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mongolia:
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Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Mongolia...
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our Travel Advisories.
Crime
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Mongolia because of the risk of serious criminal activity. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
The incidence of violent crime continues to rise, particularly in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Assaults and theft directed at foreigners are becoming more frequent in major cities and tourist areas. Travellers have been robbed and assaulted when walking at night.
Travellers have reported being robbed by criminals posing as police officers, particularly in the Sukhbaatar Square area of Ulaanbaatar. Petty crime such as pick pocketing and bag snatching is on the increase. Thieves typically operate on public transport and in crowded areas in Ulaanbaatar such as the Gandan Monastery, the State Department Store, the so-called "Black Market" and the train station.
Thefts frequently occur on trains between Mongolia and Russia. Travellers have also been robbed when using unlicensed taxis.
Local Travel
Driving in Mongolia can be hazardous, particularly at night, due to poor visibility, road conditions, vehicle maintenance and local driving practices.
There are few sealed roads outside of the capital, Ulaanbaatar.
Climate conditions in Mongolia vary from +35 degrees Celsius in summer to -40 degrees Celsius in winter. Even in summer, weather conditions can change quickly, heightening the risk of hypothermia. GPS, maps, communications equipment such as a satellite phone and emergency medical supplies can assist travellers visiting non-urban areas.
Insurance should have provisions for itinerary delays (as heavy snowfalls in Mongolia can hamper access to many regional areas) and for medical evacuations from remote locations.
Local travel and bus operators may not carry accident liability insurance.
Quarantine restrictions to access some regional districts are occasionally in place for diseases such as avian influenza and foot and mouth disease. Restrictions are subject to change and you should seek information from the Mongolian authorities or the nearest Mongolian Embassy or Consulate if you are planning to travel to regional areas.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local
laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation
of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular
assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy imprisonment served in local jails.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mongolia for the most up to date information.
If you are intending to visit Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after the duration of your intended stay and a return or onward airline ticket is also required. A visa is required for all travellers to Mongolia.
Local authorities may require you to have a HIV/AIDS test if you intend to stay in Mongolia for longer than one month.
Overland entry, other than by train, is not allowed unless special permission is obtained in advance from the Mongolian Authorities.
If you are intending to travel to China from Mongolia, you will not be permitted by the Chinese Authorities to enter unless you have a valid entry visa for China. If you are intending to enter Mongolia from China and then re-enter China (eg. transiting Beijing on a return journey) you must have a double or multiple entry visa for China.
Many travellers have reported border and customs difficulties when entering Mongolia from Russia by train. Problems may occur if all goods and cash have not been declared on customs declarations when entering and exiting Russia.
You are required to register with the police if staying in Mongolia for longer than 30 days. Failure to do so may result in a substantial fine. Residents who have registered with the police are required to de-register with the police before attempting to leave Mongolia. Those who do not may not be allowed to exit through Mongolian border controls or may have to pay a substantial fine.
The importation of electrical and some high technology equipment is strictly controlled. This extends to the importation of equipment in accompanied baggage. Certification and approval is required. This does not apply to common items such as laptop computers.
Health Issues
Outbreaks of avian influenza amongst migrating birds have been reported in Mongolia.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations
and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful
tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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