Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Ulaanbaatar,  for travel outside of the capital, business travellers should seek advice  as travel across the Mongolian countryside can be difficult and potentially dangerous if you are not familiar with the terrain.

 

Crime

 

Most crime in Mongolia is non-violent, but violent incidents do occur. Petty crime is common, particularly in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Watch out for pickpockets especially in markets or other crowded public places. Be wary of large groups of people, including children and teenagers, who sometimes harass pedestrians for money when entering and leaving vehicles, pubs and restaurants. Keep passports, money and other valuables in a safe place and don’t display signs of wealth – jewellery etc.

 

The incidence of violent crime in Ulaanbaatar appears to be on the rise. There has been an increase in reports of foreigners being robbed and assaulted, especially when walking at night, and while using public transport and unlicensed taxis.

 

The number of violent incidents tends to increase during festive months – New Year, Tsagaan Sar (December – February) and Naadam (July). Take extra safety precautions during these months.

 

Report any theft to the nearest district police station. The police can provide a letter for insurance purposes. In an emergency call the police on 102 or +976 102 from an international mobile phone. There should be someone available on this number who can speak to you in English.

 

Local travel

 

Travelling across the Mongolian countryside can be difficult and potentially dangerous if you are not familiar with the terrain. Mongolia does not have an extensive road network. You may need to follow tracks in the dust, mud or sand and there will not necessarily be other traffic to follow if these give out. Global Positioning Systems do not always function reliably and there are areas of the country without mobile phone coverage. We recommend that you take back-up communications like a satellite phone with you.

 

Mongolia experiences extremes of weather, from +35C in summer to -40C in winter. Even in summer, evenings can be cold because of the altitude and weather conditions can change without warning. There are long distances between settlements. Take appropriate provisions, including warm clothing, food and water if you are travelling outside main urban areas.

 

Road travel

 

Driving standards have not kept pace with the dramatic growth in the number of vehicles and are highly variable. Vehicle maintenance can be poor, even for rental vehicles.

 

Wear seat belts where possible and avoid driving at night. If possible, use an experienced, professional driver familiar with the driving conditions. Driving in Ulaanbaatar is hazardous as roads are heavily congested. There is minimal signposting and a high number of accidents.

 

If you intend to drive in Mongolia you need an International Driving Permit. You should also try to familiarise yourself with local law.

 

Air travel

 

Evidence suggests that domestic services (including helicopter services) in Mongolia do not always comply with international safety standards. The International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

 

In 2010 the International Civil Aviation Organisation carried out an audit, evaluating Mongolia’s safety oversight capabilities.

 

A list of incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety Network.

 

Flights can be subject to disruption due to weather conditions and maintenance issues. Bear this in mind when making your travel plans.

 

Rail travel

 

Trans-Mongolian express trains (Beijing-Moscow via Ulaanbaatar) are known to be used for smuggling. Search your compartment and secure the cabin door before departure.

 

Political situation

 

In recent years there have been occasional instances of civil and political unrest resulting in demonstrations and in some cases violence. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

 

Local laws and customs

Possession and use of drugs is illegal. If found guilty you could face a long prison sentence in an institution with very basic facilities.

 

Never photograph the police, police escorts, or military. This is considered a criminal offence.

 

Though many Mongolians are familiar with foreign visitors, be aware of local customs, especially if visiting remote areas or calling on a Mongolian family. Stepping on a door threshold or wearing short sleeves can cause offence.

 

Although not illegal, homosexuality is not generally accepted socially. Some Mongolian men don’t like seeing Mongolian women in relationships with foreign men. Be discreet to avoid causing offence.

 

Show appropriate respect in Buddhist monasteries. Ask permission before taking photographs, and don’t touch any sacred images or objects.

 

If you don’t have a Mongolian registration card you must carry your passport at all times - a photocopy isn’t sufficient. Failure to carry your passport may lead to a fine. Keep a copy of the bio data page and the page with your Mongolian border immigration stamp separately in a safe place.

