Getting in and visas for Mongolia

There are four border crossings open to foreigners, three by the Russian border and one near the small town of Erlian on the border with China. To stay in the country a visa is required. The process for getting a thirty day visa is relatively painless, requiring a simple form and a small fee at your local Mongolian embassy. Longer visas are available, but require an invitation letter from a Mongolian company. These can sometimes be arranged through tour companies. Also, it is possible to acquire an expedited visa in a matter of hours at the Mongolian consulate in Erlian, though there is a steep $50 US fee for this service. A similar service is available in the Mongolian consulate in the Russian city of Irkutsk. As of January 2007, a visa is required for everyone not a citizen of the following countries:

• USA, Kazakhstan, - no need a visa for a visit not exceeding three months

• Malaysia, Israel - no need a visa for a visit not exceeding one month

• Philippines - no need a visa for a visit not exceeding three weeks

• Singapore - no need a visa for a visit not exceeding two weeks

• India - requirement of Mongolian visa without visa fee

• Hong Kong - no need for visa for a visit not exceeding 14 days (ID cards are accepted to indicate residence in Hong Kong)

• Cuba - no need for visa for a visit not exceeding one month

The Embassy of Mongolia website is useful for updates. The Embassy of Mongolia's China website you will need if you are applying for your Mongolian visa in China. You must print off the application form from this website since the embassy doesn't have any application forms.

When and Why

So, when is the best time to travel to Mongolia? The ideal Mongolia travel season starts in May and hits its highest peak in July, during Naadam Holidays Naadam Holidays and in August when the weather is most favorable for Mongolia traveling. This is the best time if you like the culture and bear the crowds of other tourists. Not a good time if you want to getaway from your busy lifestyle because you will hit the traffic, busy schedule, waiting in lines etc. September is also very good time to visit Mongolia and October is not too late to travel to Mongolia. It is still warm during the days but a bit chilly during the nights, not crowded, this is time for late comers and last minute, non planned trips. You will get to sightsee and to enjoy the culture, taste the most delicious drink - mare's milk, I am teasing those who been there and tasted it. For those of you are not afraid of cold and of fermented mare's milk, traveling to Mongolia in November through Lunar New Year is still an option. Winter tourism is a developing branch of Mongolian Tourism industry. The most rewarding experience will be the nomads, this is the time when you will experience their culture first hand during "Tsagaan Sar" or traditional New Year celebration. You will have the opportunity to watch lots of cultural staff: singing, dancing, wrestling and if you are really into the horse racing, you will get to see winter horse racing. Mongolia known to have 250-260 sunny days throughout the year. You guessed it, you will need good UV protection, specially, during winter, protect your eyes, and during summer, protect your skin. We wish you the best with your Mongolia travel experience.

By plane

There are a few places which fly into the capital, Ulaanbaatar. From Europe, there is irregular and infrequent service from Berlin, Frankfurt and Moscow. Check with your local Mongolian Embassy too. There are almost daily flights from Seoul on Korean Air as well as other flights through Beijing. It is also possible to fly to Ulaanbaatar through Tokyo's Narita Airport. Don't buy a non-refundable, non-changeable ticket if you are going to Mongolia. Because flights don't always actually happen, and you might miss your connection...

By train

The Trans-Mongolian Line of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway links Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar with Moscow, Russia and Beijing, China. 2nd class costs about $70 US from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar; The ride takes almost 26 hours, but you are given a berth in a sleeper-car. There is a small water-boiler at the end of each train car which dispenses free hot water, so it's a good idea to stock up on instant noodles and tea for the trip. Also, don't expect to encounter any English-speaking staff on the train or in the stations.

By bus

From Beijing to Erenhot by bus costs 169RMB for 12hrs. The bus departs around 6:00p.m. from the bus terminal just southwest of the West train station. The border check point is visible from the town, 2km away you will see the a big decorative rainbow. At the Chinese border checkpoint you can pay a taxi driver 50RMB to drive you 500m to the Mongolian border. You are not allowed to walk the 500m according to the Chinese taxi drivers -- true since the Chinese border police will not allow walking. Walking North out of the border area you will find a place where jeeps congregate to take people to the train station. Expect to pay 500 Tugruk per person for the 3km ride. Trains cost 12,000 tugruk, about US$10, to Ulaan Bataar. The train leaves once a day at 5:20pm, and arrives at about 10:00 the next morning.

By thumb

The road stops at the border town of Zamyn-Uud and leave room to an open desert with tracks going in various directions but generally heading north in the direction of the capital city. Hitchhiking in Mongolia is not easy and a little bit of money can be expected. There is an average of one car every hour that leaves into the desert. Expect a bumpy road with not much to see, but this is the real Mongolian steppe.