Most travellers from the US can visit Mongolia visa-free for up to 90 days, while citizens of the UK, most EU countries, Australia and New Zealand were allowed up to 30 days visa-free under a temporary policy reported to run until the end of 2026. Everyone else can usually apply online for a Mongolian e-visa. Stays longer than 30 days generally require registration in Ulaanbaatar, and the far west, including Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, needs a separate border permit issued in Ölgii. Rules change, so confirm with official sources before you book.
Key Takeaways
- US citizens: visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism
- UK, most EU, Australia, NZ: up to 30 days visa-free under a temporary policy (status for 2027 to be confirmed)
- E-visa: available online for most other nationalities. Apply several weeks ahead.
- Passport: valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival
- Over 30 days: register with the Immigration Agency in Ulaanbaatar
- Western Mongolia: a border permit from Ölgii is needed for Altai Tavan Bogd
Good news first: for many travellers, visiting Mongolia has never been easier. In recent years the country has expanded visa-free entry and launched an online e-visa system. But the rules differ by nationality and some temporary exemptions are due to change, so check before you book. This guide explains Mongolia’s visa requirements in plain language.
Important: Visa rules change. This article summarises what official and travel sources reported in 2026. Always confirm your situation with the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, your nearest Mongolian embassy or the official e-visa portal before travelling.
Who can visit Mongolia without a visa?
United States: up to 90 days
US passport holders can visit Mongolia visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days, under a long-standing bilateral agreement. If you stay more than 30 days, you must register (see below).
Canada and some other countries: long-standing exemptions
Canada and a number of other countries have long-standing visa-free agreements with Mongolia. Stay lengths vary (often 30 or 90 days), so check the length that applies to your passport.
UK, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand: temporary visa-free entry
Mongolia introduced a temporary visa-free policy for citizens of many European countries (including the UK, most EU member states, Switzerland and the Nordic countries), as well as Australia and New Zealand. It typically allows stays of up to 30 days and was reported to run until the end of 2026.
What happens in 2027 is not yet clear. Some sources expect the exemption to be extended, while others expect these travellers to need an e-visa again. If you are planning a 2027 trip, especially for the Golden Eagle Festival, check the latest rules a few months before you travel.
The Mongolia e-visa
If your nationality is not visa-exempt, or you want to stay longer than your exemption allows, you can usually apply for an e-visa online through Mongolia’s official e-visa portal. You will typically need:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date
- A passport-style digital photo
- Your travel dates and itinerary
- Accommodation details or an invitation from a Mongolian tour company
- Online payment of the visa fee
Apply well in advance, at least several weeks before travel. Only use the official government portal and be cautious of look-alike agency websites charging extra fees.
The 30-day registration rule
Foreigners staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days are generally required to register with the Immigration Agency in Ulaanbaatar, usually within the first week of arrival. Most short trips don’t need this, but long overland journeys or trips combining several regions might. Your tour operator can advise.
Entry checklist
- ✅ Passport valid for 6+ months, with blank pages
- ✅ Visa-free eligibility confirmed, or e-visa approved and printed
- ✅ Return or onward ticket
- ✅ Travel insurance (strongly recommended for remote travel)
- ✅ Accommodation or tour confirmation
Visiting western Mongolia: border zone permits
Your visa or visa-free entry lets you into Mongolia, but the far west has an extra layer. Areas near the borders with Russia and China, including Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, require a separate border permit, issued in Ulgii. See our guide to Mongolia trekking permits. Discover Altai arranges these permits for every guest.
Arriving overland?
If you enter Mongolia by land, for example from Russia’s Altai Republic via Tashanta–Tsagaannuur, make sure your visa status allows land entry and that the crossing is open to foreigners on your dates. Border posts close on some public holidays, such as around Naadam in July.
Once your entry is sorted, the adventure begins. Explore our Altai Tavan Bogd tour and eagle hunter tour, or ask us any questions about entering Mongolia.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Mongolia?
No. US passport holders can visit Mongolia visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. If you stay longer than 30 days, you need to register with the Immigration Agency in Ulaanbaatar.
Do UK and EU citizens need a visa for Mongolia in 2027?
Under a temporary policy, UK and most EU citizens could stay up to 30 days visa-free through the end of 2026. Whether it is extended into 2027 was not confirmed at the time of writing, so check the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your embassy before booking.
How do I apply for a Mongolian e-visa?
Apply through Mongolia’s official e-visa portal with a valid passport, a digital photo, your itinerary and accommodation or tour details. Use only the official government site and apply several weeks before travel.
Is a visa enough to visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park?
No. The park lies in Mongolia’s border zone, so you also need a border permit issued in Ölgii, plus a national park entry ticket. A local tour operator can arrange both for you.
Sources: Mongolia’s official e-visa portal and the UK government’s Mongolia entry requirements. Rules change; check both before you travel.
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