Ulaanbaatar: +6 hours during Swiss summer time and +7 hours during Swiss winter time. In the western provinces, the time difference is one hour less in each case

Ulan Bator (Ulaanbaatar)

Official language

Mongolian

Language capabilities

Russian and English

220 volt / adapter recommended

Banks

9 am–5 pm (Mon–Fri)
Most banks are closed at weekends, although some branches in shopping centres have reduced opening hours, for example from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.


Shops

9 am–8 pm (Mon–Fri)
10 am–6/7 pm (Sat and Sun)
Opening hours may vary depending on the shop and region. Some supermarkets, particularly in larger cities such as Ulaanbaatar, have longer opening hours, sometimes until 10 pm or around the clock. In rural areas, however, smaller shops may have shorter opening hours, often from 10 am to 5 pm.

• 1 January: New Year's Day

• Variable date in February or March: Lunar New Year

• 8 March: International Women's Day

• Variable date in May or June: Buddha's Birthday

• 1 June: Mother and Child Day

• 11 to 15 July: Naadam Festival (national holidays)

• Variable date according to the Mongolian lunar calendar: Genghis Khan's Birthday (National Pride Day)

• 26 November: Republic Day

• 29 December: Independence Day

The following information is intended for Swiss citizens resident in Switzerland.

• Travel documents must be valid for at least six months upon entry. They are valid until the day before the expiry date.

• Swiss citizens do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days. They may apply for an extension of their stay upon arrival.

• Visitors without a return or onward ticket may be refused entry.

• The unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service is temporarily suspended until further notice.

• Minors under the age of 16 may not travel alone. They must travel with at least one parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian must carry official documents proving their relationship to the child.

- Information last updated in September 2026 -

Mongolia has a strongly continental climate, with extreme temperature fluctuations between summer and winter. The country can be divided into several climatic regions:

Central steppe (including Ulaanbaatar)

• Summer (June to August): Summer temperatures in the central steppe range from 20°C to 25°C, but can rise to 30°C during the day. Temperatures often drop sharply at night. Summer is relatively short but pleasant, with moderate rainfall, particularly in July.

• Winter (November to March): Temperatures drop sharply in winter, typically to between -20°C and -30°C, and sometimes as low as -40°C. Ulaanbaatar is one of the coldest capitals in the world. Winter is dry and long, with plenty of sunshine but bitter cold.

• Spring/autumn (April to May/September to October): Temperatures fluctuate considerably during these transitional seasons, ranging from 5°C to 15°C in spring and autumn. Strong winds and occasional sudden cold snaps are typical.

Gobi Desert

• Summer (June to August): Daytime temperatures in the Gobi Desert can reach 40°C in summer, while nights are significantly cooler, often around 15°C to 20°C. It is hot and dry, with very little rain.

• Winter (November to March): Temperatures fall to between -15°C and -25°C, accompanied by dry cold. The region receives little snowfall, but the winters are long and harsh.

• Spring/autumn (April to May/September to October): These transitional seasons are short and characterised by substantial temperature fluctuations between 10°C and 20°C. Spring often brings sandstorms.

Altai Mountains (western Mongolia)

• Summer (June to August): Summer temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C, with cooler nights when temperatures can fall to between 5°C and 10°C. Conditions in the mountains are pleasant in summer, with occasional rainfall.

• Winter (November to March): Winters are extremely cold, with temperatures between -25°C and -40°C. The region is characterised by deep snow and icy winds.

• Spring/autumn (April to May/September to October): Temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C. Spring is often windy, and the first snow may fall as early as autumn.

Lake Khövsgöl region (northern Mongolia)

• Summer (June to August): Summers are relatively cool, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. The region is lush and green, with clear lakes and abundant rainfall in July.

• Winter (November to March): Winters are extremely cold, with temperatures between -25°C and -35°C. The region is known for its snow, and Lake Khövsgöl freezes over completely in winter.

• Spring/autumn (April to May/September to October): Temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C. Spring is often very windy, while autumn brings early frosts.

These climatic regions illustrate Mongolia's varied weather, from the dry heat of the Gobi to the icy cold of the central steppes in winter.

The ideal time to visit Mongolia:

• Beach holidays: June to August. The summer months are particularly suitable for swimming in the area around Lake Khövsgöl in northern Mongolia. However, the water remains cool even in summer. This is the best time for outdoor activities such as swimming and boating.

