Mongolia

Recommended Vaccinations For Mongolia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

For Some Travellers

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.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

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.

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.

Recommended Medications For Mongolia

There are no recommendations for Mongolia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Mongolia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Mongolia.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Mongolia through contaminated food or water.

For Some Travellers

Scrub Typhus

Scrub typhus generally occurs year-round in areas of Mongolia.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in Mongolia through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever in Mongolia.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in the country. The infection is transmitted by the bite of infected phlebotomine sandfly.

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.

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).

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.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Mongolia. Bats may also carry rabies-like viruses.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.

Safety & Security in Mongolia

Personal Safety

Mongolia is generally a safe destination for travelers. The country holds a Level One travel advisory from the United States and ranks 45th out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index, ahead of popular destinations like the United States, Thailand, and Brazil. Petty crime remains the primary concern, particularly in Ulaanbaatar where pickpocketing and bag snatching occur frequently in crowded areas like markets, the State Department Store, Gandan Monastery, and on public transport. Crime rates spike during major festivals including Naadam in July and Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) in January or February. Violent crime against foreigners is uncommon but does happen. Assaults have been reported even during daylight hours in busy areas. You may encounter instances of xenophobia, particularly in situations involving intoxicated individuals. Some ultra-nationalist groups have targeted foreigners, with reports of attacks on foreign men accompanied by Mongolian or Asian women. Criminals posing as police officers have robbed tourists, especially around Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar. If approached, ask to see police credentials and offer to go to the police station. Legitimate Mongolian police officers wear name tags on their uniforms and carry identification. Police corruption remains a concern, and locals often express distrust in law enforcement. Do not walk alone after dark in Ulaanbaatar. Outside the capital, crime rates drop significantly and rural areas are considered safer, though infrastructure and support services are limited. In remote countryside areas, nomadic hospitality remains strong, and travelers often report feeling welcomed and safe.

Extreme Violence

Mongolia has no recent history of terrorism, though authorities acknowledge attacks cannot be ruled out. The country is considered to have a low terrorism threat. There are no active terrorist groups, no religious extremism, and no civil unrest. Mongolia abolished the death penalty in 2012 and has no mandatory military service. The country has been characterized as a stable environment since its peaceful transition to democracy in the 1990s. Mongolia’s homicide rate stands at approximately 6 incidents per 100,000 people. Due to the low population density, each incident appears amplified in crime statistics compared to more populous countries. The country is an origin, transit, and destination for human trafficking, with sexual exploitation being the main form. Women and children are particularly vulnerable due to high levels of gender-based violence and gender inequality. While violent crime exists, it is not common outside the capital and remains relatively rare even in Ulaanbaatar. Most violent incidents occur late at night, often outside bars and nightclubs. Caution is recommended at night or in deserted and poorly lit areas. Mongolia maintains relationships with neighboring countries and international organizations including INTERPOL to address cross-border organized crime. The country has signed intergovernmental agreements on combating terrorism with Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations occur periodically in Mongolia, most commonly in the capital Ulaanbaatar. Protests can escalate from peaceful gatherings into violent confrontations. In December 2022, protesters angry over a corruption scandal attempted to storm government buildings. In January 2025, demonstrations organized by the Liberté party drew hundreds of participants calling for government resignation over air pollution, traffic congestion, poverty, corruption, taxation, and unemployment. From May to June 2025, sustained protests erupted after social media posts revealed the lavish lifestyle of the prime minister’s family. Young Mongolians gathered in Sukhbaatar Square calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai. The protests continued for over two weeks, resulting in a vote of no confidence and the prime minister’s resignation in early June 2025. Over 59,000 people signed a petition citing high inflation, press freedom restrictions, and corruption as grievances. Protesters blocked traffic on roads, including major thoroughfares. Avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations. Monitor local media for updates. Even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to become confrontational and escalate into violence. There have been reports of law enforcement using disproportionate force and engaging in arbitrary arrests to disperse protests. During major protests, expect heightened police presence and traffic disruptions.

Areas To Avoid

In Ulaanbaatar, exercise particular caution in several areas. The State Department Store and surrounding area are targeted by organized pickpocket gangs who operate at entries, exits, and elevators. Sukhbaatar Square has seen incidents of criminals posing as police officers to rob travelers. The area around the Circus is another hotspot for organized pickpocket activity. Naraantuul (the Black Market) and other open-air markets are prime locations for pickpocketing, especially when crowded. The Central Post Office sees increased petty crime. Chinggis Khan International Airport is targeted by organized groups for robbery and pickpocketing. Avoid the northern, northwestern, and northeastern suburbs of Ulaanbaatar, as these areas are considered higher risk for mugging. Foreigners are easily identifiable in these locations. The city center and neighborhoods around Zaisan in the southern part of the city are safer and better developed. In rural Mongolia, avoid drinking from streams, lakes, and other water sources as livestock often graze nearby and contaminate the water. Remote areas present challenges due to limited infrastructure, lack of police presence, and extreme weather conditions. When traveling to the Gobi Desert region during dust storm season (May and June), you expose yourself to serious safety risks. Venture into remote areas only with experienced guides and proper equipment.