+ 5:30 h / + 4:30 h during our summer time

Naypyidaw

Official language

Myanmar (Burmese)

Language capabilities

English

220/230 volt / adapter required

Banks

9.30 am – 3.00 pm (Mon – Fri)
Some banks also open on Saturdays, usually from 9.30 am to 12.00 noon.

Shops

9.00/10.00 am – 8.00/9.00 pm (Mon – Sat)
Opening hours may vary. Some shops also open on Sundays.

• December/January (date varies): Kayin New Year
• 1 January: New Year's Day
• Variable date in January/February: Chinese New Year
• 4 January: Independence Day
• 12 February: Union Day
• 2 March: Peasants' Day
• March (date varies): Full Moon of Tabaung
• 27 March: Armed Forces Day
• 13–16 April: Water Festival / Thingyan
• 17 April: Myanmar New Year
• Variable date in April/May: Full Moon Day of Kason
• 1 May: Labour Day
• Variable date: Eid al-Adha / Islamic Feast of Sacrifice
• 19 July: Martyrs' Day
• July (date varies): Full Moon of Waso (beginning of Buddhist Lent)
• Variable date in September/October: Thadingyut / Festival of Lights marking the end of Buddhist Lent
• Variable date in October/November: Diwali/Dipavali
• Variable date in October/November: Tazaungdaing / Festival of Lights on the Full Moon Day of Tazaungmon
• Variable date in November/December: National Day
• 25 December: Christmas Day

The FDFA advises against tourist and other non-urgent travel to this country.

The following information is intended for Swiss citizens residing in Switzerland. The following documents are required to enter Myanmar:

• Swiss passport: Your passport must be valid for at least another 6 months on entry.

• Visa: A valid visa is required. An e-visa can be applied for online before departure. You must print and carry the visa approval letter. A tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 28 days.

• Return or onward travel ticket: Entry may be refused if you do not have a corresponding ticket.

• Minors: Children and young people with their own passport must carry documents proving their relationship to the accompanying parent or legal guardian. Further information: Travel authorisation for travelling with children.

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate: This is required if you have stayed in one of the yellow fever risk countries listed by the TCS within the 6 days before entry. Check the TCS country list according to your itinerary.

– Information last updated in October 2026 –

Coastal region (e.g. Yangon, delta regions)

• Summer (March to May): Average temperatures range from 28 °C to 36 °C. Humidity is high, and brief showers may occur even before the monsoon begins. The heat is intense, especially in cities such as Yangon.
• Winter (November to February): Average temperatures range from 20 °C to 30 °C. This is the most pleasant season, with dry, mild weather and cooler nights, particularly suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Spring/autumn (June to October): Average temperatures range from 26 °C to 32 °C. This is the monsoon season, when the region experiences heavy rainfall. Flooding is frequent, and humidity is very high.

Central lowlands (e.g. Mandalay, Bagan)

• Summer (March to May): Average temperatures range from 30 °C to 40 °C, often exceeding 40 °C. The region is very dry and hot during this period, with little or no rain. The central lowlands are considered the hottest region in Myanmar.
• Winter (November to February): Temperatures range from 15 °C to 28 °C. Nights are noticeably cooler, while the days remain pleasantly warm. This is the best period for sightseeing, as the heat is less intense.
• Spring/autumn (June to October): Average temperatures range from 26 °C to 34 °C. Compared with other regions, rainfall is moderate during this period. The rainy season brings some relief from the heat, but is less pronounced than in the coastal region.

Highlands and mountains (e.g. Inle Lake, Shan State)

• Summer (March to May): Average temperatures range from 20 °C to 30 °C. In summer, the highlands are less hot than the coastal regions and central lowlands. Temperatures are tolerable, and occasional rainfall may occur.
• Winter (November to February): Temperatures range from 10 °C to 25 °C, but may fall to 0 °C or below at night at higher elevations. Days are mild and sunny, while nights are cool to cold. Winter is a popular time to visit this region, particularly for hiking.
• Spring/autumn (June to October): Average temperatures range from 18 °C to 26 °C. During the monsoon season, these months bring heavy rainfall, especially in mountainous regions, often causing flooding and difficult road conditions.

