Yes, Chinese citizens need a visa to enter Mongolia. The fastest option is the Mongolia eVisa, which costs $51.50 USD and allows a 30-day stay for tourism. Chinese passport holders are not eligible for visa-free entry but can apply entirely online through the official evisa.mn portal. For a full overview of entry rules, see our Mongolia visa requirements guide.
Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa for Mongolia?
Yes. China is not on Mongolia’s list of visa-exempt countries. Holders of ordinary Chinese passports must obtain a visa before traveling to Mongolia. There are three main options:
- eVisa (electronic visa) – Apply online at evisa.mn, approved within 72 hours
- Embassy visa – Apply at a Mongolian embassy or consulate in China
- Visa on arrival – Available only to eVisa holders arriving at Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Exception: Holders of Chinese diplomatic, official, or service passports, as well as passports for public affairs, may enter Mongolia visa-free for up to 30 days under bilateral agreements dating back to 1989.
Mongolia eVisa for Chinese Citizens
The eVisa is the most convenient option for Chinese tourists. Here is what you need to know:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa category | K2 (Tourism) |
| Fee | $51.50 USD |
| Stay duration | Up to 30 days |
| Validity | Single entry, must be used within 150 days of approval |
| Processing time | Up to 72 hours (officially), allow up to 15 business days |
| Passport validity | At least 180 days from date of arrival |
| Entry points | All border crossings (air, rail, road) |
| Official portal | evisa.mn |
The eVisa fee of $51.50 is the government fee charged by the Mongolian Immigration Agency. Some third-party visa services charge additional service fees of $50-$60 on top of this.
Important Restrictions
- The eVisa is non-extendable – you cannot extend your stay beyond 30 days
- The eVisa is non-convertible – you cannot change it to a different visa type while in Mongolia
- Overstaying results in fines and possible detention at departure
How to Apply for Mongolia eVisa from China
Follow these steps to apply for your Mongolia eVisa:
- Visit the official portal at evisa.mn
- Create an account with your email address
- Select visa category K2 (Tourism)
- Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
- Upload a passport-style photo (recent, white background)
- Upload a scan of your passport bio page
- Pay the $51.50 fee by credit or debit card
- Submit your application and wait for approval
Required Documents
- Valid Chinese passport with at least 180 days validity remaining
- Recent passport-size photo (digital format)
- Passport bio page scan
- Return flight booking or travel itinerary
- Hotel reservation or accommodation details in Mongolia
Tips for Chinese Applicants
- Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip to allow for processing delays
- Use a valid email address – your eVisa approval will be sent there
- Print a copy of your approved eVisa to present at immigration
- Some applicants report longer processing times during peak season (June-August)
Embassy Visa for Mongolia
If you prefer to apply through a Mongolian embassy or consulate in China, here are the fees. For a complete breakdown of all costs, see our Mongolia visa fees guide.
| Visa Type | Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | $50 USD | Up to 30 days |
| Double entry | $65 USD | Up to 30 days per entry |
| Single transit | $25 USD | Up to 10 days |
Mongolian Embassy in Beijing
- Address: Beijing, Chaoyang District
- Website: mfa.gov.mn
- Processing time: 5-7 business days
You can also apply at the Mongolian Consulate General in Hohhot (Inner Mongolia), which handles visa applications for travelers entering Mongolia overland.
Traveling from China to Mongolia
By Air
Direct flights operate from several Chinese cities to Ulaanbaatar (Chinggis Khaan International Airport – UBN):
- Beijing – MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Air China (approximately 2.5 hours)
- Hohhot – MIAT, Hunnu Air (approximately 2 hours)
- Hong Kong – MIAT (approximately 4 hours)
By Train
The Trans-Mongolian Railway connects Beijing to Ulaanbaatar via the border crossing at Erlian/Zamiin-Uud. The journey takes approximately 30 hours. You will need a valid Mongolian visa (eVisa accepted) and a Chinese exit permit.
By Road
You can cross the land border at several points, including:
- Erlian (China) / Zamiin-Uud (Mongolia) – Most popular crossing
- Takashiken (China) / Bulgan (Mongolia) – In Altai region
Note that land border crossings may have limited operating hours and the eVisa is accepted at all official entry points.
