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When crossing the Mongolian border by car, customs officials issue a small 'control sheet' (a half-A5 size document) for the vehicle. If it was not provided at entry, travelers may face delays at exit. To resolve this, explain that it was not issued. Officials can fill it out on-site using the vehicle registration (STS) and passport data. Although some travelers report passing through without it, obtaining it upon entry is recommended to avoid potential delays or fines.

At the Kyakhta-Altanbulag border crossing: Russian side - vehicle inspection is outdoors, under a canopy. Mongolian side - no vehicle inspection, only baggage screening via X-ray indoors. Navigation and procedures are intuitive.

Border crossing procedure (e.g., via Mondy/Khankh): 1. Receive a 'red card' (passenger count) before the barrier. 2. Russian side: Passports, vehicle inspection. Keep a low profile; being aggressive often leads to a full manual inspection of all luggage. 3. Mongolian side: Vehicle documents, driver license, and passport control. 4. If uncertain, ask officers for directions; they are generally helpful.

When driving a vehicle with Mongolian license plates into Russia, Russian citizens may need to register with the Russian consulate in Mongolia. It is mandatory for all vehicles to have local mandatory third-party liability insurance (similar to OSAGO) which costs approximately 20-25 units of currency. Additionally, small fees for tire disinfection and local taxes may apply. It is not possible to exit the Russian Federation without license plates and vehicle registration documents (STS), although exceptions for trailers and vehicles without plates have been observed.

Border crossing at Kyakhta-Altanbulag can take up to 4 hours. Fuel (92 octane) is available on the road to Darkhan, with 95 octane found mainly in Darkhan. Queues are minimal except in Darkhan. Vehicle insurance is mandatory at the Kyakhta-Altanbulag border. While an informal 'bypass' might be offered by attendants, it is recommended to obtain proper insurance, costing approximately 2000 MNT (around $1.8 USD), especially if planning to drive within cities.

Mongolian auto insurance may be required when entering Mongolia, especially if exiting through a different border crossing. It's often not checked or required on the Russian side at Mondy. On the Mongolian side, insurance might be offered near currency exchange points. While not always strictly enforced for onward travel within Mongolia, it's advisable to inquire or obtain it.

When entering Mongolia via a specific border crossing (e.g., Mondy) and planning to exit through a different one, inform the Mongolian border guards upon entry. They may provide a specific form or confirm that exiting via another point is acceptable. Russian border guards at Mondy do not require this notification. Note that Naushki is a railway border crossing, not suitable for cars; use the Altan Bulag-Kyakhta crossing for vehicular exit. If driving your own car, ensure you have the necessary documentation for exiting.

Upon entering Mongolia, travelers receive a paper at the Mongolian border where they must specify the date and location of their exit. This step precedes the Mongolian customs inspection.

The road from Ulgii to Ulangom via Tsaganuur and Uuregnur Lake is currently closed due to quarantine measures, with the checkpoint not allowing passage even if the ford is bypassed. The quarantine is expected to be lifted around August 1st or 2nd. Travelers planning this route may need to consider alternatives, such as heading to Khiargas. Road conditions in other areas, like the route from Muren towards Bayanzaga, appear to be passable.

When traveling in Mongolia, especially near border areas, expect to encounter quarantine posts. If travelers have just crossed the border (ideally on the same day) and can present their passport as proof, they are likely to be permitted passage. It is advisable to avoid entering settlements immediately after crossing the border if possible, to facilitate smoother passage through these posts.

Border crossing experiences can vary. Kyakhta checkpoint seemed more lenient. Borshoo (the Mongolian side of Khandygait) and Artsury (for exiting to Erzin) are preferred by some travelers. The efficiency can depend on individual officers and timing, with potential delays during shift changes.

Mongolian border guards may conduct detailed questioning of minors during entry/exit. Questions focus on personal details (names, relationships) to check consistency. Parents should prepare children for potential interrogation and keep all relevant travel documents easily accessible.