Mongolia, often called the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, and has a vast, untamed steppe, a rich nomadic culture, and the dramatic Gobi Desert landscapes. It was difficult to get a travel visa for a long time as one had to go through complicated paperwork and visit the Office. Luckily, the Mongolian has gone digital and is providing a convenient online solution.
If you’re planning a trip to this extraordinary country, knowing how to apply for Mongolia eVisa is your first step. This indispensable guide explains everything that you need to know: eligibility, documents, fees, and time required for the processing so that your trip of applying for your Mongolia eVisa online can be as limitless and free as the Mongolian plains.
What is the Mongolia eVisa?
The Mongolia eVisa is an official electronic travel authorization issued by the Mongolian government. It completely eliminates the need for eligible foreign nationals to visit a Mongolian embassy or consulate to submit a physical application. The entire process, from submission to payment and final approval, is handled securely online.
Once approved, the eVisa document is digitally sent to the applicant’s registered email. Visitors are required to take out a color print of this file and show it together with their valid passport when they come to any major Mongolian border that is officially recognized. The program is a simplified step to make the country’s tourism more attractive and easier to reach .
What are the eligibility criteria for Mongolia eVisa?
An eVisa is available only to citizens of 94 countries that are eligible internationally. So, be sure of your eligibility first before you start filing your application, confirming your eligibility for Mongolia eVisa is paramount.
- Nationality: You must hold a passport from one of the countries that have been authorized for the eVisa program.
- Purpose of Travel: The eVisa imposes a very short period of stay in which the holder may visit Mongolia for the purpose of sightseeing, attending a certain cultural or sports event, or on a brief transit.
- Duration: The eVisa permits single entry and grants a maximum stay of 30 consecutive days (Tourism/Cultural) or 5 consecutive days (Transit).
Crucial Note: Being a nationality eligible for the scheme does not mean that the approval is automatic. All requests are subjected to a mandatory examination by Mongolian immigration authorities.
What are the Documents Required for Mongolia eVisa?
A successful application relies on the meticulous submission of accurate and high-quality documents that meet all specifications. Gathering your Mongolia eVisa eVisa requirements beforehand is key to a smooth process.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet these strict criteria:
- Validity: Must be a valid passport for 6 months from your intended date of entry into Mongolia.
- Blank Pages: Must contain at least 2 blank pages for official immigration stamps.
- Type: Must be a clear, legible, machine-readable passport (MRP) in good physical condition.
Passport Photo Requirements
- Format: A recent color photograph, taken within the last 6 months.
- Size: 35mm x 45mm (or minimum 600×600 pixels) and in JPEG format.
- Quality: Must have a white or light-colored background, with the face clearly visible and a neutral facial expression.
Supporting Documents (Itinerary and Bookings)
| eVisa Type | Mandatory Supporting Documents |
| Tourism eVisa | Detailed travel itinerary, accommodation proof (hotel/Ger camp bookings), return flight confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds. |
| Sport/Cultural Events eVisa | Official event invitation or registration details, event dates, organizer contact information, and event-related accommodation proof. |
| Transit eVisa | Transit purpose statement, onward flight tickets/rail tickets to your final destination, and the final destination visa (if required). |
What are the Types of Mongolia eVisas?
Selecting the correct visa category is vital, as it governs the documentation required and the allowed duration/purpose of your visit.
1. Tourism eVisa
- Purpose: Holidays, leisure, general sightseeing, and visiting friends/family.
- Max Stay: 30 consecutive days.
2. Sport/Cultural Events eVisa
- Purpose: Traveling to attend or participate in a specific international sporting or cultural event.
- Max Stay: 30 consecutive days.
3. Transit eVisa
- Purpose: Passing through Mongolia to a third country (e.g., using the Trans-Mongolian Railway).
- Max Stay: 5 consecutive days.
Trans-Siberian Rail Travelers: If your itinerary includes crossing Mongolia via the Trans-Siberian/Mongolian Railway, the Transit eVisa is crucial. For an in-depth guide on handling the eVisa for this epic journey, Read More: Combining Mongolia with the Trans-Siberian Railway using an eVisa
How to apply for a Mongolian eVisa online?
The process for how to apply Mongolia eVisa is user-friendly and conducted entirely through the online portal.
- Select Visa Type and Fill in Information: Choose the correct visa type and accurately input all personal and travel details. Verify that the information exactly matches your passport.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload clear, high-quality scans of your passport bio page, compliant photo, and all specific supporting documents.
- Review and Make Payment: Carefully review the entire form for errors. Pay the applicable Mongolia eVisa fees using a credit/debit card.
- Receive Your eVisa: Once approved, download and print a color copy of the eVisa document sent to your email.
How long does it take to get an eVisa to Mongolia?
The Mongolia eVisa cost & time varies depending on the processing speed you select to suit your travel schedule.
Processing Time Options
| Processing Option | Estimated Working Days | Ideal For |
| Super Urgent Processing | 3 – 5 working days | Emergency, last-minute travel |
| Urgent Processing | 5 – 9 Working Days | Tight schedules and quick confirmation |
| Standard Processing | 9 – 11 Working Days | Planned travel with flexible dates |
What are the fees for Mongolian eVisa?
