23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 101.
Call 103.
Call 102.
Do not travel to Mongolia.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Violent crime is increasing in Mongolia, particularly in Ulaanbaatar.
Criminals have randomly assaulted foreigners, even during the day and in busy areas.
Criminal attacks have included:
Crimes against travellers are most common during the:
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are also common.
Thieves are at work on public transport and in crowded areas in Ulaanbaatar, such as:
Be alert to thieves when using public transport.
Travellers on trains between Mongolia and Russia are also a common target for thieves.
Pay close attention to your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport.
Criminals posing as police officers have robbed travellers. This has happened in the Sukhbaatar Square area of Ulaanbaatar. Mongolian police officers are required to have name tags on their uniforms and carry ID. It is appropriate to ask to see ID.
Criminals have targeted travellers using taxis to rob and harass them.
Only use licensed taxis, preferably booked through your accommodation.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Be alert in areas with large crowds.
More information:
Mongolia experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:
Temperatures vary from 35°C in summer to -40°C in winter.
Winter is long and severe. It lasts from October to March.
Many accidents happen during winter due to black ice, especially in urban areas. Pedestrians are involved in these accidents too.
Snowstorms can happen outside winter months. Make sure you have adequate clothing and footwear at all times of year.
Weather conditions can change quickly, even in summer. This increases your risk of hypothermia.
Mongolia experiences earthquakes.
The rainy season happens between July and September. Flooding may happen.
Forest or grass fires can be a risk in the drier months.
If a natural disaster occurs:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you need counselling services while overseas:
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's is legal in Mongolia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
The range of medicine available in Mongolia is limited.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:
Authorities could refuse you entry or prosecute you if you arrive without a prescription for your medication.
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Mongolia. The Government of Mongolia has imposed strict lockdown measures from 10 April 2021, due to a surge in cases of COVID-19. These measures are now at Level 4 - Red - 'all-out readiness'. They apply to all activities and businesses except essential services.
Consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process
Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
The standard of medical care is poor, particularly outside Ulaanbaatar. If you're in Mongolia monitor your health closely and follow the advice of local authorities. Contact your airline, tour operator or nearest Mongolian Embassy for the latest information.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
Avoid contact with dogs and other animals as they may carry dangerous diseases, such as rabies.
If an animal bites or scratches you:
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
To avoid waterborne diseases, such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis), don't swim in fresh water.
Get urgent medical help if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhea.
More information:
During winter, from October to March, the air in Ulaanbaatar is very polluted. This is because people burn coal and rubber for heating.
Speak to your doctor before travelling if you have breathing-related problems.
The standard of medical care is poor, particularly outside Ulaanbaatar.
Bring basic medical supplies with you.
Doctors and hospitals require cash payment before treating you, even if it's an emergency.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to get proper care. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. You'll probably need to pay up-front. Delays are common while waiting for approvals.
Severe weather and snowfall can delay or stop medical evacuations from remote places.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison terms in local jails.
More information:
By law, you must always carry your passport when travelling in Mongolia.
If you live in Mongolia, you must also carry your residency card.
If you're involved in legal action, authorities might not let you leave. You may have to wait until the issue is resolved. This includes when criminal investigations have started after commercial disputes.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Mongolia doesn't recognise dual nationality.
If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
If you're a dual national who plans to live in Mongolia, you may need to complete national service. Contact the nearest embassy of Mongolia before travelling.
More information:
Same-sex relationships are legal.
However, the Mongolian National Human Rights Commission has reported LGBTI individuals can face violence and discrimination.
Members of the LGBTI community have also reported harassment.
Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
You need a visa to enter Mongolia.
Foreign nationals may apply for short-term (up to 60 days) diplomatic, official, or business visas on the condition they meet health-related entry requirements.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Mongolia has COVID-19 border restrictions in place until further notice. These include the suspension of all commercial international flights, but some limited charter flights continue to operate.
You'll need a visa and carry proof of your onward or return ticket to enter Mongolia. To travel by car you'll need an approval from the Mongolian Customs Office before you enter. Contact the nearest Mongolian embassy for details.
The Government of Mongolia has imposed strict lockdown measures, which apply to all activities and businesses except essential services.
Domestic movement restrictions are in place, including temporary suspension of all travel from Ulaanbaatar.
To enter Mongolia, you must present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. You'll be required to quarantine upon arrival for seven days at your own expense. If you can provide proof that you've received a full course of COVID-19 vaccine 14 days before you arrive, or medical proof that you've recovered from COVID-19, you may be exempt from mandatory quarantine.
