While it’s not one of the most popular destinations for Australian travellers on the list, the Australian government has raised its advice level for Mongolia due to the risk of coronavirus and the poor standard of medical care in the Asian country.

While there have been no recorded cases of coronavirus in Mongolia, concerns are heightened due to its shared border with China. Even the Mongolian President Kh.Battulga has been put in quarantine amid fears of the virus spreading. Late last month, President Kh.Battulga and other government officials were placed in quarantine for 14 days after returning from a diplomatic visit to Beijing. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) now advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Mongolia.

“The standard of medical care is poor,” the department advises. “Many flight services have been suspended. “In recognition of these circumstances, the Foreign Minister has offered to support the voluntary departure of dependants of Australian embassy staff.”

DFAT said travellers who have been to or transited through China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, South Korea, Italy, Japan or Iran in the 14 days before their arrival in Mongolia will see them denied entry. “Contact your airline, tour operator or nearest Mongolian embassy for the latest information,” the department said.