Mongolia Country Specific Information
Oct 15, 2010 (STATE DEPARTMENT RELEASE/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- October 14, 2010 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION Mongolia is a vast country of mountains, lakes, deserts, and grasslands. It is approximately the size of Alaska. Since 1990 Mongolia has been successfully ctransitioning into a parliamentary democracy. Economic reforms continue, although the country's development will depend on considerable infrastructure investment, particularly in the mining, energy, transportation, and communication sectors. You should be aware that shortcomings in these areas could affect your travel plans. Read the Department of State's Background Notes on Mongolia for additional information.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION If you are going to live in or visit Mongolia, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here's the link to the Department of State's travel registration page http://travelregistration.state.gov/.
Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State's list of embassies and consulates.
U.S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar Micro Region 11, Big Ring Road, Ulaanbaatar.
Telephone: (976) 11-329-095 Emergency after-hours telephone: 976-9911-4168 Facsimile:(976) 11-353-788..
The Consular Section can be emailed directly. The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services Monday and Thursday from 1-3 p.m., except on U.S. and Mongolian holidays.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS You must have a valid passport to visit Mongolia. A visa is not required if you are visiting for fewer than 90 days; however, if you plan to stay in Mongolia for more than 30 days you must register with the Office of Immigration, Naturalization, and Foreign Citizens in Ulaanbaatar within seven days of arriving in Mongolia. If you do not register and you stay longer than 30 days, even for reasons beyond your control, you will be stopped at departure, not allowed to exit, and have to pay a fine.
Mongolia requires that you have a valid exit visa in order to leave the country. You can usually receive an exit visa at the port of departure, such as the international airport. However, be aware that requests for exit visas are often denied for reasons such as civil disputes, pending criminal investigation, or immigration violations. In such instances, your exit visa will be denied until the dispute is resolved or a court has made a decision. The Mongolian government has the right to keep foreign citizens in custody for various time periods without appeal until a decision is made. We are aware of U.S. citizens who have been denied an exit visa for more than two years.
If you are planning to work or study in Mongolia you should apply for a visa at a Mongolian embassy or consulate outside of Mongolia. If you do not, the authorities may deny registration, charge you a fine, or require that you leave the country. If you arrive or depart Mongolia through China or Russia, you should be aware of Chinese and Russian visa regulations (coming and going twice will require a double- or multiple-entry visa) and note that some land-entry points have varying days and hours of operation. Many small land-border posts do not operate on a regular schedule. Check with immigration authorities to make sure the post you intend to use will be open when you want to enter. If you plan to travel to Russia, you should get visas before you arrive in Mongolia, since it is hard to get visas at the Russian Embassy in Mongolia. For more information on these requirements, see the Country Specific Information for Russia and China.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission from the parent(s) or legal guardianfor the child to travel. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Visit the Embassy of Mongolia website for the most current visa information. You can also contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone (202) 333-7117 for the most current visa information.
HIV/AIDS restrictions. Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Mongolia. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Mongolia before you travel.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.
THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY There have been no significant acts of terrorism or extremism in Mongolia, and there are no regions of instability in the country. However, you are advised to avoid all protests, including political protests, and street demonstrations that occur occasionally in Ulaanbaatar, since demonstrations may become violent at any time.
Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Take some time before travel to improve your personal security-things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.
CRIME: Over the past few years, street crime in Mongolia has risen significantly, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, the capital. Violent crime, particularly aggravated assault, is increasing. The most common crimes against foreigners are pickpocketing and bag snatching. There are reports of organized groups that operate in open areas, usually after dark, surrounding, grabbing, and choking an individual in order to search his or her pockets. Thieves have also cut victims' bag straps and clothing in attempts to reach wallets, cell phones, and other valuables. If you detect pickpocket attempts, you should not confront the thieves, since they may become violent. We advise you not to walk alone through Ulaanbaatar after dark.
Assaults on inter-racial couples have increased over the last few years. They especially target foreign men with local women. These assaults range from organized attacks by nationalist groups to spontaneous incidents in bars.
Since the spring of 2010, an increased number of xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in Ulaanbaatar has been reported to the U.S. Embassy. A number of these attacks occurred without provocation, and robbery was not the motive. Attackers targeted the victim(s) based solely on their ethnicity or perceived foreign nationality. Some of these attacks were directed against U.S. citizens. Additionally, nationalist groups frequently mistake Asian-Americans for ethnic Chinese or Koreans and may attack without warning or provocation. Asian-Americans should exercise caution walking the streets of Ulaanbaatar at all times.