The entire cost of your eVisa application includes the normal processing charge and an additional administrative fee. If you choose Expedited Processing options Urgent or Super Urgent), the total amount will be raised considerably. To get the latest prices, it is advisable to look at the official online application platform right before making a payment.
How to check Mongolia evisa status online?
After a successful submission and payment, you can easily check application status online. You will need your unique Order ID (or Application ID) and your passport number to track the progress of your eVisa application on the official portal.
How many days is Mongolia eVisa valid for?
Understanding the validity period is essential for planning your trip and preventing overstays.
- Entry Window: You must enter Mongolia within 90 days of your eVisa approval date (Transit visa has a 30-day entry window).
- Stay Duration: Your maximum permitted stay of 30 consecutive days (or 5 for Transit) begins from your actual date of entry into Mongolia.
- Single Entry: The eVisa is strictly valid for single entry only. Leaving the country invalidates the visa, requiring a new application for re-entry.
Can I do Mongolia eVisa Extension?
The flexibility to extend your stay in Mongolia is limited under the eVisa scheme.
- No Online Extension: The Mongolia eVisa cannot be extended online.
- In-Person Application: In case you are really required to keep your stay for more than thirty days, a visa extension application should be made in person at the Immigration Office in Ulaanbaatar prior to the expiry of your current eVisa. The action of the extension is complicated and takes a lot of time, furthermore, a positive decision is never certain.
Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Being aware of potential administrative errors can safeguard your application from rejection.
- Mismatched Information: Avoid: Any deviation, no matter how small (typos, incorrect numbers), between the application form and your passport details.
- Poor Document Quality: Avoid: Submitting blurry, cropped, or low-resolution scans of your supporting documents or photo.
- Insufficient Passport Validity: Avoid: Applying with a passport that will expire in less than six months from your planned date of entry.
- Missing Onward Ticket: Avoid: Failing to upload the confirmed return or onward flight/rail ticket, which is a mandatory requirement for proving non-immigrant intent.
Do I need travel insurance for Mongolia?
While often overlooked, securing robust Mongolia Insurance (Travel Insurance) is non-negotiable for travel to this region.
- Medevac Coverage is Critical: Given the vast, remote distances and limited specialized medical facilities outside Ulaanbaatar, insurance must include comprehensive emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation (Medevac) coverage. The cost of an evacuation from the Gobi or the steppe is extremely high.
- Coverage Scope: Make sure that your insurance plan includes coverage for cancellation, interruption of trip, and loss or delay of luggage, in case you are going to a crowded place during the summer season of which flight delays are quite common.
What currency to take to Mongolia?
Understanding local currency usage is vital for smooth travel, particularly outside the capital.
- Official Currency: The Mongolian Tögrög (MNT).
- Cash is Essential: Carry plenty of MNT and a supply of US Dollars (USD) in small denominations. Credit card acceptance is common only in major Ulaanbaatar hotels, restaurants, and department stores. Cash is mandatory for Ger camps, remote shops, and local markets.
What is the best SIM and connectivity in Mongolia?
Staying connected across the vast territory requires planning.
- SIM Cards: A local Mongolia SIM card (e.g., Unitel or Mobicom) should be purchased upon arrival at the airport or in Ulaanbaatar. Data packages are affordable.
- Coverage: While urban centers have excellent 4G/5G coverage, expect connectivity to be limited or completely absent in the deep countryside, remote Gobi regions, and certain mountainous areas.
What is the top destination in Mongolia?
Your approved eVisa grants you access to these spectacular locations:
- Ulaanbaatar (UB): The nation’s capital, a mix of Soviet-era architecture and nomadic culture, home to the Gandan Monastery.
- Gobi Desert: Explore the vast dune seas of Khongor Els and the dinosaur fossil sites at the Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag).
- Khuvsgul Lake: Known as the “Blue Pearl,” this stunning northern lake is ideal for hiking and unique cultural experiences with reindeer herders.
- Karakorum (Kharkhorin): The ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, featuring the majestic Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Mongolia Health Advice Travel
Health Advice Travel
- Vaccinations: Ensure routine vaccines are current. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are strongly recommended, especially when consuming food and drink in places that are not established restaurants.
- Altitude: Ulaanbaatar is located at around 1,300m (4,300ft). Drinking water often will help your body get used to the change of air.
How safe is it to travel to Mongolia?
- Petty Crime: Watch out for stealing of pockets in the crowded places of Ulaanbaatar like markets and public transport.
- Rural Travel: If you are planning a remote off-the-beaten-track journey, make sure that you only use the services of reliable and licensed tour operators. It is not advisable to drive by yourself as it can be very difficult to find your way in areas where there are no signposted roads and the distances are very long.
Conclusion
The Mongolia eVisa has greatly changed the way one can visit such a unique and wonderful country. By knowing the application process inside out, different types of Mongolia eVisas, and and If you have your necessary documents thoroughly prepared, then you have taken care of all the administrative obstacles that might come your way.
The vast grassy plains of Mongolia, the friendly people, and the incomparable natural beauty are calling you. We cannot recommend enough you to apply for your eVisa online travel first thing to be sure everything will be fine. Take care of yourself during the trip, be polite with nature and its customs, and get ready for an unbelievable trip under the Eternal Blue Sky.
