Court Reporting and Depositions in Switzerland

The requirements for taking U.S. depositions in Switzerland are straightforward and easy to follow using the Planet Depos checklist specific to Switzerland.

Allowing enough time (roughly between 4-6 weeks is ideal) for scheduling depositions in Switzerland is extremely important because of the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning processes. However, with teams living on-the-ground throughout Europe, we are often able to cover last-minute requests.

Counsel will determine whether their witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can agree to stipulate the oath and begin the process of setting up the deposition.

Switzerland is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention, and, as such, taking voluntary depositions in Switzerland is subject to prior authorization by the Federal Department of Justice and Police. If you need assistance, contact the Planet Depos International Scheduling Department.

• For specific information pertaining to taking depositions in Switzerland, please consult the U.S. State Department for Judicial Assistance.
• Select the deposition services needed:
  • U.S.-trained court reporter
  • U.S.-trained legal videographer
• Any language interpreter
• What is the location of the deposition in Switzerland?
  • Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?
• If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist).
  • Do you need a location in Switzerland?
  • Will you need a location in the United States?
  • Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite?
  • Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
  • Document Production
  • Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?
• Select your deposition date
  • Start time
  • End time
• Visa Restrictions:
• There is no visa required for travel to Switzerland at this time; however, your passport must be valid for six months beyond your intended period of stay. For more information, please consult the U.S. State Department or contact Planet Depos’ International Scheduling Department.
• Make travel arrangements
  • Flight
  • Lodging
    • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
  • Car rental
• Send a protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)
• Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:
  • Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)
  • Who should receive the Rough ASCII and final transcript
  • The number of realtime laptops that are needed
  • Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)
• Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos
• Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation:
  • Notice of deposition
  • Complaint
  • Subpoena
  • Previous transcript(s)
  • Word index
• Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives
• Provide emergency contact information of counsel

Travel safely to the Switzerland and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

Did you know? The official name of Switzerland is “Swiss Confederation.”

With teams living on the ground in Europe, Planet Depos offers 24/7 assistance for all of your deposition needs in Switzerland. Our teams have been covering depositions in Switzerland for over 15 years, earning the reputation of one of the leading experts in the scheduling process, travel, and document assistance there. We would be more than happy to share our expertise and guide you through the logistical and procedural processes to ensure a successful deposition in Switzerland.

Entry Requirements for Switzerland
Switzerland does not require a tourist visa for stays of less than 90 days. You will need a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond your planned date of departure from Switzerland, and Planet Depos strongly recommends traveling with a passport valid no less than 6 months post your departure date from Switzerland. You need 1 blank passport page for your entry stamp. However, Planet Depos recommends traveling with at least 2 blank passport pages. There are a few direct flights from the U.S. to Switzerland, but if you are not on a non-stop flight, you will need to check any country or countries you pass through to determine if a separate transit visa is required.

For more information, you may also contact the Swiss Embassy in the United States (2900 Cathedral Ave NW Washington DC 20008):

Swiss Embassy

Flying to Switzerland
There are 2 major international airports in Switzerland:

• Zurich-Klotein Airport (ZRH) – Zurich (Zurich Airport)
• Geneve-Cointrin Airport (GVA) – Geneva (Geneva Airport)

Airlines offering direct flights to Switzerland include:

• Swiss Air (http://www.swiss.com/us/en)
• Delta (www.delta.com)
• United (www.unitedairlines.com)
• British Airways (www.britishairways.com)

Travel to Switzerland
For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the State Department’s webpage at:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/Judicial-Assistance-Country-Information/Switzerland.html

You can also download the SmartTravel App for your smartphone created by the U.S. Department of State.

Staying in Switzerland
There are many locations to take depositions in Switzerland. For example, beautiful Zurich offers many deluxe hotels to meet your conference room and lodging needs. Planet Depos has established relationships with many hotels throughout Europe, and we will gladly assist with your conference room needs and hotel recommendations.

Medical Information for Switzerland
There are several excellent English-friendly medical facilities in Switzerland. Be prepared to present your passport. For a list of these facilities, and additional medical/emergency information, please go to:

U.S. Embassy – Switzerland

For updated health information, including health travel alerts and immunizations, please visit Switzerland specific website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at:

CDC – Switzerland

Money Matters
While most of Europe uses the Euro, Switzerland still uses the Swiss franc. Merchants may accept Euros, but are not obligated to do so. Prices are often listed in Euros for comparison purposes. Major credit cards (American Express, MasterCard, and Visa) are widely accepted throughout Switzerland. ATMs are widely available.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, please visit a reputable currency converter website such as http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ which also offers an app for smartphones.

Weather
Switzerland has a generally temperate climate. Winter temperatures range from the high 20’s to mid 40’s. Summer temperatures range from the mid 60’s to low 80’s. Spring and autumn temperatures range in the mid 40’s to high 50’s.

Websites to visit
Embassy of the United States in Switzerland

U.S. Embassy – Switzerland

App Store for your iPhone:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/genre/ios-travel/id6003?mt=8

App Store for your Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps?hl=en

Interesting Fact about Switzerland
The Papal Swiss Guard is actually Swiss! They are made up entirely of Swiss soldiers.