Mongolia Invites 34 Countries Visa-Free

ULAANBAATAR (Visas & Travels) — As 2026 gets underway, Mongolia has extended its visa-free entry policy for citizens of 34 countries through December 31, 2026, a decision that underscores the landlocked nation’s ambitious push to establish itself as a premier four-season destination and attract more international visitors beyond the summer highs.

The extension, announced in late December 2025 by the Mongolian Immigration Agency, prolongs a temporary exemption set to expire at the end of 2025. Ordinary passport holders from these nations can now enter Mongolia visa-free for tourism purposes for up to 30 days, with the option for a one-time 30-day extension.

“This extension reaffirms our commitment to open borders and sustainable tourism growth,” said an official from the Ministry of Culture, Sport, Tourism and Youth. “We’re inviting the world to experience Mongolia not just in summer, but through our spectacular winters, vibrant festivals, and untouched wilderness year-round.”

Eligible Countries and Policy Specifics

The visa-free regime covers nationals from 34 countries, primarily in Europe, plus Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Key eligible nations include:

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.
Full list: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Separately, South Korean citizens benefit from an enhanced 90-day visa-free stay, also extended until December 31, 2026.

Travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months, and the exemption applies only to tourism—not work or study. Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be requested at borders.

Building on Strong 2025 Performance

The policy renewal follows a robust year for Mongolian tourism. In 2025, the country welcomed 846,103 international visitors—a 5% increase from 2024 and a remarkable 44% above pre-pandemic levels—ranking Mongolia among the top 20 global destinations for tourism recovery, according to the UN Tourism Barometer.

This growth has been fueled by the ongoing “Years to Visit Mongolia” campaign, now extended through 2028, with goals to reach two million annual arrivals and diversify from mining-dependent economics.

Promoting Four-Season Appeal

While summer draws crowds for the Naadam Festival, horse trekking across vast steppes, and nomadic ger stays, Mongolia is aggressively marketing off-peak seasons:

Winter Highlights → The Golden Eagle Festival in the Altai Mountains, where Kazakh hunters display trained eagles amid snowy landscapes; ice festivals on frozen Lake Khuvsgul; and reindeer herding with the Tsaatan people in the northern taiga.
Shoulder Seasons → Autumn foliage in forested regions or spring migrations in the Gobi Desert, home to dinosaur fossils and camel treks.

Ulaanbaatar’s blend of modern energy and ancient monasteries, plus remote adventures in national parks, adds urban-cultural depth.

Traveler Considerations Guide

For eligible nationals, planning a 2026 trip just got easier—no visa applications or fees required for short stays. Always verify the latest details on official sites like immigration.gov.mn or your local Mongolian embassy, as policies can adjust.

Prepare for extreme weather (winters below -30°C/-22°F), book popular experiences early, and embrace sustainable practices to preserve Mongolia’s fragile ecosystems and nomadic heritage.

With seamless access and diverse seasonal offerings, Mongolia is poised for continued tourism momentum in 2026.

Considering a visa-free adventure to the land of eternal blue skies? Check your eligibility and start planning. Questions on entry rules? Comment below.

Safe travels! 🏞️🇲🇳

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