The ideal time to visit Myanmar:

• Beach holidays: November to March. Temperatures are pleasantly warm and the weather is dry, ideal for beaches in coastal regions such as Ngapali Beach and Chaungtha. The sea is calm, and humidity is relatively low.
• City breaks: November to February. This is the coolest and driest period, making sightseeing in cities such as Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan pleasant. The heat is less intense, and air quality in cities is usually better than in other seasons.

• Mobile phone use: Using your mobile phone in Myanmar incurs roaming charges. It is advisable to check these charges before travelling and, where appropriate, purchase dedicated roaming packages to reduce costs. Foreign SIM cards do not work reliably. Mobile connections may be disrupted even in cities.
• Wi-Fi: Usually free in hotels, hostels and some cafés, but often slow and unreliable. In larger cities such as Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan, Wi-Fi is more readily available in tourist areas than in rural regions. Access to certain websites and communication services is restricted. Internet connections may be completely unavailable at times.
• Prepaid SIM cards: You can buy a prepaid SIM card locally to make local calls and use mobile data. Myanmar has several mobile network operators, including MPT, ATOM and U9.
• Other information: Power supplies and telephone and internet connections are frequently disrupted. Internet access in particular may be unavailable for long periods. In general, access to international and mobile telephone connections and the internet is not guaranteed everywhere.

• Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon: Myanmar's golden landmark is one of the country's most sacred Buddhist sites and impresses with its magnificent architecture and religious significance.
• Bagan temple plains: More than 2'000 temples and pagodas stretch across a plain, creating a magical atmosphere, especially at sunrise and sunset. A must-see for history and culture enthusiasts.
• Inle Lake, Shan State: Famous for its floating gardens, stilt houses and the distinctive rowing technique used by fishermen as they cross the lake. Inle Lake is ideal for boat trips and discovering local life.
• Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda), Mon State: A large golden rock that appears to balance precariously on a rocky ledge. An important pilgrimage site and an impressive natural spectacle.
• Mandalay Hill: A hill with numerous temples and pagodas, offering a fantastic view of the city and surrounding area, particularly at sunset.
• U Bein Bridge, Amarapura: The world's longest and oldest teak bridge, a popular photographic subject, especially at sunset, and an impressive example of traditional timber construction.
• Ananda Temple, Bagan: A well-preserved 12th-century temple that is among Bagan's most beautiful buildings, with impressive architecture and Buddha statues.
• Hpa-An caves (e.g. Kawgun and Saddan), Kayin State: Limestone caves with impressive depictions of Buddha and a distinctive cave river suitable for boat trips.
• Mount Popa and Taung Kalat, near Bagan: Beside the extinct volcano Mount Popa rises the steep volcanic cone of Taung Kalat, with an important monastery and shrine complex. A long stairway leads to the top and opens up sweeping views of the surrounding area.
• Mahamuni Pagoda, Mandalay: An important pilgrimage site housing an impressive Buddha statue, which worshippers regularly cover with gold leaf.
• Ngapali Beach, Rakhine State: A beautiful, peaceful beach with white sand and turquoise water, ideal for relaxation and water sports away from the tourist crowds.
• Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung Monastery, near Nyaung Shwe: A charming wooden monastery with oval windows, where young monks are trained. A particular highlight for photography enthusiasts.
• Thanboddhay Pagoda, Monywa: This pagoda stands out for its thousands of small Buddha statues and its architecture, which differs greatly from other temples in the country.
• Pindaya caves, Shan State: Limestone caves containing more than 8'000 Buddha statues from different periods and holding deep religious significance.
• Kuthodaw Pagoda, Mandalay: This site is often called “the world's largest book”, as it contains 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures.

Important information: The earthquake in March 2025 damaged numerous cultural sites in Mandalay and the surrounding area. The current condition and accessibility of individual places of interest should be checked.

