Yes, Mongolia is a very safe country and one of the safest destinations for travellers. It ranks 37th of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index 2025 (Institute for Economics & Peace), and the US State Department gives it Level 1, “Exercise normal precautions”, its lowest advisory level (travel.state.gov). Violent crime against tourists is rare, people are famously hospitable, and the countryside is one of the most peaceful places you can travel.
Quick answer: Mongolia is safe, including for solo and women travellers. The real risks are practical rather than criminal: pickpockets in crowded parts of Ulaanbaatar, long drives on rough tracks, sudden weather changes and distance from hospitals. A good driver and travel insurance cover most of them.
Why Mongolia is so safe
- Low crime against visitors. Serious incidents involving tourists are uncommon, especially in the countryside.
- A culture of hospitality. Nomadic families traditionally welcome travellers into their ger, and helping people on the road is expected.
- Space. About 3.5 million people live in a country the size of Western Europe. The countryside is quiet, open and uncrowded.
The real risks, and how to handle them
| Risk | Where | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Pickpocketing and bag snatching | Crowded places in Ulaanbaatar: markets, buses, Naadam crowds | Zipped bag in front of you, phone not in a back pocket |
| Road safety | Long countryside drives, driving at night | Travel with an experienced driver and avoid night driving |
| Weather | Everywhere, all year | Carry warm layers even in summer and follow your driver's advice |
| Dogs | Around gers in the countryside | Wait in the car until the family holds the dogs |
| Late-night alcohol | Some bars in Ulaanbaatar | Take an app taxi home |
| Winter air pollution | Ulaanbaatar, December to February | Limit time in the city; a mask helps |
Solo and women travellers
Many solo travellers and women travel in Mongolia every year without problems. The usual precautions apply: share your itinerary, avoid walking alone late at night in Ulaanbaatar and use app taxis. In the countryside you travel with a driver and stay with families or in camps, which is a big part of why it feels so safe. We stay in contact with our travellers on WhatsApp for the whole trip.
Check current alerts before you travel
Safe does not mean nothing ever changes. In 2026 the US Embassy published notices about a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, including travel restrictions in Bayan-Ölgii province, and about temporary fuel rationing (US Embassy in Mongolia). Check your government's travel advice, for example GOV.UK, a few days before departure. We also tell our customers about anything that affects their route.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 102
- Ambulance: 103
- Fire: 101
Frequently asked questions
Is Mongolia safe for tourists?
Yes. Mongolia ranks 37th of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index 2025 and has the US Level 1 advisory, the lowest level. Most risks are practical, such as long drives and pickpocketing in crowded places.
Is Mongolia safe for women travelling alone?
Yes, with normal precautions. Many women travel solo in Mongolia; avoid walking alone late at night in Ulaanbaatar and use app taxis.
What is the biggest risk in Mongolia?
For most travellers it is the roads. An experienced driver and avoiding night driving make the biggest difference.
Sources
- Institute for Economics & Peace: Global Peace Index 2025
- U.S. Department of State: Mongolia Travel Advisory
- U.S. Embassy in Mongolia
- GOV.UK: Mongolia travel advice
Travelling solo or with family?
Tell us who is travelling and where. We plan routes with trusted drivers and stay in touch on WhatsApp for the whole trip.
Message us on WhatsAppOr email mugi@emongolia.eu with your travel month and planned route.