code “JCIWC23” to be able to book program items.
9. Mobile Services/Telephony:
Roaming in Switzerland can be expensive. Therefore, we recommend purchasing a digital SIM card through the organization’s website: JCI World Congress 2023 – Services (jci-wc23.ch)
Please check whether your device can actually use an eSIM card before making the purchase. Generally, devices purchased in the last 2 years should be able to install it, but we advise you to verify this.
10. Belgian Reception
15th of November, 17h30
@Swiss life arena, 6th floor
11. Power Outlets:
Switzerland has its own power outlets different from those used in Belgium.
You need an adapter for grounded plugs. The non-grounded 2-pin plugs work fine.
12. Contact Information for Tour Leaders:
Laurens Boogers: +32 496 13 53 53
Toon Vervoort: +32 494 72 14 27
13. Road vignette:
The road vignette is a mandatory requirement when traveling to Switzerland by car.
You can purchase this vignette at the border or at a VAB office. We recommend you to buy it in Belgium, as the queues at the border can sometimes be long.
14. Public Transport:
ZVV and SBB sell tickets for all local transportation including buses, trams, trains and boats. For just CHF 6 per day, you can take as many trips as you like in zones 110 and 121. That includes the whole city of Zurich, as well as Altstetten where Swiss Life Arena is located, and all the way to the Zurich Airport.
Once purchased, you will receive the ticket as a PDF which you must print and carry with you at all times while using public transportation during the World Congress. Unfortunately, an electronic copy will not be valid.
Find it via https://www.jci-wc23.ch/services/
15. Ticketing information
1. I bought my World Congress ticket through Eventfrog.ch!
You received your World Congress ticket directly via email upon booking; it’s stored in your Eventfrog account. The program will be added to the website jci-wc23.ch/program, and from there, you can access Eventfrog through the booking links. All events can be booked using the code JCIWC23. The events you book will be visible in your Eventfrog account.
2. I purchased my World Congress ticket through JVC or a group booking!
You received an Eventfrog World Congress ticket as a PDF download via email. The program will be added to the website jci-wc23.ch/program, and from there, you can access Eventfrog through the booking links. All events can be booked using the code JCIWC23. You must create an account during the process of your first Eventfrog booking. The events you book will be visible in your Eventfrog account. However, the World Congress ticket that you received as a download via email will NOT be visible in your Eventfrog account! You must either print the PDF or have it on your smartphone.If you encounter any problems or have questions regarding ticketing, please send an email to ticketing@jci-wc23.ch. Be sure to specify the email address with which you made your booking or received the ticket!