TRAVEL TO MONGOLIA 2023 –  THE GOVERNMENT’S NEW SUPPORT FOR THE TOURISM SECTOR IN MONGOLIA

Mongolia's National Vision 2050 emphasizes “national values,” or ethnic pride, as a top priority for national goals. Tourism offers the people an opportunity to reaffirm their pride, and foreign tourists will reevaluate Mongolia's appeal by coming into contact with the magnificent nature and nomadic culture of Mongolia. With a population of only 3.4 million between great powers of Russia and China, Mongolia can expand its borders worldwide by opening windows to the world in the form of tourism, which is also significant in achieving what Vision 2050 aims to achieve.

Mongolia’s dramatic landscapes have long captivated travelers looking for unique experiences. With the decision of the Government of Mongolia to declare 2023-2025 the “Years to visit Mongolia”, and is expected to organise more than 90 events in 2023 to promote tourism. Mongolia has set a goal of welcoming at least 1 million foreign tourists and earning $1 billion from tourism in the coming years. The country received a total of 577,000 foreign tourists in 2019, earning $650 million from the tourism sector.

The Law on Tourism that was approved in May 4^th 2023 was revised to improve the legal framework of the tourism industry. 

In the framework of this bill:

• 100 percent of VAT on goods and products purchased by tourists will be refunded
• The number of countries eligible to apply for “E-Visa” will be doubled, and visas will be issued online within 48 hours.
• Liberalization of air transport will be carried out, restrictions will not be imposed for flights to Mongolia for three years, receiving aircraft from all other countries.

The Cabinet made the decision to temporarily exempt nationals of 34 countries from visa requirements when traveling to Mongolia for tourism purposes and for a stay of up to 30 days. The list of countries includes 32 European countries, Australia, and New Zealand.

          The European countries are:  Republic of Austria, Kingdom of Belgium, Hungary, Hellenic Republic, Kingdom of Denmark, Kingdom of Spain, Italian Republic, Republic of Latvia, Republic of Lithuania, Principality of Liechtenstein, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Republic of Malta, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Republic of Poland, Portuguese Republic, Slovak Republic, Republic of Slovenia, Republic of Finland, French Republic, Republic of Croatia, Czech Republic, Kingdom of Sweden, Republic of Estonia, Kingdom of Norway, Republic of Iceland, Swiss Confederation, Republic of Bulgaria, Ireland, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Principality of Monaco, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

         Nationals of the following countries could already previously travel without visa to Mongolia (as tourists and for up to 30 days): Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Germany, HongKong, Isreal, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macao, Peru, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, Uruguay, Uzbekistan.

Naadam Festival: A wrestler is thrown to the ground by his opponent during the annual Naadam festival in Ulaanbaatar. The famed event is held every July to celebrate the anniversary of Chinggis Khaan’s march to world conquest. The sports festival, which turned 100 in 2022, features traditional Mongolian events including wrestling, archery and horse racing.

Though many travelers are keen to take in the country’s beautiful natural scenery, there’s much to experience in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. New attractions include the Chinggis Khaan Museum, which offers a fresh look at Mongolia’s tumultous history.

The Spirit of Gobi music festival is one of several major events happening in Mongolia this summer. Other exciting festivals worth checking out include Playtime, K-Pop Festival and Kharkhorum 360 Visual Art & Music Experience.

           Welcome to Mongolia!