Mongolia, the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, offers vast steppes, the Gobi Desert, and nomadic culture unchanged for centuries. Experience horseback riding across endless grasslands, stay in traditional gers, and witness the ancient traditions of eagle hunting and throat singing.
Mongolia is generally a safe destination for travelers with low rates of violent crime targeting tourists. The main concerns are opportunistic petty theft in Ulaanbaatar (especially during Naadam), street taxi overcharging, and the significant physical hazards of remote wilderness travel. Exercise normal urban caution in the capital and hire licensed operators for countryside expeditions.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal precautions in Ulaanbaatar. Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas and during festivals. Take increased precautions for remote travel — extreme weather, isolation, and limited emergency services create serious risks. Register countryside travel plans with your embassy.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions
Mongolia generally safe. Take usual precautions against petty crime in crowded urban areas. Extra care in remote regions due to extreme weather and limited emergency services.
Normal Precautions
Mongolia is low risk overall. Petty theft in Ulaanbaatar particularly during Naadam. Remote travel hazards are the main concern — extreme cold, flash floods, and no rescue infrastructure in rural areas.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Beware of pickpockets during Naadam Festival and Tsagaan Sar
Avoid unlit streets in Ulaanbaatar at night
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps
Declare cash over $4,370 USD at customs
Stay away from political demonstrations
Register with your embassy upon arrival — embassies for most nationalities are in Ulaanbaatar.
Extreme cold (down to -40 C in winter) requires proper layering; hypothermia is a real risk outside the capital.
Carry a basic medical kit and travel insurance that covers medical evacuation; rural hospitals are very limited.
Hire only licensed, reputable tour operators for Gobi or steppe trips — getting stranded in remote areas can be dangerous.
Do not photograph military installations, police, or government buildings; always ask permission before photographing nomadic families.
Alcoholism rates are relatively high; avoid confrontations with intoxicated individuals, especially at night in Ulaanbaatar.
Stray dogs in rural areas and ger districts can be aggressive — keep your distance and carry a walking stick.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed street taxis (often private cars acting as taxis) quote inflated fares to tourists, especially at the airport and near tourist sites.
How to avoid: Always use UBCab or Bolt app for rides. If using street taxis, agree on the price before entering the vehicle.
Cashmere Quality Scam
Market vendors at Narantuul sell low-quality synthetic fabrics labeled as genuine cashmere, particularly in areas frequented by tourists.
How to avoid: Buy from reputable shops like the State Department Store, Gobi Cashmere official outlet, or Mary and Martha Mongolia. Test by stretching — real cashmere is extremely soft and springs back.
Fake Tour Operator
Unofficial 'tour operators' at guesthouses and near Sükhbaatar Square collect deposits for tours then disappear or substitute poor-quality alternatives.
How to avoid: Book tours through established operators or directly through your guesthouse. Check TripAdvisor reviews. Pay deposits by card where possible.
Naadam Ticket Scam
During Naadam Festival, scalpers sell fake premium tickets outside the National Stadium at inflated prices.
How to avoid: Buy official stadium tickets through your hotel concierge or at official points of sale. Free public viewing areas are available without tickets.
Money Exchange Shortchanging
Unofficial money changers in markets sometimes shortchange tourists by using fast counting techniques or distraction.
How to avoid: Exchange money only at banks (Golomt Bank, Khan Bank) or official exchange desks. Count your money carefully before leaving.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines recommended (MMR, DPT, polio, flu). Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended for most travelers. Rabies vaccine for extended rural stays or work with animals. Japanese Encephalitis if visiting rural areas in summer. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
- Water
- Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout Mongolia. Bottled water widely available in Ulaanbaatar (₮800-1,500/$0.23-0.42 per liter). In the countryside, use purification tablets or a filter. Most ger camps provide boiled water for guests.
- Food
- Food at reputable restaurants and hotels is generally safe. Street food at busy vendors is acceptable — choose high turnover stalls. Avoid market produce that looks old or has been sitting in warm temperatures. Wash hands frequently.
- Facilities
- Ulaanbaatar has several private hospitals including SOS Medica Mongolia and the First Central Hospital that can handle most medical situations. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended for remote travel — rural hospitals are extremely limited and emergency response times in the Gobi or far western regions can be hours or days.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Mongolia is generally safe for solo travelers. The main risks are petty theft in crowded city areas and isolation during remote countryside trips. Use ride apps rather than street taxis, stay in social guesthouses where staff provide local safety advice, and never undertake remote steppe or desert travel alone — always hire a local driver-guide.
Female travellers
Mongolia is relatively safe for solo female travelers by regional standards. Cultural attitudes are conservative but sexual harassment of tourists is uncommon. Standard precautions apply: avoid walking alone late at night in Ulaanbaatar's peripheral districts, use ride apps, and stay in reputable guesthouses. In remote areas, hiring a female guide where possible provides additional comfort.
Families
Mongolia is family-friendly with Mongolians being very welcoming to children. Main safety considerations are long drives on rough roads (bring motion sickness medication), UV exposure at high altitude, and ensuring children have appropriate cold-weather clothing. Medical facilities adequate in Ulaanbaatar but very limited in the countryside — bring a first aid kit and child-specific medications.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is legal in Mongolia but same-sex relationships have no legal recognition. Public acceptance is low, particularly outside Ulaanbaatar. A small but growing LGBTQ+ community exists in the capital. Discretion is strongly recommended to avoid potential harassment or unwanted attention. There are no specific legal protections for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 102
- Medical
- 103
- Embassy
- Most major country embassies are located in Ulaanbaatar's Sükhbaatar and Chingeltei districts. Register with your embassy on arrival for extended stays.
- Tourist Police
- Dedicated tourist police patrol central Ulaanbaatar during summer tourist season. Contact via the main police number 102 or the Tourism Police hotline at the Information Center near Sükhbaatar Square.