Safety and security

Crime

Violent crime does take place in Mongolia, even in daylight and on busy streets. Foreigners are the target of street crime, especially in Ulaanbaatar and other major cities and in tourist areas. Always take sensible precautions:

• Don't carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• You are legally required to carry your passport at all times when travelling in Mongolia and, if living in Mongolia, your residency card. We also recommend that you leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home, and that you keep photos of the personal identification and Mongolian visa pages of your passport on your phone.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don't use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
• Ensure that you use licensed taxis at all times.

Driving

Be extremely careful if driving in Mongolia. The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor, with heavy congestion in Ulaanbaatar and there are a lot of traffic accidents. There are few all-weather roads, especially outside Ulaanbaatar.

An international driving permit is required if you wish to drive to Mongolia. If you plan to drive, you should bring both your full Irish driver's licence and your international driving permit and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance.

Local travel

The underdeveloped infrastructure in Mongolia may cause problems so be well prepared, bring supplies and make contingency plans if you're travelling outside of the capital. Be aware that much of Mongolia is sparsely populated and if you run into difficulty you may be a considerable distance from the nearest settlement. Consider bringing a satellite phone as mobile networks and GPS do not always function adequately in remote areas.

Hiring a vehicle

If you're hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you're allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal. Taking photos of the police, the army or soldiers or related infrastructure is prohibited and is considered a criminal offence.

Passport

You must have a valid passport to enter Mongolia, with a validity date at least six months beyond the end of your intended period of stay. It's also advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you, and to store a photo of the personal identification and Mongolian visa pages of your passport on your phone.

You are legally required to carry your passport at all times when travelling in Mongolia and, if living in Mongolia, your residency card.

Dual nationality

Mongolia doesn't recognise dual nationality and this may limit our ability to provide consular assistance to Irish/Mongolian dual nationals who are arrested or detained.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what type or quantity of the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Natural disasters and climate

In the event of a natural disaster, we recommend that you follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor media reports for the latest information.

Climate

Mongolia is subject to extreme temperatures from -35°C in the winter to +35°C in the summer.

Earthquake

Mongolia is located in an active seismic zone. Most earthquakes are centred in the mountainous west of the country and there is a high risk in the capital Ulaanbaatar. If you're travelling to or living in Mongolia, make sure you note down the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, China, for use in the event of an emergency. Download our Travelwise App and set an alert for Mongolia to receive notifications of any updates to our travel advice.

Flooding

There is a short rainy season from mid-July to mid-September.

Dust storms

Dust storms occur between May and June.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

If you're unsure of the entry requirements for Mongolia, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mongolia. Up-to-date details on visa requirements can also be found at on the website of the Embassy of Mongolia in London.

All border crossings to and from Russia are closed to foreign travellers. The border between China and Mongolia is closed indefinitely except for freight traffic.

E-Visa

Irish citizens are now eligible to apply for a Mongolian e-Visa through the website https://evisa.mn/main

Irish citizens travelling to Mongolia for up to 30 days can apply for three categories of visa:

• Tourism visa
• Sports and culture visa, for anyone participating in sporting or cultural/arts events as well as filming content
• Transit visa (for transit up to 10 days)

Registration

If you intend to stay in Mongolia for more than 30 days or if you don't have an entry/exit visa, you must register your stay with the Mongolian Immigration Agency in Ulaanbaatar within 7 business days of arriving in Mongolia. For more information, please visit the website of the Mongolia Immigration Agency.

Exit visa

If you've been in Mongolia for more than 90 days, you must get an exit visa to leave the country. You can apply through the Mongolian Immigration Agency office. Please allow at least 10 days to process your exit visa.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if they recommend any vaccinations for Mongolia.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Mongolia are very limited and don't meet most Western standards, especially for emergency healthcare requirements. Make sure that you have comprehensive medical insurance to pay for private healthcare and bring basic medical supplies, including any regular prescription drugs, with you.

Water

Sanitation in some restaurants is inadequate, particularly outside of Ulaanbaatar. Drink bottled water and use other routine safety measures to protect your health.

Air pollution

Air pollution is a serious problem during the winter months so if you have breathing or other health problems, you should plan accordingly.