Mongolian border crossings rose sharply during the first quarter of 2025. Authorities recorded 1,632,600 total passenger entries and exits. That number reflects a year-on-year increase of 290,200.
Out of those, 825,100 passengers entered Mongolia between January and March. Most entered through Zamyn-Uud, making up 38.1% of arrivals. Chinggis Khaan International Airport followed at 25.5%. Other entry points included Altanbulag at 9%, Gashuunsukhait at 8.6%, and Shiveekhuren at 4.8%.
In total, 699,500 of these passengers were Mongolian citizens. Foreign nationals accounted for 125,600 entries. Compared to last year, Mongolian travelers rose by 142,500 and foreigners by 14,700.
Most foreign visitors were male. They made up 83,700 of the 125,600 total. The majority of foreign tourists were between 35 and 54 years old.
Foreign visitors stayed for various durations. Specifically, 18,800 stayed less than 10 days. Another 84,800 stayed up to 30 days. About 1,400 stayed between 60 to 90 days. Meanwhile, 20,600 remained over 90 days.
Travelers from East Asia and the Pacific made up 60.2% of foreign nationals. Europeans followed at 35.1%. Smaller shares came from the Americas, Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
China remained the largest source of tourists, providing 42.6%. Russia followed at 30.6%. South Korea contributed 8%, while Kazakhstan and Japan each contributed around 2%.
The number of Mongolian citizens traveling abroad also increased. Authorities recorded 688,100 departures in Q1 2025. That figure marked an increase of 118,100 over last year.
China received the highest number of Mongolian travelers, totaling 88,900. Travel to Russia, South Korea, and Vietnam also rose.
Most travelers were aged between 30 and 54. Men made up 417,900 of those who traveled, while 270,200 were women.
Of outbound travelers, 667,800 traveled for personal reasons. Around 143,200 left the country for employment. A majority of them, 141,400, headed to China.
Regarding exit points, Gashuunsukhait saw 65,300 crossings. Shiveekhuren had 33,500. Bichigt hosted 18,600, and other checkpoints saw 25,800 exits.
In the same period, vehicle traffic also rose. A total of 792,400 vehicles crossed the borders, an increase of 75,900.
Freight trucks led the count, making up 43.6%. Freight trains followed with 31.8%. Passenger vehicles accounted for 21.5%.
Most vehicles crossed through Zamyn-Uud, which handled 45.2%. Gashuunsukhait managed 16.4%. Shiveekhuren, Altanbulag, and other points handled the rest.
This sharp rise in Mongolian border crossings highlights strong mobility trends in early 2025. Both tourism and trade played crucial roles. As regional movement continues, Mongolian border crossings may see even further growth in coming months.
