China Visa RequirementsFor Mongolia passport holders
Mongolian citizens need a Chinese visa to visit China. Despite being neighbours sharing a long border, Mongolia and China do not have a mutual visa exemption for tourism. The Chinese Embassy in Ulaanbaatar processes visa applications.
Mongolia passport holders require a visa to enter China.
Apply at the Chinese Embassy in Ulaanbaatar (Zaluuchuudyn Orgon Chuluu 5, Ulaanbaatar) or at a Chinese Consulate. Required documents include a valid Mongolian passport, completed Chinese visa application form, passport photos, hotel reservations or an invitation letter, flight or train tickets, and bank statements. The visa fee for Mongolian nationals is approximately USD 30-50 (fees are set by reciprocal arrangement). Processing takes approximately 4-5 business days. Standard L (tourist) visa allows a 30-day stay.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Completed Chinese visa application form (online or paper)
Valid Mongolian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Two recent passport photos (33mm x 48mm, white background)
Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a Chinese host
Return or onward flight or train ticket
Bank statements showing sufficient funds
Employment documentation or proof of income Recommended
Current Travel Situation
Mongolia to China: What You Need to Know
Mongolia and China share one of the world's longest land borders, and economic, cultural, and trade ties between the two countries are deep. China is Mongolia's largest trading partner and most visited foreign destination. Hundreds of thousands of Mongolians travel to China annually for business, trade, shopping, and tourism. The Chinese visa for Mongolians is processed efficiently given the high volume at the Ulaanbaatar embassy. Beijing, Shanghai, Inner Mongolia (Nei Mongol), and border cities are the primary destinations.
How to Get There
MIAT Mongolian Airlines and Air China operate direct flights from Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) to Beijing Capital (PEK) or Beijing Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and other Chinese cities. The Ulaanbaatar-Beijing flight takes approximately 2 hours. The Trans-Mongolian Railway also connects Ulaanbaatar to Beijing by train (approximately 30 hours) passing through the Gobi Desert, a spectacular overland journey.
Money & Banking
China uses the Chinese yuan (CNY/RMB). Mongolian tugriks are not accepted in China. Bring CNY cash or use a Visa/Mastercard bank card. Note that many Chinese payment systems (Alipay, WeChat Pay) require a Chinese bank account and are not available to foreign visitors without setup. China is moderately priced for mid-range travel, so budget CNY 300-600 (~USD 40-80) per day.
Practical Tips
Beijing's Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, and Summer Palace are unmissable. Shanghai's Bund waterfront, Yu Garden, and futuristic skyline of Pudong are extraordinary. Inner Mongolia (Nei Mongol Autonomous Region) holds special cultural significance for Mongolians, sharing the Mongolian heritage and landscape. The Great Wall is accessible from both Beijing and other northern Chinese cities. Hong Kong and Macau (separate entry requirements) add further options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mongolians need a visa for China?
Yes. Despite being neighbours, Mongolian citizens need a Chinese visa for tourism. Apply at the Chinese Embassy in Ulaanbaatar. The standard tourist (L) visa allows a 30-day stay. Processing takes approximately 4-5 business days.
Are there direct flights from Ulaanbaatar to China?
Yes. MIAT Mongolian Airlines and Air China operate direct flights from Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) to Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG), and other Chinese cities. The flight to Beijing takes approximately 2 hours.
Can I travel from Mongolia to China by train?
Yes. The Trans-Mongolian Railway connects Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, taking approximately 30 hours. The route passes through the Gobi Desert and the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, offering a spectacular overland journey. Advance booking is recommended especially for summer and Chinese New Year periods.