• City breaks: May to September. Ulaanbaatar and other cities enjoy pleasant temperatures between 15°C and 25°C during these months. Spring and autumn are also suitable, although it can be windy. Summer also offers cultural highlights such as the Naadam Festival in July.

• Winter holidays: December to February. Ideal for winter activities such as dog sledding, skiing and visiting frozen Lake Khövsgöl. The winter months are dominated by particularly cold, but clear and sunny days.

• Mobile phone use: Charges apply when using a mobile phone in Mongolia (roaming). Check roaming charges before travelling and consider purchasing a special roaming package to reduce costs.

• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is widely available and often free in hotels, cafés, restaurants and shopping centres in Ulaanbaatar and larger cities. Outside the cities, particularly in rural and remote regions, Wi-Fi access is very limited or unavailable. Travellers can rent portable Wi-Fi routers that use the mobile network and offer a practical alternative in remote areas. However, these routers also depend on mobile network coverage.

• Prepaid SIM cards: Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased locally for making domestic calls and using mobile data. Mobile network providers in Mongolia include Mobicom, Unitel, Skytel and G-Mobile.

• Gandan Monastery, Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia's largest and most important Buddhist monastery, featuring a 26-metre-high Buddha statue and a spiritual atmosphere.

• National Museum of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar: An extensive museum presenting Mongolia's history and culture from the Stone Age to the present day.

• Sükhbaatar Square, Ulaanbaatar: The capital's central square, surrounded by important buildings such as the Parliament building and statues of historical figures including Genghis Khan.

• Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, north-east of Ulaanbaatar: An area of green meadows, rugged mountains and the famous Turtle Rock formation.

• Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin: One of Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monasteries. It is located within the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Orkhon Valley, central Mongolia: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive landscapes and archaeological sites reflecting the history of the Mongol Empire.

• Lake Khövsgöl, northern Mongolia: Mongolia's largest freshwater lake by volume and one of the deepest lakes in Central Asia, surrounded by mountains and forests.

• Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), southern Gobi: A desert region known for its red sandstone cliffs and the discovery of dinosaur fossils.

• Yolyn Am (Vulture Gorge), Gobi Desert: A deep gorge in Gurvan Saikhan National Park where ice and snow fields sometimes remain well into the summer months.

• Khongoryn Els (Singing Dunes), southern Gobi: Enormous sand dunes that produce a singing sound in the wind, ideal for camel rides and desert expeditions.

• Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), southern Mongolia: A spectacular rock formation shaped like a stupa, particularly impressive at sunset.

• Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, western Mongolia: Home to Mongolia's highest mountains and a popular destination for mountaineering, trekking and experiencing nomadic culture.

• Aglag Buteel Monastery, near Ulaanbaatar: A unique Buddhist monastery known for its elaborate sculptures and spiritual surroundings.

• Genghis Khan Statue, Tsonjin Boldog: The world's largest equestrian statue, depicting the Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan. It is a popular tourist attraction with a museum.

An overview of Mongolia's culinary specialities:

• Airag (fermented mare's milk): A traditional Mongolian drink made from fermented mare's milk. Slightly alcoholic and refreshing, airag is particularly popular in rural areas and is a symbol of nomadic culture.

• Buuz (steamed dumplings): Steamed dumplings filled with meat, usually lamb or beef. They are a popular dish during the Lunar New Year celebrations and an everyday food in many households.

• Khorkhog (meat stew): A traditional nomadic dish in which meat, often goat or sheep, is cooked with vegetables and hot stones in a metal container. It is often served on festive occasions.

• Boodog (whole animal cooked over an open fire): A unique dish in which a whole animal, usually a marmot or goat, is filled and cooked from the inside using hot stones. It is often prepared for special ceremonies.

• Suutei tsai (salted milk tea): A traditional Mongolian drink made from tea, milk and salt, consumed with every meal. It is nourishing and is said to help protect against the cold.

• Aaruul (dried curds): A typical Mongolian snack made from fermented, dried curds. Aaruul is very hard and has a slightly sour taste.

• Tsuivan (noodle dish): A hearty dish of fried noodles, meat, often lamb or beef, and vegetables. It is one of the most popular everyday dishes, both at home and in restaurants.

