Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/mongolia.tvl

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Mongolia - Consular Information Sheet
July 29, 1994

Country Description:  Mongolia is a country undergoing substantial political
and economic changes.  In June 1993, it held democratic elections for the
third time since the resignation of the former government in 1990.  Tourist
facilities and services are not widely available.

Entry Requirements:  Passports, visas, and an invitation from a Mongolian
host are required.   Multiple-entry visas can only be obtained in
Ulaanbaatar with the sponsorship of a Mongolian organization.  Transit visas
for stays of 48 hours or less require an onward ticket, a visa for the next
destination, and a fee of 15 dollars.  Foreign travelers to Mongolia, even
those staying fewer than ten days, are required to register with the police
at the Citizens' Information and Registration Center within ten days of
their arrival.  Visitors who fail to register may be stopped at departure,
denied exit, and fined at least 25 dollars.  A Tourist visa for up to 90
days requires confirmation from the Mongolian Travel Agency Zhuulchin, or
from a private Mongolian travel agency, and a 25 dollar fee.  For more
current information on visa issuance and fees and registration requirements,
the traveler may contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone [phone].

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in Mongolia are limited, and some
medicine is unavailable.  Plague, while relatively rare, is endemic to
Mongolia from August to October, and affected areas of the country may be
quarantined for limited periods during that time.  Doctors and hospitals
often expect immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical
insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  In some cases,
supplemental medical insurance with specific coverage abroad, including
provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful.  The international
travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, tel. (404)
332-4559, has additional useful health information.

Information on Crime:  Mongolia, and especially the capital, Ulaanbaatar, is
suffering from a dramatic rise in crime.  Petty thefts, such as
pickpocketing, are common.  Areas such as the Ulaanbaatar local market and
the state-run department store deserve special caution from travelers.  In
addition to theft, there have been reports of more violent assaults on
foreigners.  As the economic situation remains difficult, there is little
possibility that the level of crime will decrease or that the Mongolian
police will be able to deal effectively with the situation.  Thefts continue
aboard international trains between Mongolia and Russia.  The loss or theft
abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police
and the U.S. Embassy.  Useful information on guarding valuables and
protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the
Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  It is available from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  In Mongolia, penalties for possession, use or
trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect
jail sentences and fines.

Currency Regulations:  U.S. dollars are often accepted, especially in
tourist locations, but it is also useful to carry some cash in the local
currency, the Tugrik.  Thomas Cook Travelers Checks in U.S. dollars and
American Express Travelers Checks can also be used at the major hotels.  The
American Express card is acceptable in a few locations, as are Visa and
Mastercard.  Cash advances against credit cards are not obtainable, and
there are no international banks.  However, international bank wire
transfers are possible.

Winter Power Shortages:  Severe fuel shortages and problems with the central
heating and electrical systems cause seriously reduced heating levels and
power outages in Ulaanbaatar and the cities of Darhan and Erdenet during the
winter months of November through April.  Smaller towns in the countryside
may have no heat or electricity at all during these months.  The U.S.
Embassy advises all Americans resident in Mongolia to be prepared to
evacuate in case of complete energy systems failure.

Delay in Arrival of Checked Baggage:  Passengers arriving in Ulaanbaatar by
plane from Beijing routinely encounter prolonged delays in the delivery of
their checked luggage ranging from overnight to four days.   Travelers who
include warm clothing and other essentials in carry-on baggage decrease the
inconvenience experienced while waiting for their luggage.

Accommodations:  Hotels are few in number and are often fully booked.

Registration:  Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated
information on travel, security and health problems within the country.

Embassy Locations:  The U.S. Embassy is located in Micro Region 11, Big Ring
Road, Ulaanbaatar.  The telephone numbers are (976-1)329-095 and 329-606.

No. 94-140

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 9, 1993 and provides
updated currency information.