Mongolia Holidays
Endless steppe, Gobi Desert dunes, and nomadic culture under the biggest skies on earth. Get flights, travel tips, and essential info for Mongolia.
€1 = ₮4,180
Today
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Weather in Mongolia
Sun
Mon
Tue
SPF level in Mongolia
Autumn
SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 15
Entry requirements for Mongolia
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Mongolia.
British citizens can visit Mongolia for tourism for up to 30 days without a visa until 31 December 2026.
Always make sure a border control officer stamps your passport on entry to avoid issues when leaving.
When staying independently or with friends, you must register with the Mongolian Immigration Agency to receive a digital residence permit to carry.
You can take a maximum of 15 million Mongolian tugriks in cash into the country.
Good to know:
Adults travelling with children who are not their own must carry a notarised letter of permission from the child's parents or legal guardian.
You must declare cash or travellers cheques valued at 10,000 US dollars or more on arrival to receive a certificate and avoid seizure on departure.
Safety in Mongolia
Mongolia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport as the police will not accept a copy and you could be fined.
Pickpockets often operate in markets and crowded places, especially during the Tsagaan Sar and Naadam festivals.
Avoid being out alone at night, especially in Ulaanbaatar, as foreigners have been assaulted and robbed.
Only use licensed taxis like VIP Taxis or the trackable app UBCab when hailing a ride.
Never photograph or video police, police escorts, or military personnel as this is illegal and can lead to arrest and a fine.
Bonus tips:
Be aware of fuel shortages which may affect flights and road travel, so check with your provider and allow extra time.
If driving in rural Mongolia, research your route and take backup communication, water, and provisions as roads are poor and signposting is minimal.
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Driving in Mongolia
A UK driving license is accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Mongolia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Mongolia
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. Check that it covers the activities you plan to do, such as trekking or horse riding. You will be charged for medical assistance if you are not insured.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized advice on vaccinations and necessary precautions. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Food hygiene standards may vary, so be cautious about where you eat. Altitude sickness can be a risk in mountainous areas; ascend gradually and stay hydrated. Air pollution can be a concern in Ulaanbaatar, especially during winter.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments in Ulaanbaatar, such as hotels, restaurants, and department stores. However, cash is still widely used, especially in smaller towns, markets, and for transportation.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Mongolia
Tipping in Mongolia is not as customary as in some Western countries, but it is becoming increasingly common, especially in tourist-related services. While not mandatory, a small tip for good service is always appreciated.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service, or round up the bill. Not expected but appreciated.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small tip for exceptional service.
Taxi
Round up the fare to the nearest 500-1000 MNT.
Hotel Porter
500-1000 MNT per bag is appreciated, especially in higher-end hotels.
Hotel Housekeeper
1000-2000 MNT per day, left at the end of your stay, would be a kind gesture.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Mongolia. Purchasing a local SIM card can be a more cost-effective option for data and calls.
Local SIM
10 GB for 30,000 MNT (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Mongolia
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar. Coverage is less common in rural areas.
Average speed
15 Mbps
Many hotels and cafes offer free WiFi, but the speed and reliability can vary. Purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan is a good alternative for reliable internet access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
101
Police
102
Ambulance
103
Fire
101
Save 101 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Mongolia
Country code
976
To call Mongolia from abroad, dial 976 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
12th Floor, Central Tower, Sükhbaatar Square 8, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia
Phone
+976 11 458133
Website
Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Khovd Airport
Ulaangom Airport
Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport
Olgii Airport
Altai Airport
Recent updates
Entry Requirements
A Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak is currently active in the western provinces of Khovd, Bayan-Ulgii, Govi-Altai and Selenge.
Mongolian authorities are taking action, but other provinces could be affected at short notice.
Travel Disruption
There are now reports of fuel shortages in Mongolia, including aviation fuel.
Fuel supply disruptions may affect domestic and international flights, road travel, and access to remote areas.
Check with your airline or transport provider before traveling and allow extra time for journeys.
Beaches in Mongolia
No beaches listed for Mongolia yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.