Upon setting a goal of attracting one million foreign tourists and earning US$1 Billion in tourism revenue in 2024, the Mongolian government has declared 2023-2025 the “Years to visit Mongolia.” Heavily reliant on mining exports at present, Mongolia sees the development of its tourism sector as the most effective way to help the economy recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic.
Effective from January 11, 2023, to December 31, 2025, the Mongolian Cabinet has thus decided to exempt 34 countries from visa requirements for up to 30 days upon arrival. This includes several European countries, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, which lead the number of tourists visiting Mongolia. The country now takes 63rd place on the Passport Index Global Country Welcoming Rank – with an overall welcoming score of 66 – which includes countries that have visa-free or visa on arrival access to Mongolia.
Following the decision, the number of countries allowed visa-free travel to Mongolia has risen from 34 to 61. The complete list of countries is as follows:
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
Republic of Ireland
Republic of Cyprus
Romania
Principality of Monaco
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Commonwealth of Australia
New Zealand
Currently, Mongolia’s mobility score rests at 77, limiting access to over 60% of the globe for Mongolian citizens. By exempting visa requirements to its own country, Mongolia aims to boost the growth of its tourism industry, helping recover its economy and facilitate dialogue to improve travel conditions for Mongolian citizens.