To minimize COVID-19 transmission during the upcoming Tsagaan Sar holiday, the Mongolian government has announced that a state of “all-out-preparedness” and associated lockdown measures will be reimposed in Ulaanbaatar beginning at 0600 on February 11 and continuing until at least 0600 on February 23.

U.S. citizens should expect the reimposition of anti-COVID-19 measures adopted during previous lockdowns, including the suspension of non-essential businesses, movement restrictions (both vehicular and pedestrian), ongoing contact tracing, etc., although enforcement of these measures is expected to be more stringent than during similar previous periods. The public is once again urged to stay home and leave only to buy groceries, medicines, and other necessities. Grocery stores and pharmacies are expected to remain open, and one adult from each household will be permitted to visit these locations during pre-approved hours. Schools remain closed and public gatherings prohibited.

In addition, the government has announced its intention to conduct COVID-19 testing of one individual per household throughout Ulaanbaatar. Registered foreigners are not exempt from this requirement, and U.S. citizens should anticipate testing requests from local health authorities. The current proposal includes the potential of fines up to 500,000 MNT for those found in violation of the stay-at-home order and 100,000 MNT for refusing mandatory COVID-19 testing.

City residents working in non-essential industries will be prohibited from traveling via car, with QR codes required of authorized drivers. Public transportation will also be limited to those traveling for work in pre-approved sectors and will be limited to the hours of 0700 – 1000 and 1700 – 2000. (Limited exceptions will continue to apply for health emergencies, funeral services, and the purchase of utilities/heating supplies.)

U.S. citizens in Ulaanbaatar are encouraged to maintain adequate emergency provisions (food, water, medications, etc.) in the event the lockdown is extended or they are required to quarantine in place. U.S. citizens can also review previous Embassy announcements containing guidance on the measures adopted by the Mongolian government related to the community transmission of COVID-19 by visiting: https://mn.usembassy.gov/.../security-and-travel.../.

Update on Consular Services

The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar will once again suspend all consular services effective February 11. Services will resume as soon as they are deemed safe for visa applicants and U.S. citizens. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance, please contact +976 7007-6001.