In general, you should be extremely cautious at these locations: . Chinggis Khan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar: Organized groups frequently target tourists for robbery and pickpocketing at this airport.
. The State Department Store and the area around the Circus: Organized pickpocket gangs target tourists at the entries/exits/elevators of the Store and in surrounding areas, along Peace Avenue and down to the Circus.
. Naran Tuul Covered Market: Organized criminal groups target foreigners for robbery and pickpocketing.
. Due to an incident involving the unprovoked harassment of a U.S. citizen by hotel management, the U.S. Embassy has declared the Puma Hotel to be off-limits to U.S government personnel. You should take this information into consideration when making travel arrangements in Mongolia.
You should also be careful in crowded public areas, such as open-air markets, the Central Post Office, and the Gandan Monastery.
In addition, you should be alert for potential criminal activity when you use public transportation or taxis. There have been several reports of foreigners being robbed and/or assaulted while riding in taxis. We recommend that your hotel, restaurant, or a store make taxi arrangements for you. Also, request that a native speaker write your destination address in Mongolian, since most cab drivers do not speak English. Private unmarked cars often act as taxis in Mongolia; their availability is high, but their consistency of performance, fare, and safety is low. We do not recommend using unmarked taxis. If you find a cab driver that you like (English speaker, trustworthy, clean car, etc.), request his mobile phone number for future use.
Crime rises sharply before, during, and after the Naadam Summer Festival in July, throughout the summer tourist season, and during and after Tsagaan Sar, the Winter Festival, in January or February.
Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegged items illegal in the United States, but you may also be breaking local law.
VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy or consulate (see the Department of State's list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and help you get money from them if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
Ulaanbaatar does not have a dedicated tourist police unit, nor do they have any centralized reporting system. You should report allegations of criminal activity to the police district responsible for the area where the crime took place. You may wish to consult with an attorney before you report a crime, since the local police can be uncooperative or aggressively question crime victims. You may be required to remain in the country for the duration of the police investigation and prosecution.
The local equivalents to the "911" emergency line in Mongolia are "102" for the police department and "103" for a medical emergency.
Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don't have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving under the influence of alcohol could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy certain pirated goods or engage in child pornography. While you are overseas, U.S. laws don't apply. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won't help. It's very important to know what's legal and what's not where you are going.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES In Ulanbaatar, some hotels accept traveler's checks in U.S. dollars, and several banks convert travelers checks to dollars or Mongolian currency, known as Tugrugs. You can use credit cards at a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops in the city. Cash advances against credit cards are available at some commercial banks such as Trade and Development Bank, Golomt Bank, Khan Bank, and Xac Bank. International bank wire transfers are also possible. There are a handful of VISA and Maestro/Cirrus ATMs in Ulaanbaatar, but they do not always function and are not reliable. ATMs do not exist outside the capital. Outside of Ulanbaatar, cash is the only method of payment that is possible.
We do not always receive timely notification of the detention or arrest of a U.S. citizen, particularly outside of Ulaanbaatar. You are encouraged to carry a copy of your passport with you at all times so that if questioned by local officials, evidence of identity and citizenship are readily available.
Severe fuel shortages and problems with central heating and electrical systems may cause seriously reduced heating levels and power outages in Ulaanbaatar and other cities during the winter. Smaller towns in the countryside may have no heat or electricity at all. We recommend that you prepare to leave the country if there is a complete energy failure. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Mongolian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning import and export of items such as firearms, ammunition, and antiquities. Import of firearms or ammunition requires prior approval from the Government of Mongolia. Exporting antiquities requires a special customs clearance certificate issued by authorized antique shops at the time of purchase. For additional information contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone: (202) 333-7117.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION Medical facilities in Mongolia are very limited and do not meet most Western standards, especially for emergency health care requirements. Many brand-name Western medicines are unavailable. Ulaanbaatar has the majority of medical facilities inside the country; outside of Ulaanbaatar, medical facilities and treatment are extremely limited or non-existent. Specialized emergency care for infants and the elderly is not available. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate payment in cash for health services. Infectious diseases, such as plague, meningococcal meningitis, and tuberculosis, are present at various times of the year. Sanitation in some restaurants is inadequate, particularly outside of Ulaanbaatar. Stomach illnesses are frequent. You should drink bottled water and use other routine safety measures to protect your health.
Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation either within Mongolia or to other countries are extremely expensive and can cost more than $100,000. Evacuation companies will not take you to another location without a full fee guarantee beforehand. Please note that not all insurance companies provide medical evacuation coverage for Mongolia. Please check with your insurance provider before traveling and consider supplemental medical or travel insurance. Currently, SOS Medica Mongolia UB International Clinic is the only clinic that has medical evacuation services in Mongolia.
Local hospitals generally do not contact the Embassy about ill or injured U.S. citizens in their care. If you need assistance from the Embassy, you should ask the doctor or hospital to contact the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar. See our website for a list of medical facilities in Ulaanbaatar.
Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions, can be found via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
MEDICAL INSURANCE You can't assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It's very important to find out if yours does BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions: --Does my policy apply when I'm out of the U.S." --Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation? In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors' and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn't go with you when you travel, it's a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that are very different from those in the United States. The information below concerning Mongolia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Road conditions in Mongolia are generally poor, particularly in the countryside. Overland travel is difficult and roadside assistance is almost nonexistent. The country's size and harsh climate make road maintenance and repair especially problematic. We strongly discourage you from traveling at night by private or public transportation outside of urban city centers because of poor lighting and road conditions. U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted from driving outside of urban city centers after sundown.
Driving in Ulaanbaatar can be extremely difficult due to poorly maintained streets, broken traffic lights, poor street lighting, a shortage of traffic signs, and undisciplined pedestrians. The knowledge and skills of the driving population have not kept pace with the dramatic growth in the number of automobiles on the streets in recent years. There are many metered taxis in Ulaanbaatar. There are a few car rental companies, but safety and maintenance standards are uncertain, so rental vehicles should be used with caution. Local tourist companies can provide cars with drivers. Public transportation within the capital is widespread, cheap, and generally reliable, but is also extremely crowded, so pickpocketing can occur.. For specific information concerning Mongolian drivers permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone (202) 333-7117.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Mongolia's national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Mongolia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Mongolia's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.
The U.S. Embassy prohibits U.S. government personnel from using AeroMongolia (AM) and the domestic services of Mongolian International Air Transport (MIAT) for official travel because of uncertainties regarding service and maintenance schedules, aircraft certification, and insurance status. This prohibition does not include MIAT's international flights or to the domestic flights of other carriers.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES Please see our Office of Children's Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION If you are going to live in or visit Mongolia, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here's the link to the Department of State's travel registration page http://travelregistration.state.gov/.
Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State's list of embassies and consulates.
U.S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar Micro Region 11, Big Ring Road, Ulaanbaatar.
Telephone: (976) 11-329-095 Emergency after-hours telephone: 976-9911-4168 Facsimile:(976) 11-353-788..
The Consular Section can be emailed directly. The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services Monday and Thursday from 1-3 p.m., except on U.S. and Mongolian holidays.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS You must have a valid passport to visit Mongolia. A visa is not required if you are visiting for fewer than 90 days; however, if you plan to stay in Mongolia for more than 30 days you must register with the Office of Immigration, Naturalization, and Foreign Citizens in Ulaanbaatar within seven days of arriving in Mongolia. If you do not register and you stay longer than 30 days, even for reasons beyond your control, you will be stopped at departure, not allowed to exit, and have to pay a fine.
Mongolia requires that you have a valid exit visa in order to leave the country. You can usually receive an exit visa at the port of departure, such as the international airport. However, be aware that requests for exit visas are often denied for reasons such as civil disputes, pending criminal investigation, or immigration violations. In such instances, your exit visa will be denied until the dispute is resolved or a court has made a decision. The Mongolian government has the right to keep foreign citizens in custody for various time periods without appeal until a decision is made. We are aware of U.S. citizens who have been denied an exit visa for more than two years.
If you are planning to work or study in Mongolia you should apply for a visa at a Mongolian embassy or consulate outside of Mongolia. If you do not, the authorities may deny registration, charge you a fine, or require that you leave the country. If you arrive or depart Mongolia through China or Russia, you should be aware of Chinese and Russian visa regulations (coming and going twice will require a double- or multiple-entry visa) and note that some land-entry points have varying days and hours of operation. Many small land-border posts do not operate on a regular schedule. Check with immigration authorities to make sure the post you intend to use will be open when you want to enter. If you plan to travel to Russia, you should get visas before you arrive in Mongolia, since it is hard to get visas at the Russian Embassy in Mongolia. For more information on these requirements, see the Country Specific Information for Russia and China.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission from the parent(s) or legal guardianfor the child to travel. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Visit the Embassy of Mongolia website for the most current visa information. You can also contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone (202) 333-7117 for the most current visa information.
