Mongolia Register Travel insurance Destinations
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Latest updates: Safety and security - demonstrations
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Mongolia - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Mongolia.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
Foreigners have been targeted by street crime, especially in Ulaanbaatar and other major cities and in tourist areas. Cases of assault and robbery significantly increase in Ulaanbaatar in the weeks leading up to and during major holidays, including the Naadam Festival in July, the Mongolian Lunar New Year (February 5-7, 2019) and International Women’s Day and Soldiers’ Day in March. Violent crime has occurred, even in daylight and on busy streets.
After dark, stick to well-lit busy streets and do not walk alone. Be particularly cautious in the area surrounding the State Department Store in Ulaanbaatar, where foreigners have been mugged. Beware of pickpockets and ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Individuals posing as police officers have robbed foreigners, particularly in Ulaanbaatar’s Sukhbaatar Square area. If approached, ask to see police credentials or offer to go to the police station. Exercise caution in crowded areas, including open-air markets, the central post office and Gandantegchinlen Monastery, as well as when using public transportation.
Foreign companies have received threats of violence.
Public transportation
Taxi drivers and thieves waiting for potential victims to step out of a taxi have robbed passengers, sometime violently. Use reliable, licensed taxis equipped with meters; regular taxis (private cars without taxi signs or meters) are unsafe. Book a taxi through your hotel. For a list of reliable companies, contact the Embassy of Canada to Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar.
Thefts occur frequently on trains between Mongolia and Russia.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Large demonstrations in Suhkbaatar Square could take place in the coming days. Avoid crowds near Government House.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Road safety
Traffic drives on the right.
Road conditions, especially between the capital city and provinces, are poor. Access to rural areas can be hampered by heavy snowfalls during the winter months. Driving can be hazardous, especially in rural areas. Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and don’t follow safe driving practices. Accidents occur frequently. Exercise caution while driving and anticipate potential hazards.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Mongolian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Mongolia.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays of up to 30 days
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required
Travel to and from China
If you travel to Mongolia through China, or plan to transit through or travel to China from Mongolia, you must meet China’s entry and exit requirements.
Travellers arriving in or departing from Mongolia through China should be aware of Chinese visa regulations. The Chinese embassy in Ulaanbaatar does not always grant visas to foreigners in Mongolia. If you plan to travel to Mongolia and then onward to China, obtain your Chinese visa before the start of your trip.
Important requirements
Visitors staying for more than 30 days in Mongolia must register with the Office of Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Citizens within one week upon arrival.
To enter by land, you must obtain authorization from the head of the Consular Section at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Health
Health
- There are no updates at this time.
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles: Awareness
Cases of measles have been reported in this country.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world.
Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities).
Tick-borne encephalitis
Risk
- Tick-borne encephalitis is present in some areas of this country.
- It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
- It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or when you consume unpasteurized milk products.
Recommendation
- Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to ticks during outdoor activities.
- A vaccine against TBE does exist but is only available in countries where the disease is present.
- Learn more on what you can do to prevent tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)?
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in East Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in East Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Eastern Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, Lyme disease, malaria, and tick-borne encephalitis.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
- There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country.
- Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine against malaria.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in well-screened, air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net or pre-treating travel gear with insecticides.
- Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in Eastern Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
Health care is inadequate. You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury. The number of medical evacuation service providers is limited. Medical evacuation is very expensive.
A few hospitals in Ulaanbaatar are suitable for foreigners, but there is often a shortage of safe medicine and reliable medical staff.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Identification
Carry adequate identification at all times, such as your passport and registration documents. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost.
Driving
You must carry an international driving permit.
More about international driving permits
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Mongolia.
If local authorities consider you a citizen of Mongolia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
LGBTQ2
Although Mongolian law does not specifically prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, there is also no law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. LGBTQ2 individuals often face violence and discrimination, according to the Mongolian National Human Rights Commission, and have faced police harassment and surveillance. The Government of Mongolia is currently reviewing its stand on same-sex spouses for visa and residency purposes.
LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Mongolia.
General information and advice for LGBTQ2 travellers abroad
Money
The currency in Mongolia is the tugrik (MNT). U.S. dollars and credit cards are accepted in hotels and some restaurants, mainly in Ulaanbaatar. U.S. dollar traveller’s cheques are accepted at some hotels and can be converted at several banks. Carry local currency, especially in rural areas.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Mongolia is located in an active seismic zone.
There is a short rainy season from mid-July to mid-September. Dust storms occur in May and June.
Mongolia is subject to extreme temperatures (from minus 35° to 40° Celsius in the winter to plus 35° Celsius in the summer).
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 102
- medical assistance: 103
- firefighters: 101
Consular assistance
Ulaanbaatar - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada in Ulaanbaatar and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.