From now on, free Mongolia can be visited without any formalities: from November 14, 2014, entry into the country for Russian citizens is visa-free, while enjoying the dizzying expanses and fresh koumiss can be as much as 30 days. If the visit to Batu’s homeland is delayed, you will need to apply for a visa in advance at the Embassy of Mongolia in Moscow. The package of documents is standard (from the features – perhaps a 6-month supply of a passport), the visa fee is 50 USD. Recall that it is still necessary to get involved in visa-free Mongolia within reasonable limits: the number of days spent in the country should not exceed 90 for each six months. According to populationmonster, Ulaanbaatar is one of the largest cities in Mongolia.
Border crossing
When crossing the border, it is necessary to present to the passport control officers a foreign passport, the validity of which is at least 6 months on the date of entry. No additional documents are required. You can stay in the country for 30 days, the total period of stay in Mongolia should not exceed 90 days per six months.
In addition, you should definitely take out a medical insurance policy for the entire duration of the trip. Let it be better not to be useful than to be left without qualified assistance in case of an accident.
Visa application
If the visit to Mongolia lasts more than 30 days, you must apply for a visa. You can submit documents to consular offices located in Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude and Kyzyl.
Documents for a visa to Mongolia
Required documents for obtaining a tourist visa category “J”:
- international passport
The validity of which is at least 6 months at the time of applying for a visa;
- Copy of international passport
A copy of the first page with personal data;
- Photo
1 photo 3.5 x 4.5;
- Help from the place of work
On official letterhead indicating position and salary;
- Questionnaire
It is possible in Russian, filled in typewritten or by hand with a black pen in block letters;
- Invitation
From the host (hotel or travel agency).
Consular fee – 50 USD, paid in US dollars directly at the consular department. At the Consulate General in Kyzyl, payment must be made in rubles by bank transfer using the details provided by the consular department. Registration takes 5 working days. The visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, the maximum stay in the country is 30 days.
Money and currency exchange
The monetary unit of the country is Tugrik (MNT), in 1 tugrik there are 100 mungu. Current exchange rate: 100 MNT = 1.86 RUB (1 USD = 3103.38 MNT, 1 EUR = 3264.76 MNT).
It is most convenient to import US dollars into Mongolia – they are willingly exchanged for the national currency everywhere and they are often used for settlements. The European currency is less loved by Mongolian banks, however, it can also be exchanged for tugriks, mainly in Ulaanbaatar. In general, it will not be difficult to exchange money in bank branches and exchange offices, the rate is approximately the same. Banks and exchange offices are open from 9:00-9:30 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 15:00-17:00. Market changers are best avoided – despite the fact that they offer an interesting rate – the likelihood of fraud is high. It is recommended to go from the capital to the outback with a supply of cash in tugriks – there may not be any exchangers or ATMs at all. In the capital, there will be no problems with ATMs and credit card payments.
Useful phone numbers
Embassy of Mongolia in Moscow: Borisoglebsky per., 11; tel. +7 (495) 691-46-36, +7 (499) 241-15-48 (consular department)
Embassy of Russia in Ulaanbaatar: Enkhtayvany gudamzh, A-6; tel. (11) 312-851, 327-071; Web site
Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Darkhan: Zaluuchuudyn gudamzh, 13; tel.: (7037) 39-96; Web site
Codes of some cities: Ulaanbaatar – 11 and 21, Erdenet – 1352 and 2352, Darkhan – 1372 and 2372.
Fire department – 101, police – 102, ambulance – 103; reference – 109.
Tourist safety
Mongolia is generally a safe country for tourists. In Ulaanbaatar, you should beware of pickpockets, especially in the area of the central station and markets, as well as at bus stops and in public transport itself. When traveling on horseback around the country, you need to be vigilant and organize a night watch: during sleep, personal belongings and even horses are often stolen. Another danger is packs of feral dogs, among which cases of rabies are periodically observed.
It is better to drink bottled water; At the same time, there are many natural springs with surprisingly tasty water in the foothills of Altai. Do not forget about sun protection – Mongolia has a high level of solar activity.
Hospitality and respect for the host is the basis of Mongolian ethics, from which many nuances of behavior follow. Ignorance of all the details is excusable for a foreigner, but it is better to remember and follow the basic rules. You should not refuse treats, you need to take at least a small piece or take a sip of the proposed drink (while holding the cup by the bottom). You should take it with your right hand, the same applies to a joint meal from a common dish. In a yurt, you can’t lean on the central supporting pillar, stand on the threshold and whistle. In addition, it is better not to touch the head of another person, especially a child, and turn your back on the elders. Fire for the Mongols is sacred: you can not trample it, fill it with water and throw garbage into it.
