01 Jul 2021 | 07:56 PM UTC
Mongolia: COVID-19-related restrictions remain largely unchanged as of July 1 by comparison with those in force during early June /update 26
COVID-19 controls in Mongolia remain largely unchanged as of July 1 with only minor amendments since early June.
Event
As of July 1, the COVID-19 controls in force in Mongolia remain largely unchanged with only some minor amendments having been made to the measures since the first week of June. Under current directives, most classes of nonessential businesses are allowed to operate, though capacity limits are in place at restaurants. Patrons of some establishments must use quick response (QR) code health certificates certifying vaccination status. Long-distance ground transportation services are running in most locations, although passengers must provide evidence of vaccination, COVID-19 antibodies, or COVID-19 tests taken with the previous 72 hours. Checkpoints are in place to ensure compliance with the transport controls. As of early July, stricter ground transport controls continue in the aimags of Arkhangai, Bulgan, Gobi-Altai, Gobisumber, Darkhan-Uul, Zavkhan, Orkhon, and Selenge. Individuals wishing to travel to, from, or within the designated areas must first apply for official permission.
Authorities may continue to impose highly localized lockdowns in residential buildings and businesses that have reported COVID-19 exposure in the capital. Residents, employees, and patrons of these locations must undergo COVID-19 testing and quarantine until receiving negative test results. Authorities will require close contacts of COVID-19 cases and their household members to quarantine for seven days, followed by a seven-day self-quarantine. Officials will require suspected cases stemming from an outbreak site to quarantine for at least seven days.
Travel Restrictions
Some chartered flights are operational for Mongolian nationals, permanent residents, some long-term visa holders, and other permitted arrivals. Officials may allow foreign nationals to apply for entry visas if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. International passenger flights remain restricted; authorities have authorized 23 round-trip international flights in July. Passenger rail transport remains banned. Arrivals from abroad must present negative COVID-19 tests taken no more than 72 hours prior to the beginning of their travel. International arrivals are required to quarantine in government-run facilities at their own expense for at least seven days. Individuals with recent travel history in countries with significant COVID-19 variant activity are required to quarantine for 14 days. Arrivals who have evidence of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may be exempted from quarantine requirements.
The government has reopened most border checkpoints for international cargo transport. However, international passenger ground transport is only allowed at the Zamiin-Uud and Altanbulag border checkpoints.
Advice
Consider postponing travel to Mongolia if affected by travel restrictions. Register with your diplomatic mission if attempting to depart Mongolia. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Confirm all domestic transport arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Plan for potential shipping disruptions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