After Arrival: 48-Hour Registration
All visitors to Mongolia, including Chinese citizens, must register with the Mongolia Immigration Agency within 48 hours of arrival if staying longer than 30 days. Your hotel will typically handle this registration automatically. If staying in a private residence, you must register in person at the immigration office in Ulaanbaatar.
Failure to register can result in fines and complications when departing Mongolia.
Comparison: eVisa vs Embassy Visa vs Visa on Arrival
For a step-by-step guide to the online application process, see our detailed how to apply for Mongolia visa guide.
| Feature | eVisa | Embassy Visa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Online (evisa.mn) | Embassy in China | Airport (eVisa holders only) |
| Processing | Up to 72 hours | 5-7 business days | Immediate |
| Fee | $51.50 | $50-$65 | N/A (requires eVisa) |
| Stay | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Best for | Tourism, convenience | Complex itineraries | Not applicable to Chinese citizens without eVisa |
Hong Kong and Macau SAR Passport Holders
If you hold a Hong Kong SAR passport, you do not need a visa for Mongolia for stays up to 14 days. For the complete list of visa-exempt nationalities, see our Mongolia visa-free countries page.
If you hold a Macau SAR passport, you do not need a visa for Mongolia for stays up to 90 days.
These visa exemptions do not apply to holders of a Chinese passport with Hong Kong/Macau residency permits – you still need a visa.
Mongolia Visa for Chinese Citizens: Quick Facts
- Chinese ordinary passport holders need a visa for Mongolia
- The cheapest option is the eVisa at $51.50 via evisa.mn
- Processing takes up to 72 hours but allow 2-3 weeks
- Your passport must be valid for at least 180 days
- The eVisa allows 30 days, single entry, tourism only
- Cannot be extended or converted to another visa type
- Register with immigration within 48 hours if staying 30+ days
- Hong Kong SAR (14 days) and Macau SAR (90 days) passport holders are visa-exempt
FAQs About Mongolia Visa for Chinese Citizens
Can Chinese citizens get a visa on arrival in Mongolia?
No. Chinese citizens are not eligible for a standard visa on arrival. You must obtain an eVisa or embassy visa before traveling. The eVisa application is completed entirely online at evisa.mn and is the recommended option for tourists.
How much does a Mongolia visa cost for Chinese citizens?
The Mongolia eVisa costs $51.50 USD (government fee). Embassy visas cost $50 USD for single entry or $65 USD for double entry. Third-party services may charge additional fees of $50-$60 on top of the government fee.
How long does it take to get a Mongolia eVisa from China?
Official processing time is up to 72 hours. However, during peak travel season (June-August), processing may take longer. It is recommended to apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure date.
Can I use the Mongolia eVisa to enter by train from Beijing?
Yes. The Mongolia eVisa is accepted at all official border crossings, including the Erlian/Zamiin-Uud rail crossing used by the Trans-Mongolian Railway. Make sure to print your eVisa approval letter before departure.
Do Hong Kong residents with a Chinese passport need a visa for Mongolia?
If you hold a Hong Kong SAR passport, you are visa-exempt for stays up to 14 days. However, if you hold a Chinese passport (even with Hong Kong residency), you still need a visa. The visa exemption is based on passport type, not residence.
Can I extend my Mongolia eVisa while in the country?
No. The Mongolia eVisa is non-extendable and non-convertible. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type through the Mongolian Immigration Agency in Ulaanbaatar before your eVisa expires.
What documents do I need for a Mongolia eVisa application?
You need a valid Chinese passport (180+ days validity), a recent passport photo, a passport bio page scan, and proof of accommodation in Mongolia. A return flight booking is also recommended though not always required.
Is it safe to travel to Mongolia from China?
Mongolia is generally safe for Chinese tourists. The main risks are related to travel in remote areas (limited infrastructure, extreme weather). Ulaanbaatar has petty crime like any major city. Register with your embassy and carry travel insurance.
