Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:520 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!compuserve.COM!76702.1202 From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Mongolia Message-ID: <940801150402_76702.1202_CHN58-1@CompuServe.COM> Sender: daemon@world.std.com (World Mail) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 1 Aug 1994 15:04:02 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 104 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Mongolia ============================================================ 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 (202) 333-7117. 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.