Mongolia

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:

• physical assaults on foreign men in the company of local women
• harassment and sexual assault of foreign women

Crimes against travellers are most common during the:

• Tsaagan Sar Festival in January or February
• Naadam Festival in July
• summer tourist season

Pickpocketing and bag snatching is also common.

Thieves are at work on public transport and in crowded areas in Ulaanbaatar, such as:

• Chinggis Khaan International Airport
• the Gandan Monastery
• the State Department Store
• the Naran Tuul Covered Market ('Black Market')
• the Central Post Office
• the Ulaanbaatar Railway Station

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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Climate and natural disasters

Mongolia experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• earthquakes
• floods
• forest fires

Severe weather

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.

Earthquakes and natural disasters

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:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media for the latest information

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

This advice pre-dates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 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:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

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:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

Mental health and counselling services

If you need counselling services while overseas:

• contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305
• ask to speak to a Lifeline telephone counsellor

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

Authorities could refuse you entry or prosecute you if you arrive without a prescription for your medication.

More information:

• Medicine

COVID-19

On 11 November, the Government of Mongolia reported the first instances of community transmission of 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.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Rabies

Avoid contact with dogs and other animals as they may carry dangerous diseases, such as rabies.

If an animal bites or scratches you:

• wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes
• get urgent medical help

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• sexually transmitted infections
• hand, foot and mouth disease
• hepatitis
• measles
• meningitis
• typhoid
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

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:

• Infectious diseases

Air pollution

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.

Medical facilities

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.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison terms in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

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:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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:

• Dual nationals

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:

• LGBTI travellers

You need a visa to enter Mongolia.

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 international flights (including charter flights) and restrictions on public gatherings. Domestic flights have also been suspended until further notice. 

You'll be required to quarantine upon arrival for 21 days at your own expense, and isolate for a further 14 days immediately after.

To depart Mongolia on a possible commercial charter, you'll need to provide a scanned copy of your passport bio page, email address and phone number to mongolia.embassy@dfat.gov.au. 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 7 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:

• plan to work, either paid or voluntary
• marry a Mongolian national

Travel with children

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:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Import rules

Authorities have strict rules about importing:

• electrical equipment
• some technological equipment

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.

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

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:

• US dollars
• euros
• Russian roubles
• Chinese yuan

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:

• Travel advice for Russia

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:

• Travel advice for China
• Novel coronavirus (Department of Health)
• Novel coronavirus (World Health Organization)

Driving permit

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:

• National Police Agency

Travel by car

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:

• copy of bio data page of passport;
• copy of driver’s licence
• car registration papers;
• ownership certificate;
• travel route and Mongolian contact numbers.

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.

Road travel

Driving in Mongolia can be dangerous, especially at night, due to poor:

• visibility
• road conditions
• vehicle maintenance
• local driving practices

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:

• maps
• a GPS or compass
• communications equipment, such as a satellite phone
• emergency medical supplies

Communication and medical facilities are often poor outside cities.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Snowfall and dust storms

For most of the year, heavy snowfall can:

• restrict access to many regional areas
• greatly increase risks of car travel between towns

To drive safely while travelling during snowy periods:

• allow for additional travel time
• make sure your insurance policy covers delays and cancellations

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:

• Road safety and driving

Taxis

Taxis can be dangerous. Book a reliable, licensed taxi company through your accommodation, restaurant, or venue.

Public transport

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:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

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:

• Air travel

Regional travel

Access to some regional districts is occasionally restricted for quarantine, including:

• bird flu (avian influenza)
• hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)
• bubonic or pneumonic plague

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:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 101.

Medical emergencies

Call 103.

Police

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 dependants 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, Ulaanbaatar

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.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia