Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Extended Visa-Free Access
Mongolia continues its visa-free policy for citizens of over 60 countries, allowing stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period. For longer trips or if your nationality requires it, e-visas are quick to obtain online for $50-100, processed in 3-5 business days.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Mongolia, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Always verify with your issuing country's guidelines, as some require even longer validity for international travel.
Children and minors need their own passports; parental consent letters may be required if traveling alone.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, EU countries, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This policy, extended in recent years, supports tourism to remote areas like the Gobi Desert.
Overstaying can result in fines up to $2 per day, so track your dates carefully using a travel app.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring visas, apply via the official e-visa portal (evisa.gov.mn) with a fee of $50 for single-entry, submitting scans of your passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds ($50/day minimum). Tourist visas are valid for 30 days and can be extended.
Processing typically takes 3-5 days; apply at least two weeks in advance to account for holidays or peak seasons.
Border Crossings
Airports like Ulaanbaatar's Chinggis Khaan International are efficient with immigration checks taking 20-30 minutes; land borders with Russia (Sukhbaatar) and China (Zamyn-Uud) involve train or bus crossings that can take 1-2 hours due to customs inspections.
Carry all documents in English or Mongolian translations; COVID-era health declarations are no longer required but check for updates.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas), trip delays, and activities like horseback riding in the steppes or trekking in Altai Mountains; policies should include at least $100,000 in emergency coverage.
Providers like World Nomads offer tailored plans starting at $5/day; always carry policy details and emergency contacts.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be applied for at the Immigration Office in Ulaanbaatar before your current visa expires, costing around $10-20 with proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
Extensions are straightforward for tourists but require in-person application; plan ahead as processing takes 3-7 days during busy periods.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Mongolia uses the Tugrik (MNT). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Ulaanbaatar by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for connections via Seoul or Beijing.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at khorkhog spots or markets for affordable meals under $5, skipping upscale tourist restaurants to save up to 60% on food costs.
Stock up on dairy products like airag from nomadic families for authentic, low-cost snacks during travels.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared jeep tours or marshrutkas for inter-city travel at $10-20 per leg, far cheaper than private drivers.
Ulaanbaatar's metro and bus cards cost under $1 for unlimited daily rides, including access to key sights.
Free Attractions
Explore Gandan Monastery, Sukhbaatar Square, and vast steppes hikes, which are cost-free and provide immersive cultural experiences.
Many national parks like Gorkhi-Terelj offer free entry; pay only for optional guides or horse rentals.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in Ulaanbaatar hotels and shops, but carry cash (MNT) for rural areas and small vendors where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for better rates; exchange USD or EUR at Golomt Bank branches for minimal fees.
Multi-Day Tour Discounts
Group tours to the Gobi or Lake Khövsgöl start at $50/day per person when shared; book via local agencies for 20-30% savings over solos.
Combine visits to multiple sites like Khustain Nuruu to reduce transport costs significantly.
Smart Packing for Mongolia
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack thermal layers, fleece jackets, and windproof pants for extreme temperature swings from -40°C in winter to 30°C in summer; include quick-dry synthetics for dusty steppes.
Modest, loose-fitting clothes respect nomadic culture; bring a deel (traditional robe) if planning homestays for authenticity.
Electronics
Universal adapter (Type C/E), solar charger or heavy-duty power bank for off-grid ger camps, offline GPS maps like Maps.me, and a dust-proof camera case.
Download Mongolian phrase apps and weather trackers; satellite phones are useful for remote treks without cell coverage.
Health & Safety
Travel insurance docs, comprehensive first-aid kit with altitude meds, rehydration salts, and vaccinations proof (hepatitis, rabies recommended); high-SPF sunscreen for intense UV.
Include water purification tablets, as tap water is unsafe; mosquito nets for summer in marshy areas like Khövsgöl.
Travel Gear
Durable daypack for hikes, insulated water bottle, sleeping bag liner for gers, and multi-tool knife; carry MNT cash in waterproof pouch.
Passport copies, visa prints, and a headlamp for blackouts in rural power-limited areas.
Footwear Strategy
Waterproof hiking boots with good traction for rocky Gobi trails and muddy spring paths; lightweight sandals for summer ger visits.
Extra socks and gaiters protect against dust storms; break in boots before departure to avoid blisters on long walks.
Personal Care
Biodegradable soap, wet wipes for water-scarce areas, lip balm with SPF, and a wide-brim hat; travel-sized deodorant and feminine products as rural availability is limited.
Compact binoculars for wildlife spotting in national parks; pack light to accommodate horseback or camel transport.
When to Visit Mongolia
Spring (March-May)
Transition season with warming temps of 5-15°C, ideal for birdwatching migrations and wildflower blooms in the steppes, though winds can be strong.
Fewer tourists mean cheaper ger stays; perfect for cultural festivals like Naadam prep without summer crowds.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season with mild 15-25°C weather, buzzing with Naadam Festival horse races and wrestling; long daylight hours for exploring Gobi dunes or Khövsgöl Lake.
Expect higher prices and booked tours; great for family-friendly nomadic homestays and eagle hunting demos.
Autumn (September-November)
Golden foliage in Altai Mountains with cooling 0-10°C temps, excellent for photography and harvest festivals; clearer skies for stargazing in remote areas.
Shoulder season savings on flights and accommodations; ideal for hiking before winter sets in fully.
Winter (December-February)
Harsh -20 to -40°C cold for ice festivals on frozen rivers and dog-sledding, but rewarding for aurora viewing in the north.
Budget-friendly with minimal crowds; bundle up for Ulaanbaatar's Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) celebrations indoors.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). ATMs available in cities; exchange USD/EUR at banks. Cards accepted in Ulaanbaatar but cash essential elsewhere.
- Language: Mongolian (Khalkha dialect) official. English limited outside tourist areas; Russian common. Learn basic phrases like "sain baina uu" (hello).
- Time Zone: UTC+8 (Mongolia Standard Time), no daylight saving.
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/E plugs (European two-pin round).
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance across the country.
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; 5-10% in restaurants, small gifts for nomadic hosts.
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Boil or use tablets in rural areas.
- Pharmacies: Available in Ulaanbaatar (look for "apteki" signs); stock up on meds for remote travel.