-
Or call us
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 from within Australia
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Do not travel to Ukraine.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Missile strikes and attacks are ongoing in some locations across the country, including in major cities. There have been many casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted. If you engage in active combat your safety is at the highest risk. Do not travel to Ukraine, there is a risk to life.
If you’re in Ukraine, be aware of your surroundings and review your personal security plans. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller and reputable local and international media about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place.
When it's safe to do so, you should leave Ukraine. You need to carefully consider how and when you're going to leave and the safest means and route to depart. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities. You're responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Follow the advice of local Ukrainian authorities.
Do not enter into new surrogacy arrangements. If despite our advice, you take part in commercial surrogacy arrangements, the Australian Government will not be able to evacuate you or your child from Ukraine. Russian military action in Ukraine has severely limited our ability to provide consular and passports assistance to Australians. Our Embassy is temporarily closed and officials have relocated to Poland. It will not always be possible for the Australian Government to assist you; Australians should not expect increased consular support.
Be aware that some borders may close without notice. Information may change and will be updated as details become available. You should also read the travel advice of the destination you’re travelling to - entry requirements may differ when entering by road, rail or air. Before leaving Ukraine, verify if the local authorities of your destination have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation.
Make sure you have an adequate supply of food, water, medication and fuel. You need to carefully consider how and when you're going to leave and the safest means and route to depart. Roads may be crowded, exposed to military action or have damage, including to bridges and facilities.
In most cases, Australians departing Ukraine must present a valid Australian passport.
Read our advice about Ukraine border regions.
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 from within Australia
We now advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Mongolia due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Call 101.
Call 103.
Call 102.
We now advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Mongolia due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Mongolia due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Mongolia due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Health advice is continually changing as we learn more about COVID-19 and new variants may be discovered. Rules and restrictions to prevent outbreaks can change quickly. It’s important to regularly check the rules in the destinations you’re travelling to and transiting through, as well as the requirements at the Australian border. These may differ between state and territory jurisdictions.
Read our global health advisory and step-by-step guide to travel during COVID-19 for more information.
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 minus 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.
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 eight 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. These measures are currently at Level 2 - Yellow - 'all-out readiness'. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
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.
For information on Mongolia's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Mongolia Immigration Agency website. 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:
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 dangerously 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:
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, including COVID-19 vaccinations and tests, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
You need a visa to enter Mongolia. Tourist visas are not presently being issued.
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 reopened its borders to all travellers. Chinggis Khan International Airport remains the only border point that is currently open. All land border crossings will reopen on 1 April. You're no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test to enter Mongolia. However, different requirements may apply depending on embarkation point and airline. You don't need to quarantine on arrival.
You'll need a visa and carry proof of your onward or return ticket to enter Mongolia.
All businesses and services remain open and available.
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:
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 the current 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.
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.