Russia Visa RequirementsFor Mongolia passport holders
Russia requires a visa for Mongolian passport holders, with a fee of $160 USD and stays of up to 30 days. Despite historical and geographic closeness, formal visa procedures apply. Applications can be made at the Russian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar.
Mongolia passport holders require a visa to enter Russia.
The Russian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar (Enkhtaivany Avenue 6, Ulaanbaatar) processes Russian visa applications. The fee is approximately $160 USD for a tourist visa. You will need a tourist voucher or invitation letter from an accredited Russian travel agency or hotel as part of the application. Processing takes three to five business days for standard applications; expedited processing is available.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Mongolia to Russia: What You Need to Know
Russia and Mongolia share a long border and historically close ties, yet a formal visa is still required for Mongolian citizens visiting Russia. The tourist visa costs approximately $160 USD and permits stays of up to 30 days. Many Mongolians travel to Russia for work, study, or trade, making this one of the most common visa routes from Mongolia.
To obtain a Russian tourist visa, an invitation letter (tourist voucher) from an accredited Russian travel agency or hotel is required. The Russian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar processes visa applications locally, which is a significant advantage compared to routes requiring Beijing embassy visits.
Russia's key destinations from a Mongolian perspective include Moscow with the Kremlin and Red Square, St. Petersburg with the Hermitage Museum, and the Trans-Siberian Railway which connects Ulaanbaatar directly to Moscow and is one of the world's great rail journeys.
Practical Tips
The Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian Railways connect Ulaanbaatar to Moscow (via Irkutsk and Lake Baikal) and are among the world's great train journeys. Book train tickets well in advance, especially in summer. Lake Baikal, accessible from Irkutsk, is one of the world's most remarkable natural sites and a popular stop for Mongolian travelers. Carry rubles in cash as international cards have faced restrictions in Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mongolian passport holders need a visa for Russia?
Yes, despite geographic proximity and historical ties, Mongolian citizens require a formal visa to visit Russia. The tourist visa costs approximately $160 USD.
Can I apply for a Russian visa in Ulaanbaatar?
Yes, the Russian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar (Enkhtaivany Avenue 6) processes visa applications locally. An invitation letter or tourist voucher from an accredited Russian travel agency is required.
How much does a Russian tourist visa cost?
The tourist visa fee is approximately $160 USD. Expedited processing is available at higher cost. Confirm current fees with the Russian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar.
Is the Trans-Siberian Railway accessible from Ulaanbaatar?
Yes, the Trans-Mongolian Railway connects Ulaanbaatar directly to Moscow via Irkutsk and Lake Baikal. The full Ulaanbaatar to Moscow journey takes approximately five days and is one of the world's great rail journeys.