​Planning a trip to Mongolia? Navigating visa requirements is your first step towards a smooth travel experience. This guide provides clear and direct information on who needs a visa, the different types available, and how to apply. Whether you're visiting the vast steppes or the vibrant streets of Ulaanbaatar, understanding these regulations is essential. Our goal is to help you prepare adequately, ensuring that your focus remains on the excitement of your Mongolia adventure, not the complexities of travel documentation.

Guide to Visa Requirements for Tourists Coming to Mongolia

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Mongolia?

Before packing your bags for Mongolia, determine if you need a visa. Citizens from many countries must obtain a visa to enter Mongolia, whether for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

1. Visa Requirements

Most countries: Citizens from most countries need a visa to visit Mongolia. Check Mongolia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the nearest Mongolian Embassy to see if your country is on the list.

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2. Visa Exemptions

Visa-free countries: Some countries have agreements that allow their citizens to visit Mongolia without a visa for short stays. For instance, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Germany can enter Mongolia for up to 30 days without a visa.

Special exemptions: Diplomatic and official passport holders from certain countries may also enter without a visa under specific agreements.

It is essential to verify your visa requirements based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit well in advance to ensure compliance with Mongolian immigration laws.

Mongolian Home - © National Geographic Kids

Types of Visas You Can Apply for Your Mongolia Trip

1. Types of Visas

Tourist Visa: Designated for visitors who wish to travel to Mongolia for leisure purposes. Nationals from certain countries are exempt from requiring this visa.

Business Visa: Granted to individuals traveling to Mongolia for short-term business engagements, such as meetings or negotiations. It does not permit employment within a Mongolian company.

Work Visa: To obtain this visa, an individual must secure employment in Mongolia. The employer must obtain authorization from the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Agency.

Student Visa: Allows individuals to pursue studies at higher education institutions in Mongolia, or to engage in vocational training or scientific research.

Family Visit Visa: This visa is for individuals who have family members in Mongolia and wish to join them.

Transit Visa: This visa permits a stay of up to ten days in Mongolia for individuals transiting to another destination.

Mongolian Huts - © Panda Global Logistics

2. Short-term Mongolian Visa

The Mongolia Short-term Visa, issued by the Immigration Agency or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, permits foreign nationals to enter Mongolia for tourism, business, or family visits. This visa allows a 30-day stay within a 90-day period, depending on the visitor's nationality. Visitors can apply for an extension of up to 30 days through the Immigration Agency at least four days before the visa expires, offering more time to explore Mongolia's rich landscapes and cultural heritage.

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3. Long-term Mongolian Visa

If you're traveling to Mongolia for work, education, family residency, or other long-term purposes, you need a long-term visa. Once approved, register with the Mongolia Immigration Agency and apply for a resident permit. You can apply for this visa at the Mongolian Immigration Agency. If approved, collect your visa at a Mongolian border crossing or through an embassy or consulate abroad.

4. Alternative E-Visa

Mongolia has begun issuing e-visas to save foreign nationals time and money while visiting to Mongolia. Citizens of the nations in the eligible countries list can apply for a Mongolian e-visa from anywhere in the globe.

Mongolian Steppe - © Gather

Required Documents for Visa Application to Mongolia

To apply for a Mongolian tourist visa, you'll need to gather several key documents. Here's what to prepare:

- Passport of your original country that must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into Mongolia.

- Completed Application Form and your signature at the bottom. Visa Application Form is available on the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or at embassy offices.

- Recent photographs of yourself with 3.5cm x 4.5cm dimensions.

- Specifications: Provide two recent passport-sized photographs. These photos should be clear and taken against a plain background.

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- Itinerary includes the details document of your travel plans such as hotel bookings and a return ticket. If visiting by invitation, provide a letter from your host or sponsoring organization in Mongolia.

- Proof of Financial Means indicate the funds to cover your stay. This could be recent bank statements or a letter from your employer stating your earnings.

- Additional documents that the embassy or consulate required for submission.

These documents are essential for processing your visa application smoothly. Make sure each document complies with the specifications and is presented clearly to avoid delays.

Mongolian Eagle Hunters - © U.S Department of State

Where to Apply Your Tourist Visa?

1. Direct Submission at Embassy and Consular Offices

Where to Apply: Submit your visa application at a Mongolian embassy or consulate. Locate the nearest one on the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Contact Information: Ensure you have the correct contact details for queries.

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2. E-Visa Submission

Availability: For some countries, Mongolia offers the convenience of online applications.

Procedure:

- Enter the website: www.evisa.mn

- Complete the visa application (make sure your information is accurate) before submit.

- Pay the e-visa fee.

- Review your visa application.

- Check your email for any notification.

Mongolian Nomadic Culture - © United Nations in Mongolia

Processing Time and Fees

Understanding the time and cost involved in obtaining a Mongolian tourist visa is essential for planning your trip effectively.

1. Standard Processing Times

Duration: Visa processing usually takes about 5 to 10 business days from the date of application. Delays can occur, so it’s wise to apply well in advance of your travel date.

2. Expedited Options

Faster Processing: If you need your visa sooner, some embassies offer expedited service for an additional fee. This can reduce the processing time to as little as 2-3 business days.

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3. Visa Fees

Cost Variation: Fees for tourist visas vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality.

- Single entry-exit visa: 30 USD (valid for 3 months)

- Multiple entry-exit visa: 70 USD (valid for 6 months)

- Multiple entry-exit visa valid for one year: 135 USD

- Transit visa: 20 USD

Payment Method: Fees must be paid at the time of application. Check with the specific Mongolian embassy or consulate for acceptable payment methods, which may include cash, credit card, or bank transfer. Ensure your account for both the processing time and the associated fees to avoid any inconvenience or delays in your travel plans.

Mongolian Children - © The Nature Conservancy

Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Mongolia

To enhance your travel experience in Mongolia and avoid common pitfalls, consider these tips and be aware of typical issues.

Common Mistakes in Applications

- Ensure your information on the visa application is accurate. Common errors include misspelled names, incorrect passport numbers, and invalid travel dates.

- Submit the clear, legible copies of all required documents. Blurry or incomplete documents can delay processing.

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Tips for Smooth Entry

- Organize your documents in a way that allows easy access when you arrive. Keep your passport, visa, itinerary, and proof of accommodation readily available.

- Familiarize yourself with Mongolia’s customs regulations to avoid issues at the airport. Declare any items that require declaration according to Mongolian law.

- Check the latest health advisories. Some periods may require additional health precautions due to seasonal or outbreak-specific risks.

​Mongolian Camels - © Britannica

Frequent Asked Question about Mongolian Visa and On Arrival Entry

1. Do I need a visa to visit Mongolia as a tourist?

Yes, most nationalities require a visa to visit Mongolia. Check with the nearest Mongolian embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to see if your country is exempt.

2. How long can I stay in Mongolia with a tourist visa?

A typical tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you should apply for a different type of visa or seek an extension.

3. Can I extend my tourist visa while in Mongolia?

Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Agency in Mongolia. Be sure to apply before your current visa expires to avoid penalties.

4. What is the cost of a Mongolian tourist visa?

Visa fees vary depend on your nationality and your visa type. Check the current fee structure on the official immigration website or contact the nearest Mongolian embassy.

5. Is it possible to apply for a Mongolian visa online?

For some nationalities, Mongolia offers an online visa application process. Visit the official Mongolian immigration website to see if you are eligible and to apply online.

6. What should I do when my visa application is denied?

The embassy will usually provide a reason for visa denial. You can address the issue and reapply, or if the reason is unclear, ask for further clarification from the embassy.

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