Mongolia travel guide

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Mongolia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Mongolia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Mongolia.

Passport validity requirements   

To enter Mongolia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to visit Mongolia as a tourist for up to 30 days within a 6-month period.

For longer stays, or for business, work or residency, you must apply for the type of visa you need. For more details, contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UK.

Registering with the authorities

Your hotel or landlord will register you using an app. If you are travelling independently or staying with friends, you must register yourself with the Mongolian Immigration Agency. You do not need to go in person.

The agency will issue you with a digital residence permit that shows your passport number, address, photograph and fingerprints. Always carry it when you are in Mongolia.

Borders with Mongolia

Mongolia takes border security very seriously and foreign nationals are not routinely allowed access to border areas. The authorities can regard zones of up to 100km inside the border as a border area. If you wish to travel in these areas, you must get permission from the State Frontier Guard Authority. Only a few specified land border crossings are open to foreigners.

Border points open to British citizens

There are normally 8 border points open to British passport holders:

• Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar
• Zamin Uud – road and train crossing to China
• Bulgan – road crossing to China in the west
• Bichigt – road crossing to China in the south-east
• Tsagaannuur – road crossing to Russia in the far west
• Sukhbaatar – train crossing to Russia
• Altanbulag – road crossing to Russia
• Ereen-Tsav – road crossing to Russia

You may not cross into China or Russia at other border points, as they are only open to Mongolians, Chinese or Russians.

If you travel by train across the China-Mongolia border, expect a delay of a few hours as the railways use different gauges.

It is difficult to get visas for China or Russia in Mongolia. Ask the Chinese and Russian embassies in London about their visa requirements before travelling to Mongolia.

Mongolia-Russia border

You can only enter Mongolia from Russia on public buses, trains, taxis or private vehicles. All international flights are suspended.

Russian border officials will carefully examine your travel documents.

If you have arrived in Mongolia from Russia and need assistance, call +976 (11) 458 133 and select the option ‘consular services for British nationals’.   

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Mongolia guide.

Travelling with children

Adults accompanying children other than their own should have a notarised letter from the parents or legal guardian to confirm the arrangement.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Mongolia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

If you become involved in a commercial dispute or a criminal investigation about a customs matter, you may be held in Mongolia until it is resolved. Ask to speak to the British Embassy, especially if the authorities say you must accept a travel ban.

Bringing your vehicle to Mongolia  

If you plan to enter Mongolia at a land border crossing in your own vehicle, inform the tax authorities and border troops in advance – contact Mongolian Customs (in Mongolian). You must complete a customs declaration form – you can do this at the border or at Ulaanbaatar City Customs Office, next to the train station. Make sure you have all the vehicle documents, including your driving licence, ownership records and insurance.

If you do not leave Mongolia in the vehicle you used to enter the country, you must pay customs tax. The amount of tax depends on the vehicle’s engine size and value. For information, see Mongolian Customs (in Mongolian).

If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be fixed, you must pay for it to be transported out of Mongolia or sell it to a local mechanic.

If you sell your broken-down vehicle to a mechanic, you must still pay customs tax when you leave. You must show the customs office evidence you sold the vehicle (proof of sale document, photos, a letter from the mechanic and a police report).

You must not leave your vehicle unattended or abandon it. If you do, Mongolian Customs will contact the British Embassy and send you a fine. If you leave your vehicle in Mongolia, you must pay to store it with a mechanic or at an official customs warehouse. When you leave the country, you must submit a customs declaration form and show your driving licence, car ownership records and evidence of valid insurance.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Mongolia

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Mongolia, attacks cannot be ruled out.    

Political situation

There have been occasional instances of civil and political unrest resulting in protests and violence. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations for your personal safety.

Crime

Pickpockets may operate in markets and crowded public places. The risk increases during the festivals of Tsagaan Sar (New Year, celebrated from December to February) and Naadam (July). Take extra precautions during these periods.

