Mongolia allows e-visa for Vietnamese

Previously, Vietnamese tourists who wanted to travel to Mongolia needed to apply for a paper visa at a government office, a process which could take 5-7 days or more.

Tourists can now simply apply online at Mongolia’s immigration department website. After filling out forms and paying fees ($25, plus other incurred costs), applications will be processed within three working days.

Mongolia’s foreign affairs ministry website updated its list of 98 e-visa-eligible countries to include Vietnam on Feb. 15.

Vietnamese citizens can apply for an e-visa to Mongolia for three purposes: tourism, transit or participation in events. The e-visa can be printed out on paper or saved on one’s phone.

However, one’s passport needs to be valid for at least 180 days before the date of visa application. Coming to Mongolia for any other reason than the reasons stated in the application forms is considered an illegal act. Having a visa also does not mean automatic entry, as that decision would depend on customs personnel.

Zolo Zolkhuu, a tour guide in Mongolia who often guides Vietnamese tourists, said the e-visa would make it easier for tourists to come to Mongolia.

Pham Hoai Thuong, who visited Mongolia at the end of 2022, said an e-visa would help her save money if she decides to come back to Mongolia this summer. As Thuong lives in Da Lat, she would have to travel to HCMC for a paper visa to Mongolia.