 

Money

Mongolia is very much a cash-based society. The Mongolian currency is the Tögrög, abbreviated to MNT. You can use credit cards in some hotels, shops and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar and ATMs are widely available.

 

ATMs are also becoming more common in other towns, and some international debit cards can be used to withdraw Mongolian Tögrögs. Travellers’ checks are no longer accepted. You can transfer money to Mongolia using commercial means like Western Union or Money Gram.

 

Health

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company as soon as possible to inform them of what has happened.

 

The standard of healthcare is variable, especially outside Ulaanbaatar. Even in Ulaanbaatar only basic health care is available. Doctors and hospitals may ask for cash payment in advance of treatment. The quality of local medical supplies is low and some medicines are counterfeit. Take basic supplies of over-the-counter medicines and any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

 

Medical bills, especially when medical evacuation is required, can be very substantial. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

The high levels of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, especially in winter, may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions.

 

Entry Requirements

 

Visas

 

On 26 June 2014, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that all EU passport holders can visit Mongolia for tourist or business purposes without a visa for 30 days. This arrangement is valid until 31 December 2015.

 

EU passport holders need a visa to enter China and Russia. You can’t apply for a Russian visa in Mongolia, unless you’re a permanent resident in Mongolia. Make sure you have all the visas you need for your onward travel before entering Mongolia, including any that may be required for transit.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into 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 contact the Embassy of Mongolia in your home country.

 

Registration

 

If you intend to remain in Mongolia for more than 30 days or if you do not have an entry/exit visa, you must register your stay with the Mongolian Immigration Agency in Ulaanbaatar within a week of arriving. Once registered you will be issued with a residence permit. The permit will include your date of birth, passport number, address, photograph and fingerprints. You should carry it with you at all times when you are in Mongolia.

 

Visitors who have been in Mongolia for more than 90 days must obtain an exit visa to leave the country. The exit visa is obtained from the Mongolian Immigration Agency office and usually takes 10 days to process. Visitors to Mongolia for less than 90 days do not need an exit permit. However, requests to exit Mongolia can be denied for reasons such as civil disputes, pending criminal investigations or immigration violations.

 

Border crossings

 

There are only 6 border points open to foreign passport holders. They are at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, 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 are either seasonal or are open only to Mongolians, Chinese or 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.

 

Passengers travelling by train across the China/Mongolia border should expect a delay of a few hours as the railways use different gauges.

 

You may encounter problems when entering Mongolia by train from Russia, particularly with Russian border or customs officials who scrutinise documentation (in particular customs declarations) very carefully. If you are crossing overland to or from Russia pay scrupulous attention when completing all the necessary paperwork.

 

Medication

 

You’re only allowed to bring medicines for personal use into Mongolia. These include medicines for urgent aid for up to 7 days or for the treatment of diabetes, cancer, mental illness or HIV/AIDS for which you have a Doctor’s prescription. If you are arriving by plane, you should carry all medicines in your checked baggage.

 

Consular assistance

 

UK Citizens

 

British Embassy Ulaanbaatar

Peace Avenue 30, Bayanzurkh District 

Ulaanbaatar 13381

Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia

Email

Enquiries.Mongolia@fco.gov.uk

 

Telephone

+976 11 458 133

 

Fax

+976 11 458036

 

Opening hours (local time):

Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 1:00pm / 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Friday, 8:30am to 1:30pm 

 

US Citizens

 

Street Address: 

U.S. Embassy 

Denver Street #3 

11th Micro-District 

Ulaanbaatar 14190 

Mongolia 

 

Mailing Address: 

Name of the U.S. Employee 

U.S. Embassy in Mongolia 

P.O.Box 341 

Ulaanbaatar 14192 

Mongolia

Tel: +976-7007-6001

Fax: +976-7007-6016

Hours of Operation: 

Monday through Friday: 

8:30am to 12:30am & 1:00pm to 5:00pm 

*Closed on all American and Mongolian holidays.