Foreign travel advice

Mongolia

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Mongolia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Mongolia.

Passport validity requirements   

To enter Mongolia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You do not need a visa to visit Mongolia as a tourist for up to 30 days within a 6-month period.

For longer stays, or for business, work or residency, you must apply for the type of visa you need. For more details, contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UK.

Registering with the authorities

Your hotel or landlord will register you using an app. If you are travelling independently or staying with friends, you must register yourself with the Mongolian Immigration Agency. You do not need to go in person.

The agency will issue you with a digital residence permit that shows your passport number, address, photograph and fingerprints. Always carry it when you are in Mongolia.

Borders with Mongolia

Mongolia takes border security very seriously and foreign nationals are not routinely allowed access to border areas. The authorities can regard zones of up to 100km inside the border as a border area. If you wish to travel in these areas, you must get permission from the State Frontier Guard Authority. Only a few specified land border crossings are open to foreigners.

Border points open to British citizens

There are normally 8 border points open to British passport holders:

  • Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar
  • Zamin Uud – road and train crossing to China
  • Bulgan – road crossing to China in the west
  • Bichigt – road crossing to China in the south-east
  • Tsagaannuur – road crossing to Russia in the far west
  • Sukhbaatar – train crossing to Russia
  • Altanbulag – road crossing to Russia
  • Ereen-Tsav – road crossing to Russia

You may not cross into China or Russia at other border points, as they are only open to Mongolians, Chinese or Russians.

If you travel by train across the China-Mongolia border, expect a delay of a few hours as the railways use different gauges.

It is difficult to get visas for China or Russia in Mongolia. Ask the Chinese and Russian embassies in London about their visa requirements before travelling to Mongolia.

Mongolia-Russia border

You can only enter Mongolia from Russia on public buses, trains, taxis or private vehicles. All international flights are suspended.

Russian border officials will carefully examine your travel documents.

If you have arrived in Mongolia from Russia and need assistance, call +976 (11) 458 133 and select the option ‘consular services for British nationals’.   

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Mongolia guide.

Travelling with children

Adults accompanying children other than their own should have a notarised letter from the parents or legal guardian to confirm the arrangement.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Mongolia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

If you become involved in a commercial dispute or a criminal investigation about a customs matter, you may be held in Mongolia until it is resolved. Ask to speak to the British Embassy, especially if the authorities say you must accept a travel ban.

Bringing your vehicle to Mongolia  

If you plan to enter Mongolia at a land border crossing in your own vehicle, inform the tax authorities and border troops in advance – contact Mongolian Customs (in Mongolian). You must complete a customs declaration form – you can do this at the border or at Ulaanbaatar City Customs Office, next to the train station. Make sure you have all the vehicle documents, including your driving licence, ownership records and insurance.

If you do not leave Mongolia in the vehicle you used to enter the country, you must pay customs tax. The amount of tax depends on the vehicle’s engine size and value. For information, see Mongolian Customs (in Mongolian).

If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be fixed, you must pay for it to be transported out of Mongolia or sell it to a local mechanic.

If you sell your broken-down vehicle to a mechanic, you must still pay customs tax when you leave. You must show the customs office evidence you sold the vehicle (proof of sale document, photos, a letter from the mechanic and a police report).

You must not leave your vehicle unattended or abandon it. If you do, Mongolian Customs will contact the British Embassy and send you a fine. If you leave your vehicle in Mongolia, you must pay to store it with a mechanic or at an official customs warehouse. When you leave the country, you must submit a customs declaration form and show your driving licence, car ownership records and evidence of valid insurance.