• Mohinga: One of Myanmar's best-known dishes, traditionally served for breakfast. This rich fish soup with rice noodles and banana stems is often garnished with coriander and fried ingredients.
• Shan noodles: A popular dish from Shan State made with rice noodles, chicken or pork, peanuts and pickled mustard greens. Served hot or cold, it is known for its lightly spiced flavour.
• Laphet Thoke (tea leaf salad): A distinctive Myanmar speciality made from fermented tea leaves mixed with peanuts, sesame, tomatoes and garlic. The salad has a unique, slightly bitter flavour and is often served as a snack.
• Curries: Myanmar's curries are mild and often contain meat such as chicken or lamb. They are served with a variety of accompaniments, including rice, salads, pickled vegetables and fried snacks.
• Street food: Street food stalls are an important part of Myanmar's food culture. Popular snacks include samosas, fried noodles and grilled skewers, often sold at markets or roadside stalls.
• Ngapi: A fermented fish paste used as a base for many dishes and sauces. It has a strong flavour and is often used as a seasoning in soups and curries.
• Mont Lin Ma Yar: A popular street food speciality, also known as “husband-and-wife eggs”. These small rice flour cakes are cooked with egg, onions and chickpeas and served folded together.
• Tropical fruit: Mango, papaya, durian and other tropical fruits are widespread in Myanmar and are sold fresh at markets or served as freshly squeezed juices.
• Burmese tea house culture: Tea houses are central to Myanmar's culture, serving local snacks and tea. Burmese black tea with sweetened condensed milk is particularly popular.
• Desserts: Myanmar desserts are often based on glutinous rice, coconut and palm sugar. Popular desserts include Shwe Yin Aye (a cold coconut milk dessert) and Mont Lone Yay Paw (sweet glutinous rice balls filled with palm sugar).

• Greetings: In Myanmar, a simple nod or a smile is accepted as a greeting. It is polite to say “Mingalaba”, meaning “hello”, which is used in both formal and informal situations.
• Please and thank you: Politeness is important. “Che zu tin bar tal” means “thank you” and is greatly appreciated when expressing gratitude. For “please”, people say “Kyeizu pyu yue”, showing respect.
• Clothing: Modest clothing is essential at religious sites such as temples and pagodas. Shoulders and knees should be covered. In public, casual clothing that provides sufficient coverage is also appreciated as a sign of respect for the culture. Shoes and socks must generally also be removed in temples, pagodas and monasteries. Follow the instructions provided locally.
• Dining etiquette: Food is often served in large bowls in the centre of the table and eaten with the hands or with a spoon and fork (knives are often uncommon). It is polite to wait until the oldest people start eating, and taking the last piece of a dish is considered impolite.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in many public places and also in temples, restaurants and on public transport. In rural areas or in local people's homes, it is polite to ask before smoking.
• Tipping: Tips are increasingly expected in Myanmar, but are not customary everywhere. In restaurants, hotels or on tours, a tip of 5–10% is appropriate. It is also a friendly gesture to give porters and drivers a small tip.
• Other information: The head is considered sacred, so do not touch another person's head, especially a child's. Feet are considered unclean, so never point them towards anyone or towards Buddha statues. Photograph people respectfully and ask permission beforehand, particularly when photographing monks and in religious settings.

• Drinking water quality: Tap water in Myanmar is not suitable for drinking. Travellers should only drink bottled or boiled water. Ice cubes in drinks should also be avoided, as they are often made from tap water. Bottled water is frequently available in hotels and larger restaurants.

• Vaccinations: As a rule, no specific vaccinations are mandatory for travellers entering Myanmar. However, travellers are advised to keep their routine vaccinations up to date, especially diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles.
• Malaria risk: Malaria risk varies by region. Several areas have a high risk. Consult a travel medicine specialist with your exact itinerary to determine whether preventive medication or carrying emergency treatment is necessary. Consistent mosquito protection is essential.
• Dengue fever: Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes that are mainly active during the day. Consistent mosquito protection is important. A vaccine is authorised in Switzerland, but vaccination is only suitable for certain travellers. Seek advice from a travel medicine specialist. The FOPH identifies documented previous dengue infection as a particular prerequisite for the Swiss vaccination recommendation.
• Mosquito protection: Effective mosquito protection is essential to minimise the risk of mosquito bites and associated diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Recommended measures include repellents for skin and clothing, long, light-coloured clothing and sleeping under mosquito nets, especially in rural and jungle regions.

• Medical care is not guaranteed in the country's interior. Emergencies can only be treated in Yangon. Serious illnesses and injuries must be treated abroad (Thailand, Singapore or Europe).
• People with a negative Rh factor may have difficulty obtaining a blood transfusion. Hospitals generally require a payment guarantee for planned inpatient treatment and surgery. Emergency treatment must be paid for immediately in cash (USD). Bringing your own dressing materials and disposable syringes may be useful.
• If you depend on particular medicines, your travel medical kit should contain a sufficient supply. Bear in mind, however, that many countries have special regulations on carrying medicines containing narcotic substances (e.g. methadone) and substances used to treat mental health conditions. If necessary, enquire directly with the relevant foreign representation (embassy or consulate) before departure.

