Mongolia

Crimes against travellers are most common during the:

• Tsagaan Sar Festival in January or February
• Naadam Festival in July
• Summer tourist season

Violent crime

While uncommon, violent crime occurs 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

Petty crime

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are also common.

Be alert to thieves 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
• when crossing a road in a pedestrian crowd

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 have targeted travellers using taxis to rob and harass them.

Only use licensed taxis, preferably booked through your accommodation.

Scams

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 their ID.

Cyber security  

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Be alert in areas with large crowds, avoid large public gatherings and monitor local media.

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Mongolia experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• earthquakes
• floods
• forest fires
• snowstorms
• dust storms

Severe weather

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.

The rainy season occurs between July and September. Flooding may happen. Avoid flood areas, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Dust storms during May and June can affect visibility when driving.

Earthquakes and natural disasters

Mongolia experiences earthquakes.

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.

The range of medicine available in Mongolia is limited.

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

The standard of medical care is poor, particularly outside Ulaanbaatar. 

Rabies

Avoid contact with dogs and other animals as they may carry dangerous diseases, such as rabies. Rabies is fatal if left untreated.

If an animal bites or scratches you:

• seek urgent medical treatment

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
• COVID-19

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

Get urgent medical help if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Air pollution

During winter, from October to March, people burn coal and rubber for heating. The air in Ulaanbaatar can be very polluted. 

Speak to your doctor before travelling if you have breathing-related problems.

There’s no agreement between Australia and Mongolia for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

The standard of medical care is poor, particularly outside Ulaanbaatar.

Bring basic medical supplies with you.

Doctors and hospitals require 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.

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.

Mongolia doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, 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 Mongolian Embassy before travelling.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal.

However, the Mongolian National Human Rights Commission has reported LGBTQIA+ travellers can face violence and discrimination.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community have also reported harassment.

Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visas

Australian tourists can enter Mongolia for stays of up to 30 days without a visa.

Foreign nationals may apply for short-term (up to 90 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.

Border measures

Chinggis Khan International Airport is recommended for entry to and exit from Mongolia.

Restrictions apply to travel by foreign nationals to some border areas. If you plan to travel in these areas, you must get permission from local authorities. 

Monitor the Australian Embassy website and social media for major updates and follow the advice of local authorities. 

You must register with the Mongolian Immigration Agency within 48 hours of arriving in Mongolia. You or your accommodation provider can register online through the Mongolian Immigration Agency’s website or E-immigration mobile application. 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:

• firearms and ammunition
• electrical equipment
• some technological equipment

Authorities will check the equipment and 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

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

The local currency is Mongolian Tugrik (MNT).

Some banks in Ulaanbaatar buy 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.

Bank notes of different amounts are exchanged at different rates. Lower value notes receive a lower rate.

Outside Ulaanbaatar, carry cash.

There are few ATMs outside Ulaanbaatar.

Some smaller shops, supermarkets and restaurants don't accept credit cards.

If, despite our advice, you travel to Russia, you may experience border and customs difficulties when entering by train from Russia.

Declare all goods and cash when entering and leaving Russia.

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.

More information:

• Travel advice for China

Driving permit

You can't drive a vehicle or ride a motorbike with an Australian driver's licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 United Nations Convention on International Road Traffic in Mongolia. Mongolia only accepts IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

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.

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.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Snowfall 

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.

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

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.

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

You can get consular help from the Australian Embassy in Mongolia.

Australian Embassy, Ulaanbaatar

Australian Embassy

Shangri-La Centre, Level 20

Olympic St 19A, SB District

Ulaanbaatar 14241, Mongolia

Phone: (+976) 7013 3001

Email: consular.ulaanbaatar@dfat.gov.au

Website: http://mongolia.embassy.gov.au/

Facebook: Australian Embassy in Mongolia

X: @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