Is a visa required for Mongolia?

Here’s exciting news for those dreaming of Mongolia’s vast grasslands and endless blue skies – entering the country has just become much easier.

With the introduction of a new e-visa system in 2021, waiting at a Mongolian embassy is now largely outdated. Even better, from 2023 to 2025, several countries have been granted the privilege of visa-free entry into the land of Genghis Khan.

Here’s all you need to know about obtaining a visa for Mongolia.

Many travelers can visit Mongolia without a visa.

To encourage tourism after the global pandemic, the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 have been designated as 'the years to visit Mongolia,' with many countries now enjoying visa-free entry until the end of 2025.

Citizens from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most European nations can travel visa-free for up to 30 days. Existing visa-free agreements also continue for citizens of the United States (up to 90 days), Canada (up to 30 days), and several other nations.

As of August 2023, travelers from 61 countries can visit Mongolia without needing a visa. To check if your country qualifies, visit the government’s visitor site and select 'Visa Information.'

For everyone else, e-Visas are available.

If you aren’t eligible for visa-free travel, your country might be among the 99 nations that can apply for an e-Visa through a new online system launched in 2021. These tourist e-Visas, referred to as K2 visas, allow stays ranging from 30 to 90 days based on your country of origin. To get one, you must apply online for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) via the government’s e-Visa portal.

You'll need to upload a scan of your passport's information page along with supporting documents such as your flight and hotel reservations, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. There's a form to complete, and you'll need a credit card to pay the visa fee (US$51.50 as of now). Allow up to 72 hours (three working days) for your ETA to be emailed to you.

Upon arrival in Mongolia, immigration officers will need to scan your ETA. You can display a digital version on your phone, but it's wise to carry a printed copy as a backup. Remember, you must enter Mongolia within 150 days of your ETA issuance.

Visas for extended stays in Mongolia.

If you intend to stay in Mongolia longer than the duration of your e-Visa or beyond the visa-free period applicable to your nationality, it's best to reach out to the nearest Mongolian embassy for the latest entry requirements and visa information. You can find Mongolian embassy details on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Other types of visas for Mongolia.

Business travelers who wish to remain in Mongolia beyond the allowed period of an e-Visa or the visa-free duration should apply for a business visa. You'll need documentation from the company you'll be visiting in Mongolia; Mongolian embassies can guide you through the application process.

For those intending to work in Mongolia, it's necessary to apply for an employment visa. Support from a Mongolian employer is required; visit the Immigration Agency of Mongolia website for more details.

Travelers passing through Mongolia to reach another destination can apply for a transit/short-stay e-Visa, allowing a maximum layover of 10 days. Additionally, there are specialized e-Visas for participants in sports or cultural events.

Can I extend my visa for Mongolia?

You can extend your visa for an additional 30 days by visiting the Office of Immigration, Naturalisation & Foreign Citizens (INFC) located near the airport in Ulaanbaatar. Make sure to do this at least five working days before your visa expires. You'll need to provide supporting documents, including a letter of invitation from a host or tour agency in Mongolia, along with a passport photo.

Additional immigration requirements for visiting Mongolia.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 180 days upon entering Mongolia. The Mongolian Border Agency will scan your fingerprints upon arrival, and if your visa is valid for more than 30 days, you must register at the INFC in Ulaanbaatar within seven days of arrival.

This requirement also applies to citizens allowed a visa-free stay exceeding 30 days (like travelers from the USA) and those wishing to extend their stay beyond 30 days. Some tour companies and guesthouses may assist with your registration.

For the most current regulations, the website of the Mongolian embassy in Washington DC is a reliable source. Additional information can also be found on the Immigration Agency of Mongolia and the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites.