Mongolia customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Mongolia permits duty-free import of 1 liter of alcohol (spirits over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (choose one category), and personal goods up to USD 800. Cash equivalent to USD 10,000 or more must be declared. Narcotics, certain meats, and other items are prohibited or restricted. These rules apply as of 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of alcoholic beverages over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount equivalent to USD 10,000 or more (in any currency) must be declared on the customs arrival form. Failure to declare may result in seizure and fines.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of USD 800 are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to customs duty at rates up to 30%.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and synthetic drugs)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without a permit from the Mongolian police)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Pornographic materials (including digital media)
  • Meat and meat products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or avian influenza (check current bans)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated intellectual property

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (require a prescription and prior approval from the Mongolian Ministry of Health)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate)
  • Pets (dogs, cats) require a veterinary certificate, rabies vaccination proof, and import permit from the Mongolian General Authority for Veterinary Services
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the Communications Regulatory Commission of Mongolia)

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration mandatory over USD 10,000

Any traveller carrying cash, traveler's checks, or monetary instruments equivalent to USD 10,000 or more must declare them on the customs form. Undeclared amounts can be confiscated and fines imposed.

Temporary import of vehicles

Foreign-registered vehicles may be temporarily imported for up to 6 months. A carnet de passage or a bank guarantee equal to the vehicle's customs duty is required. Overstaying results in fines and seizure.

Cultural artifacts and antiques

Export of antiques, fossils, or cultural artifacts (e.g., Buddhist relics, traditional tools) requires a permit from the Mongolian Ministry of Culture. Unauthorized export is illegal and punishable by law.

Frequently asked questions

You may bring 1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. You must be at least 18 years old. Any amount beyond this is subject to duty.
No, amounts under USD 10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) do not need to be declared. However, if you are carrying exactly USD 10,000 or more, you must declare it on the customs form.
Yes, for personal use, but you should carry a doctor's prescription and the original packaging. If the medication contains narcotic or psychotropic substances (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds), you need prior approval from the Mongolian Ministry of Health.
Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of USD 800 are duty-free. If the total value exceeds USD 800, duty is charged on the excess amount at rates typically between 5% and 30%.
Yes. Meat and meat products from countries with outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease or avian influenza are prohibited. Always check the current list of banned countries with the Mongolian Customs or the General Authority for Veterinary Services before travel.
Yes, but you need a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia. Drones are restricted and must be declared. Operating without a permit can lead to confiscation and fines.

Official source

Mongolian Customs General Administration

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Mongolian Customs General Administration before travelling.