Mongolia Extends Visa-Free Access for Australians and New Zealanders
The Mongolian government has extended the 30-day visa-free entry program for Australian and New Zealand passport holders through December 31, 2026. This extension facilitates short-term stays for tourism, scouting, or initial business meetings under the 'Years to Visit Mongolia' initiative.
Mongolia Extends Visa-Free Access for Australians and New Zealanders
Mongolia has officially confirmed that Australian and New Zealand passport holders can continue to enter the country without a visa through December 31, 2026. This extension is part of the "Years to Visit Mongolia" campaign, which aims to boost tourism and streamline entry for 34 nations.
Under this policy, travelers receive a 30-day stay upon arrival. While the government previously planned to transition these nationalities to an e-visa system sooner, this update provides another full year of frictionless travel. It aligns Mongolia with regional neighbors like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which offer similar exemptions for Oceania-based travelers.
Who is eligible
This exemption is designed for tourists and leisure travelers. It is particularly useful for nomads looking to scout the region or those attending the summer Naadam Festival.
While the policy simplifies entry for business travelers conducting initial meetings or due diligence, it does not permit formal employment. Remote workers and digital nomads should be aware that the exemption is technically for tourism; stay updated on nomad news to see if a dedicated remote work visa is introduced in the future.
Essential requirements and extensions
To take advantage of the visa-free entry, you must follow these specific steps:
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date.
- Mandatory Registration: Australians must register with the Mongolian Immigration Agency within 48 hours of arrival. Failure to do so can result in fines of approximately AUD 130.
- Health Insurance: You are required to have active health insurance, which may be checked by border officials.
- Staying Longer: If 30 days isn't enough, you can apply for a single 30-day extension via the official immigration website before your initial window expires. This allows for a total stay of 60 days.
If you plan to visit for work, study, or professional photography, you still need to apply for a specific visa category through the Mongolian e-visa portal or an embassy before you fly.
Read our full Mongolia guide for the complete picture.