Travel Update: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Restrictions in Western Mongolia
Updated: June 13, 2026
We would like to clarify the current travel situation in western Mongolia regarding foot-and-mouth disease restrictions, especially after the recent health alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar.
The Embassy alert stated that travel to Bayan-Ölgii Province is prohibited. Based on current local government information and our direct local experience as a tour operator based in Ölgii, this statement does not accurately reflect the situation in Bayan-Ölgii Province as a whole.
At this time, quarantine restrictions in Bayan-Ölgii apply only to specific affected soums and areas. Travel is currently restricted in Altai and Delüün soums, while the rest of Bayan-Ölgii Province is not under a general travel ban.
For other areas of Bayan-Ölgii Province, travelers do not need a special permit or registration to travel. Tours are continuing normal, and our current trips have been operating without problems or restrictions affecting the itinerary.
We respectfully ask the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar to review and correct this information, as broad statements may cause unnecessary concern among travelers and do not reflect the current local situation on the ground.
Travel Situation in Khovd Province
In Khovd Province, quarantine measures are currently in place in some areas. However, tourists have still been able to travel with official movement permits arranged through their tour agency.
So far, our travelers have not been stuck or prevented from continuing their trips when permits were arranged properly in advance. We recently had clients land in Khovd Province and continue their journey to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and Ölgii without any problems.
Our Current Tours
Kazakh Tour’s trips in western Mongolia are continuing as planned in areas not affected by quarantine restrictions. Our tours are running normally, and we continue to monitor the situation closely every day.
We fully respect all health and quarantine regulations and continue to coordinate with local emergency and veterinary authorities. Travelers should follow official local instructions, avoid affected livestock areas, and work with a registered local tour operator to arrange any required permits before travel.
Advice for Travelers
Before making travel decisions, we strongly recommend checking the latest local information with a reliable tour operator based in the region. Conditions can change, and accurate local guidance is important.
For accurate and up-to-date travel information in Bayan-Ölgii, Khovd, and western Mongolia, please contact us directly.
Kazakh Tour LLC
Ölgii City, Bayan-Ölgii Province, Mongolia
Email: dosjan@kazakhtour.com
WhatsApp: +976 99422006
Website: www.kazakhtour.com
Travel Update: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Situation in Bayan-Ölgii Province
According to the Bayan-Ölgii Provincial Governor’s order dated 10 June 2026, quarantine measures related to Foot-and-Mouth Disease have been adjusted in several areas.
The strict quarantine in Ulgii city and parts of Bugat soum has been reduced to a 14-day restricted movement regime starting from 13:00 on 10 June. This means travelers and tourists no longer need special movement permits to enter or leave Ulgii city.
However, full quarantine remains in place in Altai soum, and a new quarantine has been introduced in Delüün soum due to confirmed new cases.
Disinfection checkpoints will operate on routes from Ulgii toward Ulaanbaatar, Khovd, Uvs, Buyant, Tolbo, and Tsagaannuur border crossing. Livestock movement between affected areas is fully prohibited. Public events involving large gatherings, horse races, and the movement of livestock products from high-risk areas are also restricted until further notice.
Update: 11 Jun, 2026
Travel Update: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Situation in Bayan-Ölgii Province
Updated: 07 Jun 2026
The foot-and-mouth disease situation in Western Mongolia continues to develop. According to the latest announce from local administration, additional cases have been reported in Altai soum of Bayan-Ölgii Province, and confirmed cases have also been recorded in Delüün soum. There are also reports of suspected cases in Tolbo soum, although these have not yet been officially confirmed.
Due to the current situation, movement in and out of Ulgii city is now strictly restricted. Local authorities are allowing travel only with official permission from the Local Emergency Commission.
For tourists, travel is still be possible with the correct permit. In most cases, your local tour operator or travel agent can apply for the movement permit on your behalf one day before your arrival or travel date. Travelers are strongly advised not to attempt independent movement without checking the latest local regulations first.
Kazakh Tour is closely monitoring the situation and continues to assist travelers with updated information, route planning, and permit arrangements where possible.
For the latest travel advice and permit support, please contact Kazakh Tour:
Email: dosjan@kazakhtour.com
WhatsApp: +976 9942 2006
Update: 07 Jun, 2026
Travel Update: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Situation in Bulgan Soum, Khovd Province
Date of local report: 06 June 2026
Local authorities in Bulgan soum, Khovd Province have reported an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among livestock.
According to information from the veterinary department, as of 06 June 2026, approximately 154 cattle from 25 households in 6 herder groups have shown signs of illness or are suspected of being infected. The local veterinary and emergency authorities are continuing control and prevention measures in the affected area.
