Importing a Pet to Mongolia: Permits, Health Certificates and Ulaanbaatar Entry

Mongolia is a destination that comes up less frequently in pet relocation conversations, but the country has a small and established expat community in Ulaanbaatar, and many NGO workers and diplomatic staff relocate there with animals. The import process is manageable but requires planning and the right paperwork.

Regulatory Authority

The General Agency for Veterinary and Breeding (GAVB) under Mongolia’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry oversees live animal imports. Customs veterinary officers at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) carry out the physical inspection on arrival.

Core Requirements for Pets Entering Mongolia

For cats and dogs arriving from most countries:

1. ISO microchip – 15-digit; implanted before vaccinations
2. Rabies vaccination – current and valid; primary vaccination at least 21 to 30 days before travel
3. Core vaccinations – dogs: distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis; cats: panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus
4. FAVN rabies antibody titre test – required for pets arriving from countries outside a recognised low-risk list; result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml; test conducted at an OIE-approved laboratory; allow at least 30 days between vaccination and the test, and confirm the current waiting period requirement with GAVB
5. Import permit – issued by GAVB; apply 3 to 4 weeks before travel with accompanying documentation
6. Official health certificate – issued by the government veterinary authority of the country of origin; must be translated into Mongolian or English; Mongolian customs may request a certified translation for health certificates in other languages

Entry via Chinggis Khaan International Airport

Almost all international pet arrivals come through Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN, also coded as MXX). MIAT Mongolian Airlines and a small number of international carriers (Aero Mongolia, Korean Air, Air China, Turkish Airlines) operate routes to Ulaanbaatar.

On arrival, the veterinary officer at the airport will inspect your documents. If everything is in order, your pet is released after the inspection. If documentation is incomplete, your animal may be detained at the airport veterinary holding facility.

Quarantine

Mongolia does not impose a mandatory quarantine period for pets from recognised countries with full documentation. However, GAVB has discretion to quarantine animals that appear ill or whose documentation raises concerns.

Export from Mongolia

When leaving Mongolia with a pet, you need an export certificate issued by GAVB. Contact the GAVB well in advance of departure as obtaining this certificate requires a veterinary inspection and can take several working days. The destination country’s specific health certificate requirements must also be met.

Living Conditions for Pets in Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar has a continental climate with extreme cold winters (temperatures regularly reach -30 degrees Celsius) and warm summers. If you are relocating with a cold-weather breed, they may cope well with the climate. Short-coated breeds and brachycephalic dogs will need appropriate clothing and shelter in winter.

Sources: General Agency for Veterinary and Breeding, Mongolia; OIE/WOAH country profile for Mongolia; MIAT Mongolian Airlines live animal cargo guidance.