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Basic Information for Traveling to Mongolia

Safety Situation in Mongolia

Since the transition to a market economy in 1990, the Mongolian economy has developed rapidly, but the gap between rich and poor has widened. In 2022, 35,340 crimes were recorded, an increase of 38.9% over the previous year. Crime is concentrated in urban areas, and about 70% of all crime occurs in the capital Ulaanbaatar, home to about half of the total population (about 3.45 million). The crime travelers most often encounter is theft (pickpocketing, snatching, bag theft and so on). (The figures above are for 2022.)

You can check the latest crime situation in the safety guides published on your own embassy's website.

Before You Go: Register Your Trip

Many governments offer a free overseas travel registration system: simply register your itinerary, accommodation and contact details on a dedicated site to receive the latest safety information about your destination. Family members can also be added as email recipients so they receive the same information. In the event of a major incident, accident or disaster, it is used for safety checks and support by overseas missions. Please register before you leave.

Tips for Preventing Crime

To protect yourself, it is important not only to gather the latest information but also to take crime prevention measures.

Pickpockets

Be especially careful in crowded places such as markets (zakh), department stores, buses, stations and airports. In Ulaanbaatar, pickpocketing is common at the Narantuul market, around the Nomin Department Store, Gandan Monastery, Zaisan Tolgoi and other tourist spots. Do not put valuables such as wallets and passports in outer jacket pockets, chest pockets, back trouser pockets or other places easily reached from outside. Backpacks and bags carried on your back or shoulder can be opened or cut with a knife without your noticing. Always carry them in front of you and keep an eye on them. Do not use expensive-looking cameras or smartphones carelessly in public; take them out only when needed. Be careful when using cash too. Taking a long time to pull cash out of your wallet is like announcing "please target me." Pay smartly and finish quickly.

Bag Theft

Do not take your eyes off your hand luggage, even for a short time, while eating at a restaurant or on a moving train.

Robbery

Avoid walking alone at night and use reliable transportation such as trusted taxis. Day or night, use busy streets as much as possible and move in groups when you can. Do not approach groups of people needlessly. Carry only the minimum cash and valuables. If you encounter robbers with weapons or in groups, do not resist; hand over your belongings and put your own safety first.

Assault and Injury

Many cases of drink-related homicide, manslaughter, assault and injury occur. Never approach drunk people. Drink in moderation so that you do not become an offender yourself. In Mongolia, under the alcohol law, anyone judged to be intoxicated after midnight is held in a detention center for intoxicated persons (this also applies to foreigners).

Sexual Crimes

Women should avoid walking alone at night. Even in a group, do not go near public toilets, parks, quiet places or dark roads without streetlights at night. Do not easily accept invitations from strangers (meals, sightseeing guidance, etc.). Be careful with drinks offered by strangers. Avoid going out in revealing clothing.

Drug Crimes

Illegal drugs such as stimulants, cocaine, cannabis and synthetic drugs are in circulation, and cases of sales in busy districts and on the street continue. Both possession and use of drugs are severely punished. Never get involved with drugs.

Using Taxis

In Ulaanbaatar there are very few regular taxis operated by professional companies. Many locals use private taxis (unlicensed cabs), which have become an important means of transport, but trouble is not uncommon, so please avoid using them.

Traffic Accidents

Because of reckless driving, a rapid increase in the number of vehicles and inadequate road maintenance, traffic fatalities are about 7.1 times those of Japan. Pedestrians are not given priority, so be very careful of cars even on a crosswalk with a green light. In particular, the use of electric scooters has increased rapidly recently, and they dart out at considerable speed. There are also objects falling from buildings under construction and open manholes, so take great care when walking around town. Wear seat belts in cars and buses, even in the back seat.

If You Lose Your Passport

If you lose your passport, first go to the local police station and have a loss or theft report issued. Next, go to your country's embassy in Mongolia to have the passport invalidated and apply for a new passport or an emergency travel document for returning home. Copies of the photo page of your passport and of your air ticket or itinerary will speed up the procedure. Keep the copies in a different place from the originals.