Summary

Mongolia is a vast country of mountains, lakes, deserts, and grasslands with a population of only 2.8 million people. Almost 50% of the population live in the capital, Ulaanbaatar and the remainder of the country is sparsely populated.

Muggings and petty crime are relatively common in Ulaanbaatar and travellers should exercise caution when walking in the street, particularly at night.

The under developed infrastructure in Mongolia may cause problems for travellers so citizens should be well prepared, bringing supplies and making contingency plans, when travelling outside of the capital.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Mongolia. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Travellers should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

Safety and Security

Violent crime occurs, even in daylight and on busy streets. Foreigners are increasingly the target of street crime, especially in Ulaanbaatar and other major cities and in tourist areas. After dark, it is strongly recommended that travellers stick to well lighted busy streets and not walk alone.

The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor, with heavy congestion in Ulaanbaatar. There are a high number of road traffic accidents, so you should wear a seat belt whenever possible. There are few all-weather roads, especially outside Ulaanbaatar.

Medical facilities in Mongolia are very limited and do not meet most Western standards, especially for emergency health care requirements.  You are advised to bring basic medical supplies, including any regular prescription drugs, with you.

Sanitation in some restaurants is inadequate, particularly outside of Ulaanbaatar. You should drink bottled water and use other routine safety measures to protect your health. Air pollution is a serious problem during the winter months, and travellers with breathing or other health problems should plan accordingly.

Local Laws and Customs

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

If you intend to remain in Mongolia for more than 30 days or if you do not have an entry/exit visa, you must register your stay with the Mongolian Immigration Agency in Ulaanbaatar within a week of arriving. Visitors who have been in Mongolia for more than 90 days must obtain an exit visa to leave the country. The exit visa is obtained from the Mongolian Immigration Agency office and usually takes 10 days to process.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy imprisonment served in local jails.

Mongolia does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Embassy to provide consular assistance to Irish/Mongolian dual nationals who are arrested or detained.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Mongolia is located in an active seismic zone. You should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, China in the event of an emergency.

There is a short rainy season from mid-July to mid-September. Dust storms occur between May and June.

Mongolia is subject to extreme temperatures (from minus thrity-five in the winter to plus thirty-five Degree Celcius in the summer).

Additional Country Info

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS 

The Irish Embassy in China is accredited to Mongolia. For contact details, please click here.(Opens in new window)