+ 1h

Kyiv

Official language

Ukrainian

Language capabilities

English and German

220 volt / adapter required for 3-pronged plug

Banks

9.00–13.00 and 14.00–17.00/18.00 (Mon–Fri)

Opening hours may vary. Some branches may also open on Saturdays, 9.00–13.00.

Shops

8.00/9.00–18.00/19.00 (Mon–Sat)

Opening hours may vary. Smaller shops sometimes close for lunch, 13.00–14.00. Larger retailers, supermarkets and shopping centres may have longer opening hours, sometimes around the clock, and many also open on Sundays.

• 1 January: New Year's Day (Новий рік)
• 8 March: International Women's Day (Міжнародний жіночий день)
• Variable date: Orthodox Easter (Великдень)
• 1 May: Labour Day (День праці)
• 8 May: Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in the Second World War, 1939–1945 (День пам’яті та перемоги над нацизмом у Другій світовій війні 1939–1945 років)
• Variable date: Orthodox Pentecost (Трійця)
• 28 June: Constitution Day of Ukraine (День Конституції України)
• 15 July: Ukrainian Statehood Day (День Української Державності)
• 24 August: Independence Day of Ukraine (День Незалежності України)
• 1 October: Day of Defenders of Ukraine (День захисників і захисниць України)
• 25 December: Christmas Day (Різдво Христове)

During martial law, public holidays do not automatically constitute non-working days.

The following information applies to Swiss citizens resident in Switzerland. The following documents are required for entry into Ukraine:

• A valid Swiss passport. Travel documents must contain a photograph.
• No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Visitors without a return or onward ticket may be refused entry.
• Minors: Passengers under 18 may be registered in a parent's non-biometric passport if it contains a photograph of the minor. No photograph is required for children under five.

Information last updated in September 2026

Northern Ukraine

• Summer (June to August): 17°C to 25°C. Mild summers with occasional rainfall.
• Winter (December to February): -4°C to -8°C. Cold winters with considerable snowfall.
• Spring/autumn (March to May / September to November): 5°C to 15°C. Cool and rainy, with gradual temperature changes.

Central Ukraine

• Summer (June to August): 18°C to 27°C. Warm to hot, with occasional thunderstorms.
• Winter (December to February): -3°C to -7°C. Cold, sometimes with considerable snowfall.
• Spring/autumn (March to May / September to November): 7°C to 17°C. Mild spring and cool autumn.

Southern Ukraine, including Crimea

• Summer (June to August): 22°C to 30°C. Hot and dry, with abundant sunshine.
• Winter (December to February): 0°C to 5°C. Mild, with snow uncommon.
• Spring/autumn (March to May / September to November): 10°C to 20°C. Mild spring and autumn.

Western Ukraine, Carpathian Mountains

• Summer (June to August): 15°C to 23°C. Mild, with frequent rainfall.
• Winter (December to February): -5°C to -10°C. Harsh winters with heavy snowfall.
• Spring/autumn (March to May / September to November): 5°C to 14°C. Cool and damp.

Eastern Ukraine

• Summer (June to August): 20°C to 28°C. Hot and dry, with occasional heatwaves.
• Winter (December to February): -6°C to -10°C. Cold and dry.
• Spring/autumn (March to May / September to November): 6°C to 16°C. Cool, with windy conditions in autumn.

Travel seasons in Ukraine:

The following information describes climatic conditions only and is not a current travel recommendation. The FDFA advises against travel to Ukraine and against stays of any kind.

• Beach holidays: June–August. These are the warmest, sunniest months along the Black Sea coast and in Crimea. This climatic information is not a recommendation to visit these regions.
• City breaks: May–June and September–October. Temperatures are generally pleasant for exploring Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa and other cities. Travel and access remain subject to the war situation.
• Winter holidays: December–February. The Carpathians can have cold, snowy conditions suitable for skiing and winter sports; this does not guarantee that facilities are accessible or operating.

• Mobile phone use: Using a mobile phone in Ukraine incurs roaming charges depending on your provider and subscription. Check roaming rates before travelling and consider purchasing a suitable package to reduce costs.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés and public areas.
• Prepaid SIM cards: Local prepaid SIM cards can be purchased for calls and mobile data. Mobile network operators include Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine and lifecell.

The following descriptions provide historical and geographical information. Wartime damage, closures and access restrictions may affect these places; their current condition and accessibility are not guaranteed. The FDFA advises against travel to Ukraine and against stays of any kind.

• Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important examples of Kyivan Rus architecture, with impressive frescoes and mosaics dating from the 11th century.
• Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra: A historic monastery complex with underground caves used as burial places for monks and saints. An important spiritual centre of Orthodox Christianity.
• Potemkin Stairs, Odesa: A famous staircase with 192 steps leading from the harbour towards the city centre. An iconic Odesa landmark overlooking the Black Sea.
• Lviv Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval, Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Known for its cobbled streets and rich coffee-house culture.
• Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle: A medieval fortress beside the Smotrych River, known for its striking architecture and views over the surrounding landscape.
• Khreshchatyk Street, Kyiv: Kyiv's main street and a centre of city life, historically popular for walks and events, with weekend pedestrianisation.
• Odesa Opera House: An opera house renowned for its magnificent architecture and performances.
• Swallow's Nest, Yalta, Crimea: A neo-Gothic castle on a cliff above the Black Sea, known for its picturesque location and panoramic views.
• Carpathian beech forests, western Ukraine: A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site containing some of Europe's remaining primeval forests, known for their scenery and hiking landscapes.
• Sofiyivka Park, Uman: A historic 18th-century landscape park with artificial lakes, waterfalls and grottoes.
• Freedom Square, Kharkiv: One of Europe's largest city squares, surrounded by notable architecture, including the Derzhprom building.
• Khotyn Fortress: An imposing medieval fortress on the banks of the Dniester River and one of Ukraine's notable historic castles.
• Mount Hoverla, Carpathians: Ukraine's highest mountain, at 2,061 metres, and a well-known hiking and mountaineering destination in the Carpathians.
• Tunnel of Love, Klevan: A tree-lined railway tunnel known as a romantic photographic location.
• Alupka Palace, Crimea: A historic palace in the English Gothic style, with an impressive park and views over the Black Sea.

An overview of Ukraine's culinary specialities:

• Borscht: A traditional beetroot soup, often prepared with beef, potatoes and cabbage and served with sour cream. A national dish with many regional variations.
• Varenyky: Filled dumplings similar to pelmeni or pierogi, with fillings such as potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms or sweet fruit. Served as a main course or dessert.
• Salo: Salted or smoked pork fat, often served with garlic. A traditional Ukrainian snack eaten in thin slices on bread.
• Holubtsi: Stuffed cabbage rolls, typically filled with meat and rice and cooked in tomato sauce. A popular dish for festive occasions.
• Pampushky: Small, soft yeast rolls traditionally brushed with garlic butter and served alongside borscht.
• Kutia: A traditional Christmas dish made from wheat, poppy seeds, honey and nuts. A sweet dish with symbolic significance, particularly associated with the festive season.
• Deruny: Potato pancakes similar to rösti, served with sour cream. A simple but popular Ukrainian dish.
• Kvass: A fermented drink made from bread, sugar and yeast, with a slightly sour flavour. Particularly popular as a refreshing summer drink.
• Uzvar: A traditional dried-fruit drink, often sweetened with honey and served at Christmas and other festive occasions.
• Medovukha: A mead-like alcoholic drink made from honey, water and yeast, with a mild, sweet flavour.

• Greetings: A handshake is customary, with eye contact considered important. In formal situations, men should let women offer their hand first. Common expressions are «Добрий день» (Dobryi den) for «Good day» and «Привіт» (Pryvit) for an informal «Hello».
• Please and thank you: Politeness is valued. «Будь ласка» (Bud laska) means «Please» and «Дякую» (Diakuiu) means «Thank you». Visitors' use of these expressions is appreciated.
• Clothing: Dress ranges from formal to casual depending on the occasion. In cities, people often dress stylishly and elegantly. Modest clothing is appropriate when visiting churches and religious sites, and women should carry a headscarf.
• Dining culture: Hosts commonly offer generous amounts of food, and trying at least a small portion of everything is considered courteous. Vodka may be served during meals, accompanied by toasts. Meals often start with a soup such as borscht and end with tea or coffee.
• Smoking: Smoking is generally prohibited in enclosed public places, restaurants and bars, except in designated smoking areas. Where smoking is permitted outdoors, consideration for non-smokers is expected.
• Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated in restaurants and cafés. Around 10–15% of the bill is considered appropriate. Small tips are also customary in hotels and for taxi drivers.
• Other: Shoes are commonly removed when entering a home. Flowers are a popular gift, but give an odd number, as even numbers are associated with funerals. Queue properly; pushing ahead is considered impolite.

• Drinking water quality: Wartime damage and supply interruptions can affect the quality and availability of tap water. If in doubt, use bottled or adequately treated water.

• Vaccinations: No particular vaccinations are normally required for entry. Basic immunisation and boosters should be up to date in accordance with the Swiss vaccination schedule. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. Check your polio vaccination status and obtain individual travel health advice before travelling. Additional vaccinations may be appropriate depending on the stay and personal risk.