– Information last updated in October 2025 –

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and stay in contact with your tour operator.

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

• Tourist and other non-urgent travel to Myanmar is discouraged. Travel to certain parts of the country is discouraged altogether.
• There are high security risks throughout the country.
• Even after the elections organised by the military authorities in December 2025/January 2026, the future development of the situation remains uncertain.
• A state of emergency remains in force in parts of the country. This authorises the army to impose various restrictions on fundamental rights, such as freedom of assembly and freedom of the press, as well as curfews. Martial law applies in certain regions. It allows security forces to use firearms immediately and places jurisdiction under the local military commander.
• The risk of arbitrary arrests of foreign nationals cannot be ruled out. Myanmar does not recognise dual nationality. Dual nationals are regarded as Myanmar nationals.
• Attacks causing personal injury and/or damage to property occur regularly throughout the country.
• Security forces check people at numerous checkpoints. Vehicle searches are also common.
• Rape and other sexual assaults by security forces have been reported, particularly during house searches and raids on villages in conflict areas.
• Demonstrations, strikes and roadblocks may occur throughout the country, particularly in major cities. They may lead to riots, arson, violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, and arrests. Firearms and live ammunition have also been used in such clashes in the past, causing several deaths and numerous injuries. There is a risk of inadvertently becoming caught up in a violent confrontation.
• There are supply shortages that may vary depending on the region and the goods concerned. The health sector and banking sector are particularly affected. It cannot be ruled out that cash withdrawals may be temporarily impossible.
• Fierce clashes between security forces and armed groups occur throughout the country.
• There are latent tensions between certain religious or ethnic communities. These may erupt into violent clashes and sometimes specifically target the Muslim minority. Such acts of violence repeatedly cause deaths and injuries. Incidents of this kind may occur locally anywhere in the country.
• Crime levels and the availability and use of weapons have increased. Pickpocketing and other thefts are frequent, particularly in cities. Snatch thefts are mainly committed by people on motorcycles. Break-ins into private homes and cars also occur. Isolated cases of kidnapping for ransom have also been reported.
• Be cautious about offers from strangers. Criminals sometimes pretend to want to establish a friendship or business relationship and invite people to visit them. Once there, these people are threatened or kidnapped to extort money. Job offers also often conceal criminal intentions to force people to take part in fraud.

– Information last updated in October 2026 –

• Driving licence and car hire: Before travelling, check with the Embassy of Myanmar and the rental company which driving licences and permits are required. For journeys by car, hiring a vehicle with a driver is recommended.
• Traffic rules: Driving is on the right.
• Other information: Poor road conditions and the unpredictable behaviour of many road users pose a significant accident risk. For journeys by car, it is advisable to hire a vehicle with a driver and only travel during daylight hours. Security forces sometimes close roads to all traffic. Fuel shortages occur.

• Long-distance and regional trains: Trains continue to operate on some routes. However, timetables and services are unreliable, and safety standards are significantly below Swiss levels. Enquire at the station about current operations immediately before travelling.
• Buses: Buses are the most widely used form of long-distance transport and connect towns and villages throughout the country. There are many operators, ranging from basic local buses to modern, air-conditioned express coaches. However, some roads are in poor condition, which may result in longer journey times.
• Underground/trams: Myanmar has neither an underground system nor trams. Urban public transport is generally limited to buses and taxis.
• Tickets: Train and bus tickets can be bought at stations or dedicated sales outlets. Online booking is increasingly available, but is not always reliable. For long-distance trains and popular bus routes, advance booking is recommended, especially in the high season. On local buses, tickets are often bought directly from the driver.
• Other information: Taxis and motorcycle taxis are widespread in cities and provide a flexible way to get around. Transport infrastructure in most regions is relatively basic, so allow more time for journeys.

• Yangon International Airport (RGN), Yangon: Travel from Switzerland requires a connection, for example in Bangkok or Singapore. Check the services available for your travel dates directly with the airlines.
• Mandalay International Airport (MDL), Mandalay: There are no direct flights from Zurich, Geneva or Basel.
• Nay Pyi Taw International Airport (NYT), Naypyidaw: This airport has no direct connections from Switzerland.

Important information: International air services to and from Myanmar have been reduced. If the security situation deteriorates further, additional reductions or the suspension of air services cannot be ruled out.

