Mongolia is a beautiful country with rolling steppes, fascinating nomadic culture, and vast open landscapes. But before you pack your bags, getting your visa sorted is important. The process isn’t too complicated, but it helps to know the details to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Visa-Free Entry to Mongolia
Some travelers are lucky enough to visit Mongolia without needing a visa. Several countries are visa-exempt, meaning their citizens can enter Mongolia for a specific period just with their passport.
Countries Exempt from Mongolian Visa Requirements
If you’re from one of the countries below, you can travel to Mongolia without a visa. Here’s a quick list:
- Canada (up to 30 days)
- United States (up to 90 days)
- Germany (up to 30 days)
- Russia (up to 30 days)
- Japan (up to 30 days)
- South Korea (up to 30 days)
- Turkey (up to 30 days)
- Philippines (up to 21 days)
- Kazakhstan (up to 90 days)
- Hong Kong (up to 14 days)
Note: Always double-check with your local Mongolian embassy. Visa policies can change unexpectedly, and you don’t want to be caught off-guard.
Mongolia’s E-Visa System
For many other countries, Mongolia offers an electronic visa system (e-visa). It’s a quick way to apply for your visa online without needing to visit a consulate or embassy.
Who Can Apply for an E-Visa?
If your country isn’t on the visa-exempt list, you most likely qualify for an e-visa. Countries eligible for Mongolia’s e-visa system include:
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- India
- Brazil
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- New Zealand
This list is not exhaustive, so go to the official e-visa site to check if your country qualifies.
How to Apply for an E-Visa
The process isn’t difficult. Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to the official Mongolian e-visa site (evisa.mn or a similar government webpage).
- Create an account.
- Fill out your personal information and travel details.
- Upload a passport-sized photo (usually 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
- Upload a copy of your passport (it should be valid for at least six months after your arrival date).
- Pay the visa fee online (around $50 to $70 USD depending on the visa type).
Processing usually takes around 3-5 business days. Once approved, they’ll email you an e-visa that you must print and carry with you when you arrive in Mongolia.
Types of Mongolian Visas
Before applying, you need to decide which type of visa suits your travel intentions. Mostly, tourists apply for either a tourist or business visa depending on their purpose of travel.
Tourist Visa (Category “J”)
This is the most common visa type, designed for travelers visiting Mongolia for tourism purposes. It’s usually granted for a 30-day stay and can be single-entry or double-entry.
You can extend your visa for an additional 30 days once you’ve arrived in Mongolia by visiting the Immigration Office in Ulaanbaatar.
Business Visa (Category “B”)
If you’re traveling for work, meetings, or conferences, you’ll need a business visa. The process is similar to the tourist visa, but you’ll need an invitation from a Mongolian company or organization.
This visa also allows for a 30-day stay and can be extended, but it must be done in Mongolia via the proper authorities.
Transit Visa
If you’re only passing through Mongolia en route to another country, you’ll need a transit visa. It allows for a short stay (up to 10 days) and requires proof of onward travel (such as a plane or train ticket to your final destination).
Student Visa (Category “S”)
If you’re studying or participating in an exchange program in Mongolia, you’ll need a student visa. The school or organization sponsoring your study will need to provide an invitation letter.
Like the business visa, this type can be extended if necessary by visiting the relevant immigration office.
How to Apply for a Mongolian Visa (Non-E-Visa)
Not every country is eligible for an e-visa, and some travelers might prefer to apply for a visa through traditional methods. Here’s how the process works:
Step-by-Step Visa Application Guide
Here’s how to apply for a Mongolian visa the old-fashioned way through a Mongolian embassy or consulate:
- Plan Your Visit: You’ll need to apply no more than six months before your planned trip. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity left.
- Gather Documents: Along with your visa application form, you’ll need a passport-sized photo and a copy of travel tickets or an itinerary. For business visas, add a letter of invitation.
- Submit to Embassy: Submit your application form and documents at the nearest Mongolian consulate or embassy. Some embassies allow you to mail your application, but others may require you to apply in person.
- Pay Your Fee: Visa fees vary but are usually around $50 to $100 USD depending on visa type and processing speed.
- Wait for Approval: It typically takes about 5-10 business days to process a visa application through the embassy.
- Collect Your Visa: If approved, collect your passport with the visa inside from the embassy or have it mailed back if you applied by post.
Visa Extensions in Mongolia
If you fall in love with the sweeping steppe and need more time, you’re in luck. It’s possible to extend your visa once you’re in Mongolia.
How to Extend Your Visa
Head over to the Mongolian Immigration Agency in Ulaanbaatar. You’ll need your passport, an application form, and a small fee (usually $30 to $50 USD).
Visa extensions are generally granted for up to 30 extra days, although some tourists have been able to extend for even longer if a legitimate reason is given.
Practical Tips for the Mongolian Visa Process
To make the visa process easier, here are a few tips:
- Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself at least a month before your trip to sort out your visa, especially if you’re applying via a Mongolian embassy.
- Keep extra photos and documents handy: Always travel with extra passport-sized photos, copies of your passport, and any other supporting documents (letter of invitation, flight tickets, etc.). They can be useful in case of any unexpected issues.
- Read immigration rules carefully: While visa rules are straightforward, tricky situations (like over-stays or incorrect visa types) can happen. Make sure you know the terms of your visa and stick to the regulations.
Final Thoughts
Getting a visa for Mongolia isn’t too difficult, especially if you’re from a visa-exempt country or can apply for an e-visa. Just make sure you give yourself enough time and have all your required documents in order.
Once your visa is sorted, you’ll be ready to explore one of the most beautiful and untouched places on earth!
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