Travel Summary
- We are not aware of any cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) in Mongolia. Please be aware that everyone arriving at Chingis Khan airport now has to complete a health declaration form which will be closely scrutinised. There are also reports that similar checks are in place at the border crossing points at Selenge and Zamin-Uud. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
- There were 6,716 visits by British nationals to Mongolia in2007 (Source: Ministry of Road, Transport & Tourism). Most visitsare trouble-free but you should avoid going out on foot alone at night, when foreigners can be targeted for attack because of their comparative wealth.
- Communications and health facilities in Mongolia can be poor , particularly outside Ulaanbaatar. We recommend that you obtain comprehensive traveland medical insurance before travelling to Mongolia. You should checkany exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities youwant to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this adviceand Travel Insurance for more details.
- If you are entering Mongolia by road, you should be aware that only a few specified border crossings are open to foreigners. See the Entry Requirements (Border Crossings) section of this advice for more details.
- There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
While Mongolia is relatively safe, violent muggings and attacks do occur from time to time. You should avoid going out alone on foot at night. Instead use the taxis to return to your hotel. They are clearly identifiable and inexpensive. Many bars and restaurants will telephone for one for you. In February 2009, a resident Japanese teacher was attacked and killed walking home in the centre of town in the early hours of the morning. The motive was thought to have been theft.
Petty crime is common in Ulaanbaatar, particularly in markets or other crowded public places. Watch out for pick-pockets. Also be wary of large groups of street children and teenagers, particularly at night, who have been reportedly harassing pedestrians for money whilst entering and leaving vehicles, pubs and restaurants. Keep your passports, wallets and purses well secured.
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
While Mongolia is relatively safe, violent muggings and attacks do occur from time to time. You should avoid going out alone on foot at night. Instead use the taxis to return to your hotel. They are clearly identifiable and inexpensive. Many bars and restaurants will telephone for one for you. In February 2009, a resident Japanese teacher was attacked and killed walking home in the centre of town in the early hours of the morning. The motive was thought to have been theft.
Petty crime is common in Ulaanbaatar, particularly in markets or other crowded public places. Watch out for pick-pockets. Also be wary of large groups of street children and teenagers, particularly at night, who have been reportedly harassing pedestrians for money whilst entering and leaving vehicles, pubs and restaurants. Keep your passports, wallets and purses well secured.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Mongolia Country Profile
Mongolia is a stable parliamentary democracy.
On 1 July 2008, after the announcement of the results of the previous weekend's parliamentary elections, there was a demonstration in the centre of Ulaanbaatar which turned violent. At least five people were killed. The President introduced a four-day state of emergency. The city quickly reverted to its habitual calm, and there were no further disturbances after the state of emergency was lifted. But at times of heightened political tension you should monitor local media and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
Local Travel
Political Situation
Mongolia Country Profile
Mongolia is a stable parliamentary democracy.
On 1 July 2008, after the announcement of the results of the previous weekend's parliamentary elections, there was a demonstration in the centre of Ulaanbaatar which turned violent. At least five people were killed. The President introduced a four-day state of emergency. The city quickly reverted to its habitual calm, and there were no further disturbances after the state of emergency was lifted. But at times of heightened political tension you should monitor local media and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
Local Travel
Travelling in Mongolia, particularly outside Ulaanbaatar, can be challenging. If you are planning to travel into the countryside, you should consider carrying a Global Positioning System and emergency communications, such as a satellite phone. Mongolia experiences extremes of weather, from +35C in summer to –40C in winter. Even in summer, because of the altitude, evenings can be cold and weather conditions can change without warning. You should always be prepared for this and take appropriate provisions, including warm clothing, food and water if you are going out of town.
Road Travel
The standard of driving in Mongolia is poor. There are many fatal accidents. You should wear a seatbelt whenever possbile. There are few tarmac roads, especially outside Ulaanbaatar. The maintenance of vehicles is also poor and breakdowns are frequent, which can lead to long delays. You need an International Driving Permit to drive in Mongolia.