Myanmar airlines listed at Yangon Airport include Myanmar Airways International, Myanmar National Airlines, Mingalar Airline, Air Thanlwin and Mann Yadanarpon Airlines. Check the current route network directly with the respective airline.

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

• Police: 199
• Ambulance: 192 (Yangon)
• Fire brigade: 191 (Yangon)
• Tourist police: 01378479 / 01379701

Embassy of Switzerland
Vantage Tower
623 Pyay Road
Kamayut Township, Yangon
Myanmar

Email: Yangon@eda.admin.ch

The Swiss Embassy in Yangon receives visitors only by prior appointment arranged by email to yangon@eda.admin.ch.

The Regional Consular Centre in Bangkok is responsible for consular services:
Tel.: +66 2 674 6900
Email: bangkok.cc@eda.admin.ch

Specific regional risks

Descriptions of danger zones are approximate; risks cannot be confined to precisely defined areas.

• There is a risk of landmines in former and current conflict zones. Particularly affected are the provinces of Kachin, Chin, Kayah (Karenni), Mon and Kayin (Karen), the so-called Dry Zone (Sagaing, Magway), the eastern and northern halves of Shan and Tanintharyi, and the north of Rakhine province. Minefields are rarely fenced off or marked. If you must undertake urgent journeys, keep strictly to roads and frequently used paths and, if in doubt, ask the local authorities and/or local people for information. Increasing aerial bombardment of areas controlled by resistance groups poses an additional danger.

• Kachin province: Travel to Kachin province is discouraged. Fierce fighting between the army and armed rebel groups repeatedly occurs, causing numerous deaths and injuries. The situation is very tense.

• Shan and Mandalay provinces: Travel to Shan and Mandalay provinces is discouraged. The situation has deteriorated since the military takeover in February 2021 and has worsened further since July 2024, particularly in and around Mandalay. Violent clashes regularly cause deaths and injuries.

• Rakhine and Chin provinces: Travel to Rakhine and Chin provinces is discouraged. The situation is extremely tense. Confrontations between the army and armed groups have spread throughout both provinces and cause numerous deaths. There is also a risk of kidnapping.

• Sagaing, Kayin, Kayah, Magway and Mon provinces, and eastern Bago province: Travel to Sagaing, Kayin, Kayah, Magway and Mon provinces and eastern Bago province is discouraged. Latent conflicts between government troops and armed rebel groups from ethnic minorities have flared up again since the military takeover in February 2021. Armed self-defence groups (People Defense Forces, PDF) have also formed. There are frequent clashes and fighting between the army and rebel groups. These confrontations repeatedly cause numerous deaths and injuries. The situation is very tense.

• Tanintharyi province: Travel to the border area with Thailand is discouraged.

• The situation in Tanintharyi province is very tense, particularly in the border area with Thailand. Clashes and fierce fighting between the army and rebel groups occur regularly.

Special legal provisions

• It is prohibited to photograph people in uniform, military installations and public buildings or structures (airports, bridges, etc.).

• Radio equipment, satellite phones and radio-controlled drones may only be used with permission from the Myanmar authorities. Violations are punishable by imprisonment.

• Political activities are prohibited for foreign nationals. Criticism of state institutions and their representatives, such as members of the army, is also punishable. This also applies to statements made on social media.

• Disrespectful behaviour towards Buddhism or other religions is also punishable. This also applies, for example, to tattoos depicting Buddhist images or symbols of other religions.

• Same-sex sexual acts are punishable by law.

• Breaches of drug legislation are punished with lengthy prison sentences, even for very small quantities and for all types of drugs. In serious cases, the death penalty may also be imposed.

• Detention conditions are very poor.

Natural hazards

• During the monsoon season, flooding and occasional cyclones may occur, especially in the south of the country and in coastal regions. Such events can disrupt road and rail traffic as well as telephone connections. Tourist travel may also be temporarily affected. Follow weather forecasts and heed warnings and instructions from the local authorities. Further information: World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

• Earthquakes are possible. Tsunamis triggered by earthquakes in Southeast Asia may also reach Myanmar. Further information: Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (INCOIS).

• If a natural disaster occurs during your stay, contact your family as soon as possible and follow the authorities' instructions. If connections to other countries are disrupted, contact the Swiss Embassy in Yangon.

– Information last updated in September 2025 –