How to Enter Mongolia
Do I need a passport or visa to enter?
You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended stay in Mongolia. An entry/exit visa is not required if you are visiting for fewer than 90 days; however, if you plan to stay in Mongolia for more than 30 days, you must register with the Office of Immigration, Naturalization, and Foreign Citizens in Ulaanbaatar within seven days of arriving in Mongolia and obtain a residency permit card. If you do not register and you stay longer than 30 days, even for reasons beyond your control, you will not be allowed to exit until you pay a fine. On July 8, 2010, the Government of Mongolia passed a law requiring foreign citizens to carry their residency permit card or passport at all times while in Mongolia. Mongolian authorities now have the legal right and responsibility to stop people and request their documents. Persons found to be non-compliant with the law are subject to a fine.If you are planning to work or study in Mongolia, you should apply for a visa at a Mongolian embassy or consulate outside of Mongolia. If you do not have a visa upon arrival in Mongolia, the authorities may refuse to allow you to register and obtain a residency permit, charge you a fine, or require that you leave the country.
If you plan to arrive and depart Mongolia through China or Russia, you should be aware of Chinese and Russian visa regulations and obtain multiple-entry visas for Russia or China before beginning your trip. It is difficult to obtain Russian visas at the Russian Embassy in Mongolia, so if you need a visa for Russia, you should obtain it outside of Mongolia.
Check with immigration authorities to make sure that the border posts you intend to use in China and Russia will allow U.S. citizens to transit there and will be open when you want to use them. A number of border posts are closed to foreigners. For more information on the entry/exit requirements for Russia and China, see the Country Specific Information for Russia and China.
Visitors who have been in Mongolia for more than 90 days must obtain an exit visa to leave the country. The exit visa is obtained from the Office of Immigration and usually takes 10 days to process. Visitors to Mongolia for less than 90 days do not need an exit permit or visa. However, be aware that requests to exit Mongolia can be denied for reasons such as pending civil disputes, pending criminal investigation, or an immigration violation. In such instances, you may not be allowed to leave the country until the dispute is resolved, however long that may be. We are aware of U.S. citizens who have been denied exit visas for more than two years.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission from the parent(s) or legal guardian for the child to travel. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Please visit the Embassy of Mongolia website for the most current visa information or contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone (202) 333-7117, ext. 13 or 16.
Special Travel Circumstances in Mongolia
In Ulaanbaatar, some hotels accept travelers’ checks in U.S. dollars, and several banks convert travelers’ checks to dollars or Mongolian currency, known as Tugrugs. You can use credit cards at a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops in the city. Cash advances against credit cards are available at some commercial banks such as Trade and Development Bank, Golomt Bank, Khan Bank, and Xac Bank. International bank wire transfers are also possible. There are a handful of VISA and Maestro/Cirrus ATMs in Ulaanbaatar, but they are not reliable. Very few ATMs exist outside the capital. Outside of Ulaanbaatar, cash is the only method of payment that is possible.
The U.S. Embassy does not always receive timely notification of the detention or arrest of a U.S. citizen, particularly outside of Ulaanbaatar. Remember that you are required by law to carry your residency permit or passport (not a copy) with you at all times so that if questioned by local officials, evidence of your identity and citizenship are readily available.
During the winter, severe fuel shortages and problems with central heating and electrical systems may cause seriously reduced heating levels and power outages in Ulaanbaatar and other cities. Smaller towns in the countryside may have no heat or electricity at all. You should prepare to leave the country if there is a complete energy failure.
Mongolian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning import and export of items such as firearms, ammunition, and antiquities. Import of firearms or ammunition requires prior approval from the Government of Mongolia. Exporting antiquities requires a special customs clearance certificate issued by authorized antique shops at the time of purchase. For additional information contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone: (202) 333-7117.
Disclaimer
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.