Prohibition of laser pointers on Swiss territory

Please be aware that laser pointers classified as 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B, and 4 are banned on Swiss territory. Only class 1 laser pointers, which pose no health risk, are authorized. Laser pointers are considered dangerous and may be confiscated at customs and destroyed, regardless of their permissibility on airplanes. Swiss authorities emphasize that travelers found with these devices will be questioned by police and may face criminal charges.

Please ensure you do not carry such devices when traveling and remind any meeting participants or experts attending meetings at the Palais des Nations in order to avoid travel disruptions. It is the personal responsibility of all travelers to ensure compliance with entry requirements and to be aware of any prohibitions in place at the country of destination upon entry or exit.

New opening hours of the Palais

Due to ongoing construction at the future Visitors Center and associated safety concerns, the Nations Gate will be completely closed* starting 5 August 2024 and until further notice.

Pedestrians entering or exiting the Palais des Nations from or to Place des Nations should exclusively use the Peace Gate, located nearby. 

Pregny and Peace Gates will be open on working days between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., while the Chemin de Fer Gate will close earlier at 2 p.m. Access to the Palais will not be possible outside of these hours.

*Note: At Nations Gate, exceptional access is available upon request between 6 to 7.30 a.m. and 7.30 to 10 p.m. for authorized staff and designated UNOG contractors only.

Measures to address the UN Global Liquidity Crisis

In 2023, the UN faced its worst financial shortfall in years, with the lowest dues collection in five years and only 142 Member States paying in full. This has resulted in a fragile financial outlook for 2024, severely impacting our operational capabilities. To address this, the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) is tasked with reducing non-salary expenses by 42%, equating to savings of over 15 million USD, while preserving essential functions. Starting April 22nd, UNOG will implement strategic cost-cutting measures to enhance efficiency and ensure sustainability.

Circulation routes during renovation works

The Palais des Nations is currently undergoing major renovation works which are scheduled to go on until 2025. During this time, some of the walkways inside the premises will be temporarily accessible. The map shows accessible walkways between and inside the buildings of the Palais.