Foot-and-mouth disease is classified as a highly contagious livestock disease. There is currently no specific treatment for infected animals, and the disease can cause serious economic damage to herder families. Authorities are taking necessary actions, including inspection, restriction of livestock movement, disinfection, and other disease-control measures.
Residents and travelers are advised to cooperate with local officials, follow movement restrictions where required, and report any suspected cases of livestock illness to the relevant veterinary authorities.
Information for Travelers
At this stage, travelers planning to visit Western Mongolia, including Khovd Province, Bayan-Ölgii Province, and the Altai region, should stay updated through their local tour operator before travel. In some areas, local permits or temporary movement controls may be required depending on the latest decision of the Emergency Commission. Bulgan, Uyench counties are under quaranteen now. So travelers are not advised to go to this direction.
Kazakh Tour will continue to monitor the situation and assist our travelers with updated information, travel permits, and safe route planning where necessary.
For the latest travel information, please contact:
Email: dosjan@kazakhtour.com
WhatsApp: +976 9942 2006
Update: 07 Jun, 2026
info for travelers:
For travelers flying from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii or Khovd, there are currently no flight restrictions. Travelers arriving from Russia or Uvs Province may also visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park without major difficulty.
However, due to the current foot-and-mouth disease prevention measures, travelers need to obtain a movement permit from the local Emergency Commission. To avoid delays and ensure smooth transfers, the tour operator or travel agent should arrange this permit at least one day in advance on behalf of the travelers.
For assistance or travel updates:
Kazakh Tour LLC
Email: dosjan@kazakhtour.com
WhatsApp: +976 9942 2006
Update: 31st May, 2026
Temporary restrictions in Khovd.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Case Confirmed in Bulgan Soum, Khovd Province
According to the Khovd Province Governor’s Office, a case of highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed in Bulgan soum, Khovd Province. Laboratory testing by the Central Veterinary Laboratory confirmed that the disease is the “SAT-1” type.
Following the situation, the Khovd Provincial Emergency Commission held a meeting and has started taking the necessary control and prevention measures. As of today, 32 cattle from seven households have been reported as infected. Similar symptoms have also been reported in the direction of the Bayanmod border post.
According to official information, there is currently no vaccine available in Mongolia for the “SAT-1” type of foot-and-mouth disease. The required vaccine is reportedly obtained from Turkey. This is considered a serious and highly contagious livestock disease that can spread through airborne transmission, vehicles, people, and wild animals.
Herders in soums bordering Bayan-Ölgii Province are being advised not to graze their livestock over long distances and to strictly follow the instructions and recommendations of the relevant authorities.
At present, nine control posts have been established in Bulgan soum, and one post has been set up in the Khashaat area of Erdenebüren soum. Movement in some directions is being temporarily restricted.
Kazakh Tour is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide timely updates regarding travel conditions, local permits, and official decisions that may affect tourism movements in western Mongolia.
update: 31 June, 2026
For assistance or travel updates:
Kazakh Tour LLC
Email: dosjan@kazakhtour.com
WhatsApp: +976 9942 2006
Travel Notice: Temporary Movement Restrictions in Bayan-Ölgii Province
Bayan-Ölgii Province, Mongolia – 26 May 2026
A temporary movement restriction has been introduced in Bayan-Ölgii Province following a reported outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease among cattle in Altai soum and Ölgii town, the provincial center of Bayan-Ölgii.
According to local emergency measures, a special situation has been declared in the affected areas. As a result, movement out of Ölgii town is currently restricted.
Travelers entering Ölgii town may not be permitted to leave, or their movement may be limited under the current quarantine and control measures. Residents, visitors, and tourists are advised to take this situation seriously and check the latest local instructions before making travel plans.
Preliminary information suggests that the quarantine measures may continue for several days. Tourists who are currently traveling in Bayan-Ölgii Province, or those planning to travel to the region, should follow all official decisions, safety instructions, and movement regulations issued by the Bayan-Ölgii Provincial Emergency Commission.
Update: 28 May 2026
Although movement restrictions remain in place, the local government and emergency authorities are working to support tourists and reduce unnecessary disruption to travel plans. According to the latest local information, officials are trying to assist travelers by reviewing individual cases and, where possible, issuing permits for travel movement under the current control measures.
Travelers are advised not to make independent movement decisions without official permission. Anyone planning to enter or leave Ölgii town should first confirm the latest requirements with local authorities, tour operators, or the Provincial Emergency Commission.
Kazakh Tour will continue to monitor the situation and advise travelers accordingly. Guests with upcoming travel plans in Western Mongolia are encouraged to contact our team for the latest updates before departure.
For assistance or travel updates:
Kazakh Tour LLC
Email: dosjan@kazakhtour.com
WhatsApp: +976 9942 2006
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