-1 h

Belfast

Official language

Irish, English, Ulster Scots

230/240 volt / adapter required

Banks

9.30 - 16.30 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

9.00 - 18.00 h (Mon - Sat)

• 1 January: New Year's Day

• 17 March: St. Patrick's Day

• Variable date: Good Friday

• Variable date: Easter Monday

• Variable date: Early May Bank Holiday

• Variable date: Spring Bank Holiday

• 12 July: Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen’s Day

• Variable date: Summer Bank Holiday

• 25 December: Christmas Day

• 26 December: Boxing Day

If a public holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute holiday is usually granted on a subsequent weekday.

The following information is intended for Swiss citizens resident in Switzerland. The following documents are required for entry to Great Britain (including Northern Ireland):

• A valid Swiss passport

• No visa is required for stays of up to six months. From 2 April 2025, Swiss travellers must apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. Applications can be submitted from 5 March 2025 at a cost of GBP 10.-.

• Minors: A travel consent letter is required for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or with an accompanying person. It is also recommended to carry copies of all documents establishing the parental responsibility arrangements (birth or adoption certificate, divorce decree, death certificate). 

• Summer (June – August): Average temperatures range from 14 to 19 °C. Summers are mild and often changeable, with both sunny and rainy days. Northern Ireland’s proximity to the Atlantic can bring cool breezes, even in the warmest months.

• Winter (December – February): Average temperatures range from 2 to 8 °C. Winters are cool, but rarely very cold. Snow is relatively uncommon, although frost and occasional snowfall are possible, especially at higher elevations.

• Spring/autumn (March – May, September – November): Temperatures range from 7 to 14 °C. These seasons are mild but also changeable, with frequent rain. Autumn can be particularly windy, while spring tends to be slightly drier.

The ideal time to travel to Northern Ireland:

• Beach holidays: June – August. The summer months are the warmest, but the water often remains cold because of the cool Atlantic and changeable weather. Beach days are possible, but traditional beach holidays are relatively uncommon in Northern Ireland.

• City breaks: May – September. These months offer mild weather and longer days, ideal for exploring cities such as Belfast or Derry/Londonderry. Rain is still frequent, but temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing.

• Mobile phone use: Using a mobile phone in Northern Ireland incurs roaming charges. It is advisable to check roaming charges before travelling and, if necessary, purchase special roaming packages to reduce costs.

• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is now available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés and public areas.

• Prepaid SIM cards: You can buy a prepaid SIM card locally to make local calls and use mobile data. Mobile network operators in Northern Ireland include EE, O2 and Vodafone.

• Giant's Causeway, County Antrim: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonder, known for its unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity.

• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, County Antrim: A dizzying suspension bridge spanning the sea to a small island, offering spectacular coastal views.

• Titanic Belfast: An interactive museum telling the story of the Titanic, from its construction in Belfast to its tragic sinking.

• Dunluce Castle, County Antrim: The ruins of this medieval castle stand dramatically on a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the coast.

• The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney: An avenue lined with beech trees, made famous worldwide by the series «Game of Thrones» and a popular photography spot.

• Mourne Mountains, County Down: A mountain range with picturesque hiking trails, known both for its beauty and for inspiring C. S. Lewis’s «Narnia».

• Belfast Castle: A historic castle with well-kept gardens and fantastic views of the city and Belfast Lough.

• Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast: A former prison now offering guided tours that explore its eventful history and the difficult times it witnessed.

• Ulster Museum, Belfast: A free museum offering a large collection of art, natural science and historical exhibitions, including a notable Egyptian collection.

• Mount Stewart, County Down: A magnificent country house with extensive gardens, considered one of the most beautiful country houses in the United Kingdom.

• Ulster Fry: A traditional hearty breakfast consisting of bacon, eggs, sausages, potato bread and soda farls, often accompanied by beans or tomatoes.

• Soda Bread: A classic Irish bread made with baking soda rather than yeast. It is often served as part of a Northern Irish breakfast or as an accompaniment.

• Potato Bread (Fadge): A flatbread made from potato dough, typically fried in a pan and a popular accompaniment to an Ulster Fry.

• Champ: Mashed potatoes mixed with spring onions and butter or milk, served as a side dish with meat dishes.

• Dulse: Dried seaweed traditionally eaten as a snack, particularly along Northern Ireland’s coast.

• Boxty: A potato pancake-like dish made from grated raw and cooked potatoes, often enjoyed in rural areas.

• Lough Neagh Eels: Eels from Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles, considered a local delicacy and used in many traditional recipes.

• Yellowman: A sweet, honey-like toffee, sold as a popular treat at fairs and festivals in Northern Ireland.

• Armagh Bramley apples: The Armagh region is known for its Bramley apples, which are used in a variety of desserts and baked goods.