• Mongolian barbecue: In Mongolia, this refers to grilling meat over an open fire, often outdoors. It is typical at celebrations or gatherings in the countryside.

• Mongolian cheese (byaslag): A homemade cheese made from cow's or sheep's milk and often offered as a snack in nomadic gers. It is relatively mild and can be eaten fresh or dried.

• Greetings: Mongolians greet each other formally and politely. Common phrases include “Sain baina uu?” (How are you?) or simply “Sain uu?” (Hello). Shaking hands is customary, but it is polite to remove your hat when doing so, particularly in rural areas.

• Please and thank you: “Thank you” in Mongolian is “Bayarlalaa” (Баярлалаа). Different expressions are used for “please” depending on the situation; there is no single direct equivalent as in English.

• Clothing: Western-style clothing is common in cities, while traditional Mongolian clothing is often worn in rural areas, particularly during festivals. Dress conservatively at religious sites and when visiting gers, for example by covering your shoulders and knees.

• Dining culture: Mongolian cuisine is heavily meat-based and includes dishes such as buuz and khorkhog. When invited, it is considered polite to at least taste any food or drink offered. If you do not wish to eat or drink something, decline politely and respectfully.

• Smoking: Smoking is relatively widespread in Mongolia, particularly in urban areas. However, avoid smoking near children or in enclosed spaces without permission. Restaurants often have designated smoking areas.

• Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Mongolia, but is appreciated in tourist areas and restaurants. Around 5–10% is appropriate, particularly in more upmarket establishments or for good service.

• Other: It is important to observe local etiquette in Mongolian gers. Enter with your right foot and move clockwise. Stepping on the threshold or walking around the hearth in the centre of the ger is considered impolite. Objects should always be received with the right hand or both hands.

• Drinking water quality: Tap water in Mongolia, particularly in rural areas, is not suitable for drinking. Boil water before drinking it or use bottled water. Larger cities such as Ulaanbaatar often provide filtered water in hotels, but caution is still advised.

• Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are generally required for travellers entering Mongolia. However, travellers are advised to keep their routine vaccinations up to date, particularly for diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles.

• Other: Good personal hygiene and caution when consuming food are very important. Do not eat marmot meat because of the risk of plague.

• Outside Ulaanbaatar, medical care is extremely limited. People with a negative Rh factor may have difficulty obtaining a blood transfusion. Serious illnesses and injuries are best treated abroad.

• If you depend on specific medication, make sure your travel medical kit contains an adequate supply. Please note, however, that many countries have special regulations governing the import of narcotic medication (e.g. methadone) and substances used to treat mental health conditions. If necessary, contact the relevant foreign representation (embassy or consulate) directly before departure.

- Information last updated in September 2026 -

• Before and during your trip, follow current developments in the media and remain 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).

• Travel in Mongolia is generally considered safe.

• Social and political discontent is occasionally expressed through demonstrations. Isolated incidents of unrest are possible. Avoid demonstrations of any kind and follow the instructions of the local authorities.

• The difficult climatic and topographical conditions, as well as limited communication options, place considerable demands on travellers. Only undertake tours and excursions with an experienced local guide.

• The risk of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out in Mongolia.

• Crime levels can vary considerably depending on the location and district. Violence, particularly involving intoxicated people, is increasingly reported. Observe the following precautions, among others:

• Ask local contacts or your hotel about local conditions and whether there are any areas you should avoid.

• Do not carry valuables such as watches or jewellery, and carry only a small amount of money.

• Beware of pickpockets, particularly near tourist attractions and in large crowds.

• Due to the risk of robbery, do not go out alone or on foot after dark.

• Women are advised to pay particular attention to their personal safety and to avoid unlit streets and isolated areas after dark.

• Undertake tours and excursions with an experienced local guide.

- Information last updated in September 2026 -

• An international driving permit is mandatory. It is only valid in Mongolia when presented together with your national driving licence and is available from TCS contact points or the road traffic office in your canton of residence.

• As the number of rental cars available locally is limited, it is advisable to book in advance. Drivers must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Rental cars can generally only be booked with a driver, which is recommended.

• Poor road conditions and the unpredictable behaviour of many road users pose a significant accident risk. In rural areas, there is a risk of serious accidents involving wild animals.