For further information see Driving Abroad.
Air Travel
Evidence suggests that domestic services (including helicopter services) in Mongolia do not always comply with international safety standards. FCO and UN staff use Eznis for internal flights. We are not aware of concerns about the maintenance of aircraft operated by internationally-based charter operations or scheduled internal airlines. There have in the past been safety concerns about Aero Mongolia’s aircraft, however. On 8 January 2009 an Aero Mongolia aircraft had to make an emergency landing at Murun airport because of a technical problem, and the Mongolian Civil Aviation Authority has temporarily prohibited the company from operating any flights. The Embassy has also received occasional reports of maintenance problems interrupting some long-haul international flights operated by domestic airlines. You should bear this in mind when making your travel plans. Bad weather can also delay many domestic and international flights, sometimes for several days.
Local laws and customs
Possession and use of drugs is illegal and if found guilty, you could face a long prison sentence in very basic facilities.
Although not illegal, homosexuality is a subject many Mongolians are uncomfortable discussing. Our advice is to be discreet to avoid causing offence.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
All British passport holders must obtain a visa from their nearest Mongolian Embassy before entering the country. A Mongolian visit visa is usually valied for a stay of up to 30 days stay within six months from the date of issue.
British passport holders need visas to enter China and Russia. Many travellers have reported difficulties in obtaining Russian visas in Ulaanbaatar. We advise you to obtain all necessary visas for your onward travel before entering Mongolia. British passport holders may transit China without a visa provided they are in transit for less than 24 hours and do not leave the transit area. However, not all airlines offer a transit facility and your transfer may therefore involve retrieving baggage and returning to the check-in hall. Mongolian Airlines are in this category. You should therefore consider obtaining a Chinese visa to smooth your journey. British passport holders may transit Russia without a visa provided the route does not involve changing airports or leaving the transit area.
British passport holders need visas to enter China and Russia. Many travellers have reported difficulties in obtaining Russian visas in Ulaanbaatar. We advise you to obtain all necessary visas for your onward travel before entering Mongolia. British passport holders may transit China without a visa provided they are in transit for less than 24 hours and do not leave the transit area. However, not all airlines offer a transit facility and your transfer may therefore involve retrieving baggage and returning to the check-in hall. Mongolian Airlines are in this category. You should therefore consider obtaining a Chinese visa to smooth your journey. British passport holders may transit Russia without a visa provided the route does not involve changing airports or leaving the transit area.
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for more than six months after the date you intend to enter Mongolia.
Travelling with children
Adults accompanying children other than their own should have a notarised letter from the legal guardians of the child confirming the arrangement. For further information please contact the Embassy of Mongolia in London.
Registration
You should register your stay in Mongolia with the Foreign Citizen’s Bureau in Ulaanbaatar within a week of arriving you if intend to remain for more than 30 days, or if you do not have an "Entry/Exit" visa. You must also de-register before leaving Mongolia, at the Foreign Citizens’ Bureau. After de-registering, you must obtain an "Exit" visa from the Consular Department of the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you do not do this, you will not be allowed to leave the country. You may also be fined.
The Office of Immigration, Naturalisation and Foreign Citizens is at:
11 Chinggis Avenue
Sukhbaatar District
Ulaanbaatar
Tel: 976 11 321704
Fax: 976 11 313259
Email: gihaea@mongolnet.mn
Web-site: www.mngimmigration.mn/
Border Crossing
There are only six border points open to British passport holders. They are at Ulaanbaatar’s international airport; the road/train crossing to China at Zamin Uud, the road crossing to Russia at Tsagaannuur in the far west; the train crossing to Russia at Sukhbaatar and the road crossings to Russia at Altanbulag and Ereen-Tsav in the north east. You may not cross into China or Russia at any of the other border points, as they that are either seasonal or are open only to Mongolians and/or Chinese/Russians.
