Do Not Travel to Mongolia due to the Global Health Advisory and Mongolia’s suspension of all international travel in response to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in neighboring countries.
On March 10, 2020, Mongolia suspended travel to and from foreign locations until at least March 28. Virtually all commercial flights, passenger rail, and auto traffic into and out of Mongolia are suspended during this time period. Domestic air and rail travel will also be suspended from March 10 until at least March 16. For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19-related issues affecting travelers in Mongolia please see the U.S Embassy in Mongolia’s COVID-19 Information page.
On February 25, 2020, the Department of State allowed for the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and all family members. On March 12, the Department ordered the departure of all nonessential personnel due to travel, transport, and other restrictions related to Mongolia’s response to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.
Travelers already in Mongolia should be prepared for the potential implementation of further measures with little or no advance notice affecting their ability to move within or depart from Mongolia. Travelers should also review and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus. U.S. citizens currently in Mongolia should attempt to depart by commercial means as soon as it becomes feasible to do so.
U.S. citizens remaining in Mongolia should follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Mongolian health authorities’ guidance for prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment. We strongly urge U.S. citizens remaining in Mongolia to stay home as much as possible and limit contact with others, including large gatherings. Consider stocking up on food and other supplies to limit movement outside the home. If the situation deteriorates further, the ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide assistance to U.S. nationals within Mongolia may be limited.
The country’s health system continues to be taxed by normal seasonal illnesses. Hospital capacity in Ulaanbaatar remains limited, and the additional travel restrictions announced on March 10 may impede people seeking medical evacuation.
The Government of Mongolia has announced many precautionary measures, including:
- Eliminating travel into and out of Mongolia.
- Placing travelers in mandatory quarantine upon arrival from specific countries or if they exhibit symptoms identifiable with COVID-19.
- Requesting that all travelers arriving from abroad self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Prohibiting all public gatherings, events, and meetings, such as conferences, sporting events, and concerts.
- Prohibiting school age children from public locations such as restaurants and shopping malls.
- Closing schools and universities.
- Restricting the operating hours of restaurants, bars, and other public locations.
- Closing public offices, libraries, and community centers.
- Suspending intercity traffic and limiting access to public transportation.
Health officials have quarantined some travelers, including U.S. citizens, and are actively screening passengers for COVID-19 symptoms at land borders, airports, and at inspection points on roads. Mongolian health authorities are also currently conducting contact tracing for suspected cases of COVID-19.
The situation is evolving rapidly, and the above restrictions may be expanded or prolonged.
If you travel to Mongolia, you should:
Last Update: Updated with increased Advisory level due to the coronavirus outbreak.
