Mongolia

Use Normal Level of Caution

Mongolia, located in east-central Asia, is bordered by Russia to the North and China to the south, east and west. With a population of 2.9 million people and a land mass of over 1.5 million square kilometers, Mongolia is the most sparsely-populated independent country in the world. Mongolia is a parliamentary republic, with a directly-elected President and prime minister who is nominated by the elected deputies of the national assembly, the Khural.

Since breaking away from the Soviet Union in the early 1990’s, Mongolia has established itself as one of the free democracies in Asia, along with Japan and South Korea. Today, Mongolia’s free market economy is driven by tourism, mining, construction, cashmere and natural fiber manufacturing.

Travellers may find many references to Genghis Khan, the 13th century warrior who united warring tribes and founded the Mongol empire. The government has promoted national identity by using the name or image of Genghis Khan on labels, streets, buildings, and money.Travellers who visit Mongolia will find that the largely untouched wilderness is the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities such as cycling, horseback riding and hiking. The summer sports festival, Naadam, held annually in the capital Ulaanbaatar from July 11 to 13, is a popular tourist attraction.

Currency	MNT: Mongolian tögrög
Language	Khalkha Mongolian
Capital	Ulaanbaatar
Recent Alerts	None
Latest Alert	Not Available

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Mongolia. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Mongolia through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Mongolia.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Mongolia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Rabies occurs in Mongolia. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Mongolia. Travellers to Mongolia are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis There is a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in some areas of the country below 1,400 meters. The areas affected are Selenge and Bulgan provinces on the northern border with Russia, and around the capital, Ulaanbaatar. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn (March to November).

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Mongolia.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Vaccination against tick borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in Selenge and Bulgan provinces on the northern border with Russia, around the capital Ulaanbaatar, or in areas where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities below 1,400 meters) during early spring to late autumn (March to November). This vaccine is usually available in countries where this disease occurs.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Mongolia.

None required.

Safety and Security in Mongolia

Emergency Numbers

102

101

Personal Safety

Mongolia is a very safe country. As in any tourist destination or developing country, petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag snatching, can occur. Travellers should always be aware of personal security and keep valuables secured and out of sight to avoid being targeted.

The occurrence of violent crime in Mongolia does continue to increase, particularly in the capital of Ulaanbaatar. Foreigners have been robbed and assaulted, frequently when walking at night. Avoid walking alone. Thieves typically operate on public transport and in crowded areas in Ulaanbaatar, such as Chinggis Khan International Airport, the Gandan Monastery, the State Department Store, the so-called “Black Market” or the Naran Tuul Covered Market, the Central Post Office and the train station.

Travellers have reported being robbed by criminals posing as police officers, particularly in Sukbaatar Square area of Ulaanbaatar. Thefts have known to occur on trains traveling between Mongolia and Russia. For taxis, travellers should seek assistance from hotel staff and other trusted personnel to book licensed taxis as travellers have been robbed when using unlicensed taxis.

Political Unrest

In any country, avoid public gatherings or demonstrations since even peaceful demonstrations can escalate into violence.

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Updated: January 22, 2017