• Greetings: In Northern Ireland, people usually greet each other with a firm handshake. Common expressions are «Hello» and «Hi». In informal situations, «How are you?» is often used as a greeting, without expecting a detailed answer.

• Please and thank you: Politeness is very important. «Please» and «Thank you» are frequently used expressions. In more formal situations, you can say «Thank you very much»; in informal situations, «Cheers» is also appropriate.

• Clothing: Dress is generally casual, with no strict rules. Smarter clothing is appropriate in upscale restaurants or on formal occasions. As the weather is often unpredictable, a jacket or umbrella is recommended, even in summer.

• Dining customs: Meals are eaten at similar times to those in Switzerland. Lunch often consists of sandwiches or light snacks, while dinner is the main meal. Punctuality is appreciated, especially when you are invited to a meal. You should wait until the meal has ended before getting up from the table.

• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public spaces, restaurants, pubs and on public transport. It is allowed outdoors or in specifically designated smoking areas.

• Tipping: It is customary to leave a tip of 10–15 % in restaurants if it is not already included in the bill. Tips are rarely expected in pubs, but you can leave the bartender a small amount for larger orders.

• Other: Small talk plays an important role in everyday life, particularly conversations about the weather. Political topics, especially Northern Ireland’s history and the «Troubles», should be avoided where possible, as they remain sensitive subjects.

• Drinking water quality: Tap water in Northern Ireland is of high quality and safe to drink. It is regularly tested and meets European drinking water standards.

• Vaccinations: As a rule, no specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry to Northern Ireland. Travellers are nevertheless advised to keep routine vaccinations up to date, particularly diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles.

• Medical care is available. A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides access to medically necessary treatment in the public healthcare system during a temporary stay. Private treatment and repatriation are not covered. Supplementary travel insurance is recommended. Information: Common Institution under the Federal Health Insurance Act and Gov.UK: Healthcare for visitors to the UK.

• If you rely on certain medicines, your travel medical kit should contain an adequate supply. Bear in mind, however, that many countries have special regulations on bringing in medicines containing narcotics (e.g. methadone) and substances used to treat mental illnesses. If necessary, enquire directly with the relevant foreign representation (embassy or consulate) before departure.

• Follow media reports on the current situation before and during your trip and stay in contact with your tour operator.

• More information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of any kind, as unrest is possible.

• The Terrorism and kidnapping section draws attention to the risks of terrorism.

• Certain social and political tensions persist in Northern Ireland, particularly around commemorative dates. Unrest has repeatedly occurred around 12 July. In the past, such unrest has repeatedly caused injuries. There is also a risk of attacks by splinter groups of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Attacks mainly target the security forces, such as the bombing of a police car in Strabane in November 2022. Nevertheless, the possibility that uninvolved people may occasionally be affected cannot be ruled out.

• Driving licence: Swiss driving licences are recognised for 12 months.

• Car hire: Depending on the rental company and vehicle type, the minimum age for drivers is between 23 and 25.

• Traffic rules: Drive on the left.

• Mandatory equipment: CH sticker and warning triangle.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰.

• Long-distance trains: Long-distance rail services in Northern Ireland are mainly operated by NI Railways. There are regular train connections between major cities, such as Belfast and Londonderry, and other important locations. Trains are comfortable, but the network is limited.

• Regional trains: Regional rail connections are well developed and offer reliable transport between smaller towns and rural areas. Coastal services, which offer scenic views, are particularly popular.

• Buses: Northern Ireland’s bus network is operated by Translink and well organised. Urban and regional buses serve many rural areas. Long-distance coaches connect Northern Ireland with Dublin and other cities in the Republic of Ireland.

• Underground/trams: Northern Ireland has no underground or tram system.

• Tickets: Bus and train tickets can be bought at stations, online or directly from the driver. Special day or weekly passes can be worthwhile if you plan to make several journeys. Contactless payments are increasingly accepted.

• Other: Belfast has a public bicycle hire scheme, allowing travellers to explore the city in an environmentally friendly way. Taxis are also widely available and a convenient way to get around, particularly in areas less well served by public transport.

• Belfast International Airport (BFS), Belfast: Seasonal direct flights from Geneva with easyJet. Flight schedules vary by season.

• George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), Belfast: Currently no direct flights from Swiss airports. Connecting services are available, for example via London Heathrow or Amsterdam.

The main airlines operating in Northern Ireland are EasyJet, Ryanair, British Airways and Aer Lingus.

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

General emergency numbers: 999 and 112

Consulate of Switzerland
54 Priory Park
Belfast
BT10 0AE
United Kingdom

Tel. +44 77 33 59 55 95
Email: belfast@honrep.ch

The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.