If you are in Mongolia and are trying to get back to Australia, you can register your details with us via our registration portal. Registering your details with DFAT does not guarantee we can facilitate your return to Australia. However, it does allow us to better understand who is trying to return home and help us with planning. To find out more, read our Registration FAQs.
Monitor the Australian Embassy website and social media for major updates, and follow the advice of local authorities.
You must show proof of a return airfare or onward travel to enter Mongolia.
If you're staying longer than 30 days, you must register with the Office of Immigration in Ulaanbaatar within seven days of arriving.
This includes people on working visas. Confirm your employer has registered on your behalf.
If you don't register, authorities can fine you.
If you have a working visa, you must de-register before leaving Mongolia.
You may need an HIV/AIDS test if you:
If you're travelling with a child who isn't yours, you must show a notarised letter. The letter must be from the child's legal guardian granting you permission to travel with the child.
More information:
Authorities have strict rules about importing:
The Mongolian Border Protection Authority (Mongolian) will check the equipment. It will work out if tax applies.
These rules also cover items being donated, such as medical equipment.
They don't apply to common personal items, such as laptops and tablets.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is Mongolian Tugrik (MNT).
Some banks in Ulaanbaatar exchange Australian dollars. Check the banks' websites before you travel.
You can generally exchange:
However, these currencies may not be accepted everywhere.
US currency dated before 2000 may not be accepted in Mongolia, even by banks.
Bank notes of different amounts are exchanged at different rates. Lower value notes receive a lower rate.
Outside Ulaanbaatar, carry MNT.
There are few ATMs outside Ulaanbaatar.
Some smaller shops, supermarkets and restaurants don't accept credit cards.
You may experience border and customs difficulties when entering by train from Russia.
Declare all goods and cash when entering and leaving Russia.
The Embassy of Russia in Mongolia can issue tourist visas for Russia. This takes 14 working days.
More information:
If you travel between Mongolia and China, you must follow China's entry and exit rules. This is the case even if you are only transiting through China.
The Embassy of China in Mongolia can only issue a visa for China to residents of Mongolia.
If you're going to China, you must get a visa before you travel.
More information:
You can't drive a vehicle or ride a motorbike with an Australian driver's licence or International Driving Permit (IDP) in Mongolia.
For short visits, use taxis or hire a car with a driver.
If you plan to stay more than 12 months, apply for a Mongolian licence.
More information:
To travel to Mongolia by car, you must get approval from the Mongolian Customs Office before you enter.
For this, you'll need to provide:
The Mongolian Customs Office will make a record on the foreign citizen’s visa stamp that the citizen has entered with a car, which will be checked when the citizen leaves the country.
Mongolian Border Protection checks the visa in addition to asking for car related documents and requires advance notice if a large number of foreign citizens enter the country by car at the same time.
Driving in Mongolia can be dangerous, especially at night, due to poor:
There are few sealed roads outside of Ulaanbaatar.
You're 4 times more likely to die in a traffic accident in Mongolia than in Australia.
Many accidents happen during winter due to black ice, especially in urban areas. Right-hand drive vehicles cause many accidents on rural roads. Pedestrians are often injured.
Take care as a pedestrian. Drivers don't always give way, even at marked pedestrian crossings.
To protect yourself when driving beyond city limits, take:
Communication and medical facilities are often poor outside cities.
More information:
For most of the year, heavy snowfall can:
To drive safely while travelling during snowy periods:
Severe weather and snowfall can also restrict medical evacuations from remote places.
Take care as a pedestrian during severe weather. Heavy snow can cause black ice on footpaths and road crossings.
Dust storms during May and June can affect visibility when driving.
If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.
More information:
Taxis can be dangerous. Book a reliable, licensed taxi company through your accommodation, restaurant, or venue.
Local transport providers may not carry accident liability insurance. This includes bus and private car operators.
Always use seatbelts, even if others don't.
If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Mongolia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Access to some regional districts is occasionally restricted for quarantine, including:
Restrictions can change.
Speak to the Mongolian authorities or the nearest Embassy of Mongolia if you plan to travel to regional areas.
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 101.
Call 103.
Call 102.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
The Mongolian Tourist Information Center may also be able to help.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
You can get consular help from the Australian Embassy in Mongolia.
Due to these circumstances, the Foreign Minister has decided to direct departures of all remaining non-essential staff and dependents from the Australian Embassy. This will not affect the provision of services to Australians. Contact your airline or the nearest Mongolian Embassy for the latest update.
Australian Embassy
Shangri-La Centre, Level 20
Olympic St 19A, SB District
Ulaanbaatar 14241, Mongolia
Phone: (+976) 7013 3001
Email: mongolia.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://mongolia.embassy.gov.au/
Facebook: Australian Embassy in Mongolia
Twitter: @AusAmbMongolia
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.