Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. This is common:

• in Ulaanbaatar and other major cities 
• in popular tourist areas
• on public transportation
• in open-air markets
• at the central post office
• at the Gandantegchinlen Monastery
• at the State Department Store in Ulaanbaatar

While in Mongolia:

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. 
• Exercise caution in crowded areas

There have been incidents of violent crime, such as assaults and robberies. Incidents occur more frequently in major cities. In Ulaanbaatar and other large cities such as Erdenet and Darkhan, be extra vigilant in the weeks leading up to and during major holidays, including:

• the Naadam Festival in July
• the Mongolian Lunar New Year (February 21- 23, 2023)
• International Women’s Day (March 8) 
• Soldiers’ Day in March

Do not walk alone after dark.

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. 

Business travellers should be aware that foreign companies have received threats of violence.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons have experienced harassment, verbal abuse and threats of violence.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Adventure tourism

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. 

If engaging in adventure tourism:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance.
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out and do not venture off marked trails
• do not use installation or equipment if you have any doubt about their safety 

Road travel

Road conditions 

Roads between the capital city and provinces are poor. Driving can be hazardous, especially in rural areas where paved roads are limited. In Ulaanbaatar the number of vehicles and current transportation infrastructure produce chronic traffic jams.

Access to rural areas can be hampered by heavy snowfalls during the winter months. 

If travelling to remote areas:

• Plan your journey
• Travel in a four-wheel-drive vehicle that is well-equipped with provisions, fuel and water
• Avoid driving after dark

Road safety

Traffic drives on the right but many cars have right-side steering. This can lead to collisions on two-lane roads when drivers attempt to pass slower vehicles.

• Drivers do not respect traffic laws and do not practice safe driving. 
• Exercise caution while driving and anticipate potential hazards.

Accidents are common. 

• Traffic laws are not consistently enforced.
• Drivers are sometimes aggressive and drinking and driving is prevalent.
• Use a GPS navigation system, if possible.

Public transportation

Taxis

Taxi drivers have robbed passengers, sometimes violently. The use of “shared taxis” is discouraged because they are not reliable.

• Only use licensed taxis equipped with meters. 
• When possible, book taxis through your hotel. 

Buses

Pickpocketing is common on public buses. Overcrowding is common and women have reported inappropriate physical contact on buses. 

Trains

The rail network in is limited. Thefts occur frequently on trains between Mongolia and Russia.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and 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 the Foreign Representatives 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.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

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 foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Registration

Visitors who plan to stay for more than 30 days in Mongolia must register with the Office of Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Citizens within 48 hours upon arrival.

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.

China’s entry and exit requirements

Travel to and from Russia

If you travel to Mongolia through Russia, or plan to transit through or travel to Russia from Mongolia, you must meet Russia’s entry and exit requirements.

Russia’s entry and exit requirements

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate. 

A few hospitals in Ulaanbaatar are suitable for foreigners, but there is often a shortage of safe medicine and reliable medical staff.

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.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

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

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.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Mongolian law does not criminalize sexual acts or relationships between individuals of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not legally recognized by Mongolian law.

According to the Mongolian National Human Rights Commission, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals have faced police harassment and surveillance.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Mongolia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

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.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Mongolia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Mongolia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Mongolia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

You must carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Train travel to and from Russia  

If you travel to Mongolia by train from Russia, you may experience difficulties with border and customs agents. Make sure you declare all goods and cash, and complete all required paperwork.

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

Seismic activity

Mongolia is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and landslides occur.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains, particularly from mid-July to mid-September, can cause severe flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Exercise caution, particularly in areas around major rivers
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Large-scale emergencies abroad

Dust storms

Dust storms occur in May and June.   

If you decide to travel to the Gobi Desert region of Mongolia during the dust storm season:

• know that you may expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Extreme temperatures

Mongolia is subject to extreme temperatures (from minus 35° to 40° Celsius in the winter to plus 35° Celsius in the summer).

Air quality

Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar is at its peak during the winter months. 

During periods of high pollution:

• limit outdoor activities
• monitor local media and air pollution levels
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Consult your doctor before booking your trip if you have lung, heart or respiratory problems

Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar - World Air Quality Index