travel from russia
If you are arriving in Mongolia from Russia and need assistance, please call +976 (11) 458133 and select the ‘Consular Services for British Nationals’ option. You can also send inquiries via the web contact form.
If you are a British citizen wishing to travel to Mongolia from Russia, you can currently only access Mongolia by road (including buses, taxis and private cars).
British nationals need a visa to enter Mongolia, which can be obtained by applying online at https://www.evisa.mn/. Processing time is approximately 72 hours. A visa cannot be obtained upon arrival at the border. If you bring your car into Mongolia, you may have to pay a small fee; if you do not subsequently drive out of Mongolia, you may also have to pay an import tax (see Driving into Mongolia).
Mongolia’s COVID-19 entry regulations apply, as described in the entry requirements section.
crime
Petty crimes are common, especially in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Beware of pickpockets, especially in markets or other crowded public places. Be wary of large groups of people, including children and teens, who sometimes harass pedestrians for money when entering and exiting vehicles, bars and restaurants. Tourists’ cell phones are targeted by street thieves and should be carried properly. All valuables, including passports, money, etc., should be stored in a safe place. Don’t show signs of wealth – jewelry, watches, etc.
Petty crime tends to increase during festivals – New Year, Chagansa (Dec-Feb) and Naadam Congress (July). Always be vigilant and always take precautions, especially during these months and when using public transport. Most crimes committed against foreigners in Mongolia are nonviolent, although violent incidents including robbery and sexual assault do occur occasionally. There are reports of foreigners being robbed and attacked in Ulaanbaatar, especially walking alone at night or using unlicensed taxis. Take extra care if far from the city center area.
Authorities require reporting of all crimes. This enables them to investigate and document criminal activity in Mongolia. The police will only ask you to report the crime, and once you do so, you are free to leave.
Report any crime to the nearest regional police station. In an emergency, call the police on 102 or +976 102 from an international mobile phone. There should be someone on this number who can speak to you in English.
local tourism
Traveling through the Mongolian countryside can be difficult and potentially dangerous if you are unfamiliar with the terrain. Mongolia does not have an extensive road network. You may need to track tracks in dust, mud, or sand, and if those tracks fail, there won’t necessarily be other traffic to follow.
People traveling in Mongolia should know local road conditions, weather forecasts, and research the areas they will be passing through. The knowledge of a local guide or driver can be an advantage.
GPS doesn’t always work reliably, and most of the country doesn’t have cell phone coverage. It is recommended that you bring backup communication equipment such as a satellite phone, adequate water and food. Make a contingency plan and make sure someone knows your route and estimated arrival and departure times.
If you are traveling to more remote parts of the country and are not part of an organized group, we recommend that you use a local guide and/or notify the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of your plans. NEMA has an English website where you can email them. It is also recommended that you provide the telephone numbers of your local NEMA and the police station in the province you are visiting.
Mongolia is a big country with a changeable climate and you should always pay attention to the weather forecast when traveling. The country experiences extreme weather ranging from +35C in summer to -40C in winter. Even in summer, nights can be cold due to the altitude. Weather conditions may change without warning. There are long distances between settlements. If you are traveling outside the city, please prepare appropriate items including warm clothing, blankets, food and water. When traveling outside of Ulaanbaatar, you should carry a first aid kit and prescription medication.look health
road trip
Driving in Mongolia is difficult and dangerous. Fasten your seat belt and avoid night driving as much as possible. If possible, use an experienced, professional driver familiar with rural driving conditions and geography. GPS doesn’t always work reliably, and most of the country doesn’t have cell phone coverage.
Only 10% of the country’s roads are paved and there are few road signs. Driving standards have not kept pace with the dramatic increase in the number of vehicles and have changed a lot. Vehicle maintenance can be poor, even for rental vehicles. Driving in Ulaanbaatar is dangerous because the roads are very congested. There are many accidents.
Outside of Ulaanbaatar, you should always watch for animals on the road while driving. You should plan your trip carefully, considering your route, weather forecast and gas station.
If you plan to drive in Mongolia, you need an international driver’s license. You should also try to familiarize yourself with local laws.
communication
Most UK phone networks work in cities, but networks can be weaker in rural areas. Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants and bars, especially in Ulaanbaatar, but less so in the rest of the country. You can buy local SIM cards and mobile phones at reasonable prices.
air travel
There is evidence that domestic services in Mongolia, including helicopter services, do not always meet international safety standards.This FCDO Cannot advise on the safety of individual airlines. However, IATA publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline on this list does not necessarily mean it is not safe.
In 2017, the International Civil Aviation Organization conducted an audit assessing Mongolia’s safety oversight capabilities.
A list of accidents and incidents can be found on the Aviation Safety Network’s website.
Flights may be disrupted due to weather conditions and maintenance issues. Keep this in mind when making travel plans.
rail travel
The Trans-Mongolian Express (Beijing-Moscow via Ulaanbaatar) is known to be used for smuggling. Search your compartment and secure the hatch before departure. Do not pack items in your luggage or transport any items for others.
Political situation
There have been occasional civil unrest and political unrest, leading to demonstrations and, in some cases, violence. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.