Occasionally large groups of people, including children and teenagers, harass pedestrians for money as they get into vehicles or walk into pubs or restaurants. Keep your mobile phone, passport and money in a secured bag on your person, and leave valuables in a hotel safe if possible.

Violent incidents are rare, but foreigners have been assaulted and robbed in Ulaanbaatar. Avoid being out alone at night, and ask hotels, restaurants or clubs to order a car for you. If hailing a ride, use only licensed taxis such as VIP Taxis. Alternatively use the taxi app UBCab, which is trackable.

Reporting crime

The Mongolian government has asked foreigners to report crimes so they can investigate and keep records. You do not need to have any further involvement and will be free to leave once you’ve made your report.

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.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry your passport – a copy is not sufficient if the police ask you for ID, and you could be fined. Keep copies of the photo page and the page with your Mongolian entry stamp in a separate place.

If you are a resident, carry your registration card.

Respecting religious customs

Show respect in Buddhist monasteries. Always ask for permission to take photographs and do not touch sacred images or objects.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences   

It is illegal to possess or use of any type of drugs, including cannabis. If you are found guilty of drug trafficking, you could face a life sentence. Mongolian prisons have very basic facilities.

Using cameras

It is illegal to photograph or video police, police escorts or military personnel. You could be arrested and fined. The court decides the fine based on the degree of social danger of the crime and the income of the defendant.

LGBT+ travellers

Although not illegal, same-sex relationships are not generally accepted socially.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs   

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected species of wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. You could get a fine and a prison sentence.

Phone and wifi coverage

Most UK phone networks operate in the cities and wifi is widely available in hotels, restaurants and bars, especially in Ulaanbaatar. You can buy local SIM cards and mobile phones. In rural Mongolia there are large areas that do not have network coverage.

Road travel

You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) and a UK driving licence to drive in Mongolia. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

There are a high number of road accidents, due to:

• low driving standards
• speeding
• poorly maintained vehicles
• difficult terrain
• dangerous road conditions

Driving in Ulaanbaatar is hazardous as roads are heavily congested. Outside the capital, only about 10% of the country’s roads are tarmacked and signposting is minimal. If you are planning to drive in rural Mongolia, see information on driving abroad and prepare by:

• researching your route
• asking local guides or drivers about the road conditions ahead
• checking World Meteorological Organization weather forecasts for Mongolia
• taking back-up communication devices such as a satellite phone
• packing plenty of water and provisions
• sharing details of your route and expected arrival and departure times

Mongolia does not have an extensive road network and driving can be dangerous due to the terrain.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Mongolia is a huge country with varying weather conditions from +35°C in summer to -40°C in winter and during the nights. Weather conditions often change without warning.

There are frequent weather warnings all year round for flooding, dust storms, heavy snow and blizzards, strong winds and heatwaves.

The most extreme weather conditions occur in and around the Gobi Desert and the Steppes. Check the World Meteorological Organization weather forecasts for Mongolia.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 103 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Mongolia
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Mongolia.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Mongolia. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

The high levels of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, especially in winter, may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. You can check the levels for Ulaanbaatar on the Real-time Air Quality Index.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

It is best to bring prescription medication and a first aid kit with you. Medical products in pharmacies are mainly from China and Russia, so you may not easily recognise what you need.

Healthcare in Mongolia

There are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and Mongolia, so you cannot get free healthcare in Mongolia.

If you are injured or become ill in a remote part of the country, it may be a long journey to the nearest medical facility. Outside Ulaanbaatar, the standard of healthcare is limited, and doctors may not speak English.

At hospitals, you will have to pay 80% of the treatment cost in advance. Make sure you have access to funds and that your insurance covers:

• full medical expenses
• an air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home
• bringing a body home in the event of a death
• bringing your family home, if one of you is seriously ill or injured

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Mongolia where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Mongolia

Ambulance: 103

Fire: 101

Police: 102 (includes traffic police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Mongolia
• dealing with a death in Mongolia
• being arrested or imprisoned in Mongolia
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Mongolia and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Ulaanbaatar.

You can also contact FCDO online.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Mongolia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.