If you are planning to bring a vehicle into Mongolia at any of the border crossings you should inform the tax authorities and border troops in advance.
There are only six border points open to British passport holders. They are at Ulaanbaatar’s international airport; the road/train crossing to China at Zamin Uud, the road crossing to Russia at Tsagaannuur in the far west; the train crossing to Russia at Sukhbaatar and the road crossings to Russia at Altanbulag and Ereen-Tsav in the north east. You may not cross into China or Russia at any of the other border points, as they that are either seasonal or are open only to Mongolians and/or Chinese/Russians.
If you are planning to bring a vehicle into Mongolia at any of the border crossings you should inform the tax authorities and border troops in advance.
You may encounter problems when entering Mongolia by train from Russia particularly with Russian border or customs officials who scrutinise documentation, and particularly customs declarations, carefully. If you are crossing overalnd to or from Russia you are advised to you to read our travel advice for Russia and to be scrupulous about completing all the necessary paperwork.
Passengers travelling across the China/Mongolia border should expect a delay of a few hours, because of the need to change the bogies, as the railways use different gauges.
Passengers travelling across the China/Mongolia border should expect a delay of a few hours, because of the need to change the bogies, as the railways use different gauges.
Health
Healthcare facilities in the countryside are very poor. Organising an evacuation to Ulaanbaatar or another country can be difficult and expensive without adequate travel insurance. Even in Ulaanbaatar, only basic healthcare is available. Medicines are scarce in the countryside and you should bring basic supplies, including any regular prescription drugs with you.
Due to the generally poor quality of medical facilities in Mongolia, British Embassy staff are not currently allowed to bring children to live permanently at post, though they can visit on holiday.
Mongolia has occasional outbreaks of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease (a viral infection which most commonly affects children and infants) and other infectious diseases. During these outbreaks affected areas may be quarantined and you may not be able to travel to them. If you are in an affected area, you may not be allowed to leave. During the summer hunting season, there may be isolated cases of bubonic plague. These are usually confined to the marmot hunters (who pick up the disease from fleas when skinning their prey), but visitors should be aware of the risk.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that less than 1,000 adults aged 15 or over in Mongolia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
We recommend you seek medical advice before travelling to Mongolia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Due to the generally poor quality of medical facilities in Mongolia, British Embassy staff are not currently allowed to bring children to live permanently at post, though they can visit on holiday.
Mongolia has occasional outbreaks of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease (a viral infection which most commonly affects children and infants) and other infectious diseases. During these outbreaks affected areas may be quarantined and you may not be able to travel to them. If you are in an affected area, you may not be allowed to leave. During the summer hunting season, there may be isolated cases of bubonic plague. These are usually confined to the marmot hunters (who pick up the disease from fleas when skinning their prey), but visitors should be aware of the risk.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that less than 1,000 adults aged 15 or over in Mongolia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
We recommend you seek medical advice before travelling to Mongolia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that there have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) among migrating birds in Mongolia, most recently in August 2005, in the northern province of Khovsgol. No human infections or deaths have been reported.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that there have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) among migrating birds in Mongolia, most recently in August 2005, in the northern province of Khovsgol. No human infections or deaths have been reported.
The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.
General
Insurance
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and health insurance before travelling to Mongolia. This should cover the cost of medical treatment, including hospitalisation and evacuation by air ambulance. You should also ensure that your insurance covers unexpected losses or expenses such as lost luggage, stolen cash and credit cards and missed flights. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Keep a photocopy of your passport data page and visas as well as numbers of your travellers' cheques safely and separate from your originals. This makes replacement of lost/stolen originals simpler.
Money
Mongolia is a cash-based society. You can use credit cards in some hotels, shops and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar, but not all. US Dollar travellers' cheques can be cashed easily and converted to Mongolian Togrogs. You can transfer money to Mongolia using commercial means such as Western Union or Money Gram.
