Mongolia: Pope Francis to lead delegation on visit to Ulaanbaatar, Sept. 1-4

Event

Officials will likely impose tight security and traffic restrictions in Ulaanbaatar ahead of an official visit by Pope Francis and a 200-person delegation including the Vatican prime minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other high-ranking officials, Sept. 1-4. An additional 150 journalists and 3,500 tourists will travel to the city for the meeting. Heightened security measures and traffic restrictions will affect event venues, Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), and hotels and routes used by delegates. Official events are as follows:

• Sept. 1: Welcome ceremony at UBN.

• Sept. 2: Welcome ceremony at Sukhbaatar Square, meeting with the Mongolian president and other dignitaries at the State Palace, followed by a meeting with religious workers at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.

• Sept. 3: Interreligious meeting at HUN Theater, and mass at the Steppe Arena.

• Sept. 4: Inauguration program at the House of Mercy, and farewell ceremony at UBN.

Increased security is highly likely at stops on the Pope's itinerary. Authorities will probably erect checkpoints and block roads around the venues. Temporary road closures and localized traffic delays are also possible in other areas to facilitate the Pope's movements. Authorities could also temporarily close the airspace around Ulaanbaatar as the Pope arrives and departs the city on Sept 1 and 4; flight delays are possible at UBN. An increased number of travellers could also prompt processing delays at UBN.

Advice

Confirm all accommodation reservations, business appointments, road status, and travel arrangements in Ulaanbaatar, Sept. 1-4. Unless attending, consider avoiding venues on scheduled event dates due to likely road closures and increased congestion. Plan for localized traffic disruptions and flight delays. Allow additional time to reach destinations in Ulaanbaatar and confirm meetings near planned events. Allow additional time to clear security at UBN. Heed all official security and traffic advisories.