Apply Mongolia eVisa from Australia

Mongolia, the land of the eternal blue sky, offers an unparalleled adventure, from the sprawling Gobi desert to the rugged Altai mountains. While the journey from Australia may be long, securing your entry documentation is now simpler than ever, thanks to Mongolia’s modern electronic visa system.

Applying for an eVisa removes the need for physical visits to an embassy, allowing you to manage your application entirely online. This user-friendly guide breaks down how to apply for a Mongolia eVisa from Australia, ensuring a smooth, worry-free start to your Mongolian adventure.

Do Australians need a visa to enter Mongolia?

This is the most critical question for Australian travelers. For tourism (K2) purposes, Australian passport holders are currently visa-exempt for stays of up to 30 days.

However, the eVisa is necessary if:

1. Your intended stay exceeds 30 days.
2. You are travelling for specific, non-tourist purposes like cultural events or transit (K4 or K6 visas).
3. The temporary visa-exemption program is no longer active at the time of your travel.

If your trip falls into any of the categories requiring a visa, the online eVisa application is your best and easiest route.

What are the different Mongolia eVisa types available?

The Mongolian eVisa system supports several single-entry categories, primarily:

Visa Type	Purpose of Travel	Validity Period	Maximum Stay Duration
K2 (Tourism)	Leisure, visiting friends/family, sightseeing.	150 Days (Single Entry)	30 Days
K4 (Sport/Cultural)	Participating in or attending cultural, arts, or sports events.	150 Days (Single Entry)	30 Days
K6 (Transit)	Passing through Mongolia en route to a third country.	150 Days (Single Entry)	10 Days

 

It is crucial to select the correct type, as the purpose of your trip will dictate the required supporting documentation.

Which types of  documents are required for the Mongolia eVisa application?

A common fear with visa applications is the mountain of paperwork. Fortunately, the Mongolia eVisa process is relatively streamlined, requiring digital copies of the following documents to meet the Mongolia Visa requirements.

1. Passport Bio Page: A clear, high-resolution scan of your passport’s biographical data page.
2. Applicant Photo: Must meet specific size and quality standards (see below).
3. Accommodation Documents/Letter: Proof of where you will stay, such as hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a sponsor or host in Mongolia.
4. Proof of Financial Resources: Documentation (e.g., bank statements) showing you have sufficient funds to cover your stay.
5. Education Verification: Copies of relevant certificates or transcripts, particularly important if travelling for cultural/event purposes.
6. Travel Itinerary: A detailed plan of your travel, including entry and exit flights/transport.
7. Health Statement: A self-declaration regarding your current health status.
8. Declaration Letter: A signed letter confirming the accuracy of the information provided in your application.

What are the specific eVisa photo specifications?

Meeting the precise photo specifications is one of the most common reasons for application delays. While the exact digital dimensions ,you should prepare a recent digital photo (typically taken within the last six months) that adheres to these general rules:

• Format: Digital file (usually JPEG or PNG).
• Style: Standard passport style—full face, front view, with a neutral expression.
• Background: Plain white or light-coloured background.
• Quality: High resolution, clear, with no shadows on the face or background.

How long is the eVisa validity and duration of stay?

The validity and duration are two different things, and it is vital not to confuse them:

• Validity: The visa is typically valid for 150 days from the date of issue. This is the window of time during which you must enter Mongolia.
• Duration of Stay: Once you enter Mongolia, the maximum length of time you are permitted to stay is fixed, regardless of the 150-day validity period. This is 30 days for K2 (Tourism) and K4 (Cultural/Sport) visas, and 10 days for a K6 (Transit) visa.

What is the eVisa application process step-by-step?

The online application process is designed for maximum convenience:

• Complete the Form: Fill out the form with your personal details, travel plans, and contact information. Ensure all data is accurate.

• Upload Documents: Attach the digital copies of your passport bio page, photo, accommodation proof, and other required documents.
• Pay the Fee: Submit the application fee online using a credit or debit card.
• Receive Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation with an Application ID.
• Print the eVisa: Once approved, the eVisa will be sent to your email. Download, print a copy, and keep a digital version on your phone for presentation upon arrival.

What is the Mongolia eVisa processing time?

The processing time depends on the urgency you require and the associated cost, which are factors that influence the Mongolia eVisa processing time. There are three main options:

• Normal Processing: 9 – 11 working days.
• Rush Processing: 5 – 9 working days.
• Super Rush Processing: 3 – 5 working days.

Working days exclude weekends and public holidays. When planning your trip, always choose a processing time that gives you ample buffer before your departure date.

Can I apply for an urgent / express eVisa?

Yes. If your travel is imminent, you can select the Rush Processing or Super Rush Processing options. These tiers significantly reduce the waiting time for your application approval.

While faster, these options generally incur higher service fees. The Super Rush option offers the quickest turnaround, typically delivering your eVisa within 3 to 5 working days.

What are common eVisa mistakes to avoid during application?

Mistakes can lead to delays or outright rejection. Be sure to avoid these common errors:

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Mongolia.
• Incomplete/Incorrect Data: Double-check every field, especially passport numbers and dates. Incorrect or misleading information can lead to refusal and non-refundable fees.
• Photo Issues: Submitting a photo that doesn’t meet size or quality specifications.
• Missing Documents: Failing to provide all the required supporting documents, such as the Proof of Financial Resources or Accommodation confirmation.

Can an eVisa be cancelled or refunded?

The refund policy is strict and depends entirely on the processing status of your application.

Processing Category	Cancellation Window	Refund Eligibility
Normal	Within 1 hour of order placement.	Only if the application has not yet been submitted to government authorities for review.
Rush/Super Rush	Within 15 minutes of order placement.	Only if the application has not yet been submitted to government authorities for review.

Important Refund Notes:

• A refund processing fee of at least 20 USD usually applies.
• If your application is rejected or approved/issued, the fee is non-refundable.
• Refunds will not be issued if the visa is cancelled or denied due to incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information provided by the applicant.
• Once processing begins, cancellation is generally impossible.

What is better, eVisa or Visa on arrival ?

For eligible Australians, the choice is between a pre-approved eVisa and the 30-day visa-free entry (or a traditional embassy visa for longer stays).

• eVisa (Recommended for K4/K6 or stays > 30 days): Offers peace of mind, as you know your entry is confirmed before you leave Australia. It is processed quickly online.
• Visa-Free Entry (Recommended for tourism < 30 days): This is the easiest option, as it requires no prior application.

Given the ease of the eVisa and the strict consequences of not having the correct documentation, relying on a pre-approved eVisa is often the safer choice for non-tourist or extended visits. 

What happens after my Mongolia eVisa is issued?

Once your eVisa is approved and issued, it is a final document. It cannot be cancelled or refunded, even if you decide not to travel or choose a Visa on Arrival option instead. The issuance marks the successful conclusion of the application service. Refund timelines, if you are eligible, are handled quickly by the service provider, but your bank may take 4–17 business days to process the amount back to your original payment method.

By following this guide, you are well on your way to experiencing the wonders of Mongolia, from Ulaanbaatar’s monasteries to the boundless steppe, with your entry requirements secured.