HIV/AIDS restrictions. Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Mongolia. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Mongolia before you travel.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.
THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY There have been no significant acts of terrorism or extremism in Mongolia, and there are no regions of instability in the country. However, you are advised to avoid all protests, including political protests, and street demonstrations that occur occasionally in Ulaanbaatar, since demonstrations may become violent at any time.
Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Take some time before travel to improve your personal security-things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.
CRIME: Over the past few years, street crime in Mongolia has risen significantly, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, the capital. Violent crime, particularly aggravated assault, is increasing. The most common crimes against foreigners are pickpocketing and bag snatching. There are reports of organized groups that operate in open areas, usually after dark, surrounding, grabbing, and choking an individual in order to search his or her pockets. Thieves have also cut victims' bag straps and clothing in attempts to reach wallets, cell phones, and other valuables. If you detect pickpocket attempts, you should not confront the thieves, since they may become violent. We advise you not to walk alone through Ulaanbaatar after dark.
Assaults on inter-racial couples have increased over the last few years. They especially target foreign men with local women. These assaults range from organized attacks by nationalist groups to spontaneous incidents in bars.
Since the spring of 2010, an increased number of xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in Ulaanbaatar has been reported to the U.S. Embassy. A number of these attacks occurred without provocation, and robbery was not the motive. Attackers targeted the victim(s) based solely on their ethnicity or perceived foreign nationality. Some of these attacks were directed against U.S. citizens. Additionally, nationalist groups frequently mistake Asian-Americans for ethnic Chinese or Koreans and may attack without warning or provocation. Asian-Americans should exercise caution walking the streets of Ulaanbaatar at all times.
In general, you should be extremely cautious at these locations: . Chinggis Khan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar: Organized groups frequently target tourists for robbery and pickpocketing at this airport.
. The State Department Store and the area around the Circus: Organized pickpocket gangs target tourists at the entries/exits/elevators of the Store and in surrounding areas, along Peace Avenue and down to the Circus.
. Naran Tuul Covered Market: Organized criminal groups target foreigners for robbery and pickpocketing.
. Due to an incident involving the unprovoked harassment of a U.S. citizen by hotel management, the U.S. Embassy has declared the Puma Hotel to be off-limits to U.S government personnel. You should take this information into consideration when making travel arrangements in Mongolia.
You should also be careful in crowded public areas, such as open-air markets, the Central Post Office, and the Gandan Monastery.
In addition, you should be alert for potential criminal activity when you use public transportation or taxis. There have been several reports of foreigners being robbed and/or assaulted while riding in taxis. We recommend that your hotel, restaurant, or a store make taxi arrangements for you. Also, request that a native speaker write your destination address in Mongolian, since most cab drivers do not speak English. Private unmarked cars often act as taxis in Mongolia; their availability is high, but their consistency of performance, fare, and safety is low. We do not recommend using unmarked taxis. If you find a cab driver that you like (English speaker, trustworthy, clean car, etc.), request his mobile phone number for future use.
Crime rises sharply before, during, and after the Naadam Summer Festival in July, throughout the summer tourist season, and during and after Tsagaan Sar, the Winter Festival, in January or February.
Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegged items illegal in the United States, but you may also be breaking local law.
VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy or consulate (see the Department of State's list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and help you get money from them if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
Ulaanbaatar does not have a dedicated tourist police unit, nor do they have any centralized reporting system. You should report allegations of criminal activity to the police district responsible for the area where the crime took place. You may wish to consult with an attorney before you report a crime, since the local police can be uncooperative or aggressively question crime victims. You may be required to remain in the country for the duration of the police investigation and prosecution.
The local equivalents to the "911" emergency line in Mongolia are "102" for the police department and "103" for a medical emergency.
Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don't have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving under the influence of alcohol could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy certain pirated goods or engage in child pornography. While you are overseas, U.S. laws don't apply. If you do something illegal in your host country, your U.S. passport won't help. It's very important to know what's legal and what's not where you are going.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES In Ulanbaatar, some hotels accept traveler's checks in U.S. dollars, and several banks convert travelers checks to dollars or Mongolian currency, known as Tugrugs. You can use credit cards at a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops in the city. Cash advances against credit cards are available at some commercial banks such as Trade and Development Bank, Golomt Bank, Khan Bank, and Xac Bank. International bank wire transfers are also possible. There are a handful of VISA and Maestro/Cirrus ATMs in Ulaanbaatar, but they do not always function and are not reliable. ATMs do not exist outside the capital. Outside of Ulanbaatar, cash is the only method of payment that is possible.
We do not always receive timely notification of the detention or arrest of a U.S. citizen, particularly outside of Ulaanbaatar. You are encouraged to carry a copy of your passport with you at all times so that if questioned by local officials, evidence of identity and citizenship are readily available.
Severe fuel shortages and problems with central heating and electrical systems may cause seriously reduced heating levels and power outages in Ulaanbaatar and other cities during the winter. Smaller towns in the countryside may have no heat or electricity at all. We recommend that you prepare to leave the country if there is a complete energy failure. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Mongolian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning import and export of items such as firearms, ammunition, and antiquities. Import of firearms or ammunition requires prior approval from the Government of Mongolia. Exporting antiquities requires a special customs clearance certificate issued by authorized antique shops at the time of purchase. For additional information contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone: (202) 333-7117.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION Medical facilities in Mongolia are very limited and do not meet most Western standards, especially for emergency health care requirements. Many brand-name Western medicines are unavailable. Ulaanbaatar has the majority of medical facilities inside the country; outside of Ulaanbaatar, medical facilities and treatment are extremely limited or non-existent. Specialized emergency care for infants and the elderly is not available. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate payment in cash for health services. Infectious diseases, such as plague, meningococcal meningitis, and tuberculosis, are present at various times of the year. Sanitation in some restaurants is inadequate, particularly outside of Ulaanbaatar. Stomach illnesses are frequent. You should drink bottled water and use other routine safety measures to protect your health.
Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation either within Mongolia or to other countries are extremely expensive and can cost more than $100,000. Evacuation companies will not take you to another location without a full fee guarantee beforehand. Please note that not all insurance companies provide medical evacuation coverage for Mongolia. Please check with your insurance provider before traveling and consider supplemental medical or travel insurance. Currently, SOS Medica Mongolia UB International Clinic is the only clinic that has medical evacuation services in Mongolia.
Local hospitals generally do not contact the Embassy about ill or injured U.S. citizens in their care. If you need assistance from the Embassy, you should ask the doctor or hospital to contact the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar. See our website for a list of medical facilities in Ulaanbaatar.
Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions, can be found via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
MEDICAL INSURANCE You can't assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It's very important to find out if yours does BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions: --Does my policy apply when I'm out of the U.S." --Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation? In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors' and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn't go with you when you travel, it's a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that are very different from those in the United States. The information below concerning Mongolia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Road conditions in Mongolia are generally poor, particularly in the countryside. Overland travel is difficult and roadside assistance is almost nonexistent. The country's size and harsh climate make road maintenance and repair especially problematic. We strongly discourage you from traveling at night by private or public transportation outside of urban city centers because of poor lighting and road conditions. U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted from driving outside of urban city centers after sundown.
Driving in Ulaanbaatar can be extremely difficult due to poorly maintained streets, broken traffic lights, poor street lighting, a shortage of traffic signs, and undisciplined pedestrians. The knowledge and skills of the driving population have not kept pace with the dramatic growth in the number of automobiles on the streets in recent years. There are many metered taxis in Ulaanbaatar. There are a few car rental companies, but safety and maintenance standards are uncertain, so rental vehicles should be used with caution. Local tourist companies can provide cars with drivers. Public transportation within the capital is widespread, cheap, and generally reliable, but is also extremely crowded, so pickpocketing can occur.. For specific information concerning Mongolian drivers permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone (202) 333-7117.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Mongolia's national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Mongolia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Mongolia's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.
The U.S. Embassy prohibits U.S. government personnel from using AeroMongolia (AM) and the domestic services of Mongolian International Air Transport (MIAT) for official travel because of uncertainties regarding service and maintenance schedules, aircraft certification, and insurance status. This prohibition does not include MIAT's international flights or to the domestic flights of other carriers.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES Please see our Office of Children's Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
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