• Take account of the weather conditions, particularly in winter, including snowstorms, ice and strong gusts of wind, and check the weather forecast before setting out on overland journeys.

• Journeys away from paved roads should only be undertaken in groups of several off-road vehicles. A navigation device and sufficient supplies of water, food, fuel and spare parts are essential for survival.

• Avoid overland travel at night.

• Long-distance and regional trains: The limited rail network connects Ulaanbaatar with Darkhan, Erdenet and Sükhbaatar on the Russian border, as well as Sainshand and Zamyn-Uud on the Chinese border. Check current timetables and international connections before travelling. Trains offer various classes, including sleeping cars.

• Buses: Ulaanbaatar has an extensive network of city buses serving different districts. Long-distance buses connect Ulaanbaatar with other towns and rural areas. They are often cheaper than trains, but less comfortable. Book tickets in advance, particularly during the peak season.

• Metro/tram: Ulaanbaatar currently has neither a metro nor a tram network. Urban public transport mainly consists of buses, trolleybuses and minibuses. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also available.

• Tickets: Tickets for long-distance trains can be purchased at the railway station, from sales outlets or, in some cases, online. Payment on Ulaanbaatar city buses is generally contactless, for example with a U-Money card; cash payments to the driver are not accepted everywhere.

• Other: Public transport can be crowded during the peak season, so allow sufficient time for your journey. Transport connections are limited in rural areas and finding transport can be difficult. Private taxis are available in cities, but agree the fare before setting off.

• Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), Ulaanbaatar: Connections from Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA) with at least one stopover, for example via Istanbul, Frankfurt, Beijing or Seoul.

Major airlines include MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Hunnu Air, Aero Mongolia, Turkish Airlines, Air China and Korean Air.

+41 (omit the leading zero from the Swiss area code)

• Police: 102

• Fire service: 101

• Ambulance: 103

Swiss citizens requiring consular assistance in Mongolia should contact the Embassy of Switzerland in Beijing, which is also responsible for Mongolia.

Embassy of Switzerland in Beijing
Sanlitun Dongwujie 3
Beijing 100600
China
Tel.: +86 10 8532 8888
Email: beijing@eda.admin.ch
Consular matters: beijing.kanzlei@eda.admin.ch

For urgent consular emergencies, the FDFA Helpline can be reached around the clock:

FDFA Helpline
Tel.: +41 800 247 365 or +41 58 465 33 33
Email: helpline@eda.admin.ch

Natural hazards

• Mongolia is located in an earthquake zone.

• Heavy rainfall can cause flooding and damage to infrastructure. Travel may also be temporarily disrupted.

• If a natural disaster occurs during your stay, contact your relatives as soon as possible and follow the instructions of the authorities. If international communication links are disrupted, contact the Embassy of Switzerland in Beijing or the FDFA Helpline.

Special legal provisions

• You must be able to identify yourself with your passport at all times. Please note that the original passport must also be presented for domestic flights and train journeys.

• The following acts are punishable, among others:

  • Photographing security force facilities. There is some uncertainty as to what falls into this category. Observe the signs and, if in doubt, ask the local security forces for permission or refrain from taking photographs.

  • Consuming alcohol in public places, parks, etc., and driving under the influence of alcohol (zero-tolerance policy).

  • Participation by foreign nationals in political activities.

• Violations of drug laws are punishable by long prison sentences, even for small quantities and regardless of the type of drug.

• Cultural artefacts of any kind, even of low value, such as carved stones, fossils, antiques, old objects and coins, may not be exported without a permit. Cultural treasures are often not marked as such or are identified only by signs in Mongolian. Violations are punishable by imprisonment. If in doubt, ask your local tour guide.

• Legal proceedings and police investigations differ from those in Switzerland: long waiting periods must be expected and local circumstances must be taken into account. The services of a local lawyer are essential. In some circumstances, foreign nationals may not leave the country during an investigation or court proceedings.

• Prison conditions are very difficult.

Special information

• Individual regions may occasionally be temporarily closed to travellers, for example following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

• Foreign nationals may only enter and leave the country via certain designated border crossings. Anyone intending to stay in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration Office within seven days. Failure to comply is punishable by fines.

• When applying for a visa at the Mongolian Embassy in Geneva, enquire about any travel restrictions as well as entry and registration requirements.