Mong Co, the land of vast steppes, the mysterious Gobi Desert, and unique nomadic culture, is an attractive destination for those who love exploration. One of the most common questions from Vietnamese tourists is: Do I need a visa to travel to Mong Co? In this article, NVK Travel will provide detailed information about visa policies, necessary documents, and important notes to help you prepare for your trip to Mong Co as smoothly as possible.
Do I need a visa to travel to Mong Co?
Visa exemption policy for Vietnamese citizens
Do I need a visa to travel to Mong Co?
Good news for Vietnamese tourists: From March 7, 2024, Mong Co has exempted visas for Vietnamese citizens entering for tourism, short-term business, or visiting relatives. According to this policy:
Duration of stay: Up to 30 days for each entry.
Conditions for application: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Type of entry: Applicable for both single and multiple entries during the validity of the policy.
Thanks to this visa exemption policy, Vietnamese tourists can save costs (previously about 30-50 USD, equivalent to 700,000-1,200,000 VND) and time for visa procedures, making the journey to Mong Co easier than ever.
Although the visa exemption policy is very convenient, you still need a visa in the following cases:
Staying over 30 days: If you plan to stay in Mong Co longer, you need to apply for a visa at the Mongolian Embassy in Hanoi or through reputable travel companies.
Special purposes: Long-term business, studying, or working require different types of visas (business visa, work visa).
Invitation letter: In some cases (such as participating in special events), an invitation letter from an organization or individual in Mong Co may be required, with a cost of about 30 USD (700,000 VND).
Note: The visa exemption policy may change according to the regulations of the Mongolian government. Please check the latest information before your trip on the Mongolian Embassy website or contact NVK Travel for assistance.
Necessary documents when traveling to Mong Co
Even though visa exemption is granted, you still need to prepare some documents to ensure smooth entry:
Passport:
Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Must have at least 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
Round-trip ticket: To prove that you will leave Mong Co within 30 days.
Hotel booking confirmation: In some cases, customs officers may ask to see your itinerary or booking confirmation (though not mandatory).
Travel insurance: Not mandatory but highly recommended, especially when exploring the steppes or Gobi Desert, where medical conditions are limited. Insurance costs about 200,000-500,000 VND for 7 days.
Travel itinerary (soft copy or printed): Although not mandatory, preparing an itinerary in English will help you easily communicate with customs or local guides.
Tip: Back up your passport and important documents (soft copy on email or Google Drive) in case of loss.
Visa application process for traveling to Mong Co is not too difficult.
The entry process at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (Ulaanbaatar) is quite simple:
Present documents: Show your passport and round-trip ticket to the customs officer.
Answer questions (if any): Customs may ask about the purpose of your trip, duration of stay, or accommodation in Mong Co. Respond briefly and clearly.
Stamp entry: Your passport will be stamped for free, confirming a maximum stay of 30 days.
Note:
Ensure your passport is not torn, and the stamps are clear to avoid trouble.
If traveling on a tour, the guide or travel company will assist you at the airport.
What to do if you need a visa for special purposes?
If your trip does not fall under the visa exemption category, you need to apply for a visa at the Mongolian Embassy in Hanoi or through reputable travel companies like NVK Travel. The visa application process includes:
Documents to prepare
Original passport (valid for 6 months, 2 blank pages).
2 photos 3.5x4.5 cm (white background, taken within the last 6 months).
Visa application form (download from the Mongolian Embassy website).
Invitation letter (if needed, from an organization/individual in Mong Co).
Detailed itinerary (in English).
Confirm flight and hotel bookings.
Visa fee: Approximately 30-60 USD (700,000-1,400,000 VND), depending on the type of visa.
Visa application process
Submit documents at the Mongolian Embassy (Address: 39 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi).
Wait for approval (usually 5-7 working days).
Receive the visa by mail or directly at the Embassy.
Tip: Contact NVK Travel for assistance in preparing documents and submitting the visa quickly to avoid mistakes.
Important notes when entering Mongolia
Check the latest policy: Visa exemption policies may change. Visit the Mongolian Embassy website or contact NVK Travel for updates.
Bring cash as a backup: Some areas in Mongolia (especially the steppe) do not accept cards. Exchange Tugrik (MNT) at the airport or banks in Ulaanbaatar (1 MNT ≈ 11 VND, as of June 2025).
Internet connection: Buy a 4G SIM (Mobicom, Unitel) at the airport, priced from 150,000-400,000 VND for 5-10GB, to look up information or for emergency communication.
Respect entry regulations: Do not bring fresh food, banned drugs, or restricted items (check the list on the Mongolian customs website).
Why should you prepare thoroughly even if visa-free?
Although the visa exemption policy saves time and costs, thorough preparation is still very important because:
Terrain and infrastructure: Mongolia has complex terrain, limited transportation, especially in the steppe and Gobi Desert. Travel insurance and a clear itinerary will help you feel more secure.
Language barrier: English is not widely spoken outside of Ulaanbaatar. Having an English itinerary or a guide will help you communicate more easily.
Severe weather: Temperatures change rapidly, from -30°C in winter to 40°C in summer in the Gobi Desert. Preparing suitable clothing and gear is necessary.
Benefits of traveling to Mongolia with NVK Travel
Travelers to Mongolia can apply for a visa directly themselves
The visa exemption policy has opened up great opportunities for Vietnamese tourists to explore Mongolia more easily. However, to make the journey complete and hassle-free, consider professional services from NVK Travel. We offer:
Entry procedure consultation: Ensure you have all the necessary documents and information.
All-inclusive Mongolia tours: Including flight tickets, accommodation, transportation, and local guides, helping you save preparation time.
Flexible services: Assistance with hotel bookings, renting 4x4 jeeps, or organizing horseback riding experiences and camping on the steppe.
24/7 support: Our consulting team is ready to answer any questions before and during your trip.
Start your journey to explore the land of nomadic warriors today! Visit https://nvktravel.com/ to receive free consultation, the latest visa information, and book Mongolia tours with attractive offers from NVK Travel.