Information last updated in September 2026

• Medical care: The health-care system is under severe strain because of the war. Services can be significantly restricted or unavailable in some regions. Health facilities and medical transport are attacked; damage to buildings and disruptions to electricity, water and heating impair operations. These problems are not confined to rural or frontline areas. Public and private hospitals and clinics continue to operate, but equipment and treatment options vary. Advance payment in cash or by credit card may be required.
• Insurance: Before travelling, explicitly check whether your insurance covers treatment, medical evacuation and repatriation despite the travel advisory and war-related risks. Insurance does not guarantee that evacuation will be possible on the ground.
• Medicines: If you depend on particular medicines, your travel medical kit should contain an adequate supply. Many countries have special regulations for medicines containing narcotics, such as methadone, and substances used to treat mental health conditions. If necessary, ask the relevant foreign representation, embassy or consulate before departure.

Information last updated in September 2026

• Travel to Ukraine and stays of any kind are advised against. (As of 14.09.2026)
• Stay informed through the media before and during your trip 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).

• Since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, its attacks have caused deaths and injuries. Air and ground attacks pose risks to civilians. Civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, hospitals, energy infrastructure, railway facilities and industrial plants, has suffered considerable damage. Power outages occur throughout the country and affect heating and water supplies. The situation remains unpredictable.
• Former and active combat zones are sometimes heavily mined.
• The airspace is closed.
• Photographing and filming personnel, facilities and events of strategic importance, as well as military and police vehicles, is prohibited.
• Swiss nationals who decide to remain in the country or travel to Ukraine against the FDFA's advice must be aware that Switzerland may have limited or no capacity to assist them in an emergency.
• It is a criminal offence to photograph military and police personnel, facilities and vehicles, as well as facilities and events of strategic importance in general. It is unclear what precisely falls within these categories. If in doubt, ask the local security forces for permission or refrain from taking pictures.

Information last updated in September 2026

• Driving licence: The Swiss driving licence is recognised for car hire.

• Car hire: The minimum age is 25, depending on the company.
• Vehicle equipment: A CH sticker, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle are compulsory. Winter tyres are compulsory between November and April when roads are covered with snow, slush or ice.
• Drink-driving limit: 0.0‰.
• Other: An International Motor Insurance Card, also known as a green card, is compulsory.

Rail, bus and urban transport services may be restricted, interrupted or diverted at short notice because of the war. Check your connection immediately before travelling and follow the local authorities' instructions.

• Long-distance trains: Ukraine's extensive rail network links many larger cities. Trains offer different levels of comfort, from seats to sleeping compartments. Journeys can be lengthy because of the distances involved. Routes, journey times and services may change because of the war.
• Regional trains: Regional trains connect smaller towns and villages with larger cities. They are often slower and less comfortable than long-distance trains, but provide a low-cost option for shorter journeys. Services may be irregular or cancelled.
• Buses and coaches: Buses are an important means of transport, especially in regions with limited rail connections. Long-distance coaches run between larger cities, while local buses connect smaller places. Fares are generally low, but comfort varies and services can be disrupted.
• Underground/tram: Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro have underground systems. Trams and trolleybuses are also widespread. Operations may be restricted because of the war; reliability and punctuality are not guaranteed.
• Tickets: Tickets for trains, buses and urban transport can be purchased at stations, kiosks or online, depending on the service. Underground and tram tickets may be available from machines or small ticket offices. Some urban tickets must be validated when boarding.
• Other: Public transport is generally inexpensive and can be crowded at peak times. Information in English is not available everywhere; some knowledge of Ukrainian can be helpful. Timetables may change at short notice, so consult current information before travelling.

Ukraine's airspace is closed to civil aviation. There are currently no scheduled passenger flights to Ukraine, including no direct flights from Switzerland.

The principal international airports include:

• Boryspil International Airport (KBP), Kyiv: No scheduled passenger operations at present.
• Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport (LWO), Lviv: No scheduled passenger operations at present.
• Odesa International Airport (ODS), Odesa: No scheduled passenger operations at present.

These airports are listed for geographical information, not as available arrival options. Travelling via a neighbouring country would require an onward journey by land, not a normal connecting flight to a Ukrainian airport.

Information last updated in September 2026

+41 (omit the leading zero of the Swiss area or mobile code)

• Police: 102
• Fire brigade: 101
• Ambulance: 103

Embassy of Switzerland
vul. Kozyatynska 12
01015 Kyiv
Ukraine

Tel. +380 44 281 61 28
Email: kyiv@eda.admin.ch

If you find yourself in an emergency abroad, you can also contact the FDFA Helpline.

Special legal provisions

• Very strict laws apply to drugs.

Information last updated in September 2026