Swiss update travel advice for US after Capitol riot
Switzerland has updated its travel advice for the United States over expected tensions ahead of Joe Biden’s swearing in as the next US president and in the aftermath of the riots in the Capitol on January 6.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/FDFA/swissinfo.ch/ilj
“In connection with the change in presidency, the US authorities are warning of possible demonstrations and clashes, particularly around government buildings in Washington and in other US states,” the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) said in advice valid from Saturday.External link
It made explicit mention of the riot of January 6, in which supporters of outgoing US president Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building, citing “several deaths and injuries” (five died as a result of the riots).
People should therefore avoid mass events and rallies of any kind and follow instructions issued by local authorities, such as curfews, the FDFA said.
Tensions
The inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take place in Washington on January 20.
The FBI has warned of armed protests at state capitols and in Washington DC in the lead-up to the ceremony, resulting in security being ramped up in US capital. Washington DC is already under a state of emergency after the riots at Capitol Hill.
Overall, the country is stable, but the FDFA urged caution around demonstrations. There could also be local protests and clashes with security forces, the FDFA warned, pointing to tensions over cases of police force.
The FDFA also continues to recommend against all non-urgent travel to the US due to the coronavirus pandemic. States have varying travel restrictions in place, it said.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
‘Disturbing, shocking, historic’: Swiss papers react to US Capitol riot
This content was published on
The day after Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, Swiss newspapers are unanimous that it’s one of the darkest days for American democracy.
Georgia elections in US showcase the nuts and bolts of democracy building
This content was published on
Zurich-based American law lecturer Alexandra Dufresne sees both positive signs and cautionary tales in recent US political developments.
On impeachment, US senators are bound by oath to ‘do impartial justice’
This content was published on
Senators hearing US President Trump’s impeachment trial should be guided by impartiality, not opinion polls, argues a Swiss-based lawyer.
This content was published on
Switzerland will have a lot to contend with in 2021 even if the country manages to emerge relatively unscathed from the pandemic.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.