Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to come to Mongolia?
From May through September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the wettest months of the year, but do not worry, there are still many sunny days at this time.
How do I get to Mongolia?
There are direct flights to Ulaanbaatar from Beijing, Moscow, Seoul, Osaka or Berlin. The Trans-Mongolian train from Moscow or Beijing would also be an alternative.
How do I get a visa and do I need an invitation?
All types of visas can be obtained from Mongolian Embassies, Consulates, Honorary Consulates, Trade and Permanent Missions and visa extensions can be made Visa and Passport Division of the Ministry of External Relations, in Ulaanbaatar. Please note that the visa regulations have recently changed. It is now NOT possible to buy visas at Mongolian borders or at the airport upon arrival. Visas must be obtained in advance. For all types of visa application, you will need your passport, a completed application form and at least one passport-size photograph.
Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months. The standard charge for a tourist visa is US$25 and for a transit visa US$15 if you obtain the visa in advance. If you require the visa urgently or if you obtain your visa at the border points, you will need to pay US$50 and US$30 respectively. There have also been changes recently to Police Registration procedures. You are advised to find out up-to-date details from your Embassy or Consulate in advance.
What is the accommodation like?
In Ulaanbaatar you will stay in a hotel. During the trips outside Ulaanbaatar you will be camping in tents or in traditional Mongolian ger camps.
How will I travel inside Mongolia?
It depends on the size of your group and your itinerary. Outside Ulaanbaatar you may travel by Russian jeeps, vans or minibuses for a bigger group with an experienced Mongolian driver or by air if you want to make longer journeys shorter.
What should I bring with me?
Warm, water- or windproof clothes, a hat or headscarf to protect you from the sun and winds would be good idea to have. Insect repellent, sun cream, water purifying tablets and all your camera equipment as these items may not be available in Mongolia. For some trips you need a high quality tent, mattress, sleeping bag, and a cooking stove and equipment. These items are available to buy in Ulaanbaatar.
What about the food?
Mutton, rice and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian cuisine, so your meals will be based around this. However, nowadays there are vegetables, egg, cheese etc… are available everywhere. Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian.
How do I make payments in Mongolia?
US Dollars are often accepted, especially in Ulaanbaatar, but it is also useful to carry some cash in the local currency, the Tugrik. 1USD=1185 Tugrik /Sept. 2007/ Many businesses accept most international pay and credit cards. There are no branches of International Bank. However international bank wire transfers are possible. Several banks accept and issue Travellers Check.
From May through September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the wettest months of the year, but do not worry, there are still many sunny days at this time.
How do I get to Mongolia?
There are direct flights to Ulaanbaatar from Beijing, Moscow, Seoul, Osaka or Berlin. The Trans-Mongolian train from Moscow or Beijing would also be an alternative.
How do I get a visa and do I need an invitation?
All types of visas can be obtained from Mongolian Embassies, Consulates, Honorary Consulates, Trade and Permanent Missions and visa extensions can be made Visa and Passport Division of the Ministry of External Relations, in Ulaanbaatar. Please note that the visa regulations have recently changed. It is now NOT possible to buy visas at Mongolian borders or at the airport upon arrival. Visas must be obtained in advance. For all types of visa application, you will need your passport, a completed application form and at least one passport-size photograph.
Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months. The standard charge for a tourist visa is US$25 and for a transit visa US$15 if you obtain the visa in advance. If you require the visa urgently or if you obtain your visa at the border points, you will need to pay US$50 and US$30 respectively. There have also been changes recently to Police Registration procedures. You are advised to find out up-to-date details from your Embassy or Consulate in advance.
What is the accommodation like?
In Ulaanbaatar you will stay in a hotel. During the trips outside Ulaanbaatar you will be camping in tents or in traditional Mongolian ger camps.
How will I travel inside Mongolia?
It depends on the size of your group and your itinerary. Outside Ulaanbaatar you may travel by Russian jeeps, vans or minibuses for a bigger group with an experienced Mongolian driver or by air if you want to make longer journeys shorter.
What should I bring with me?
Warm, water- or windproof clothes, a hat or headscarf to protect you from the sun and winds would be good idea to have. Insect repellent, sun cream, water purifying tablets and all your camera equipment as these items may not be available in Mongolia. For some trips you need a high quality tent, mattress, sleeping bag, and a cooking stove and equipment. These items are available to buy in Ulaanbaatar.
What about the food?
Mutton, rice and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian cuisine, so your meals will be based around this. However, nowadays there are vegetables, egg, cheese etc… are available everywhere. Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian.
How do I make payments in Mongolia?
US Dollars are often accepted, especially in Ulaanbaatar, but it is also useful to carry some cash in the local currency, the Tugrik. 1USD=1185 Tugrik /Sept. 2007/ Many businesses accept most international pay and credit cards. There are no branches of International Bank. However international bank wire transfers are possible. Several banks accept and issue Travellers Check.