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| Tourism MONGOLIAN TOURISM ASSOCIATION The Mongolian Tourism Association is the leading authority on tourism and hospitality issues in Mongolia . Whether you are looking for a reliable tour operator, a suitable partner to run tours or obtain important travel and tourism information, the MTA should be your first stop. Established in 1992, the MTA has today over 100 members that represent the best of Mongolia 's tour operators, accommodations and restaurants. According to statistics, over 80% of leisure tourists visiting Mongolia arrange their travel through MTA member tour operators. The main purpose of the association, a non-governmental organization, is to increase the quality of tourism facilities and services to enable all visitors to experience the best that Mongolia has to offer. In partnership with government agencies, MTA aim to promote Mongolia - a culturally, historically and environmentally unique destination. As a team of travel professionals, MTA believe in our country's potential to become a popular Asian destination for the adventure, cultural and eco travelers. MTA recognize own role in assisting foreign businesses and organizations to access relevant information facilitating the stay of tourists and other visitors. MTA is your ideal contact if you need information or advice on:
As Mongolia's foremost industry association, MTA is not only trying to be proactive in developing the industry, but also address the concerns and suggestions of both visitors and those overseas tourism businesses sending them. Please contact MTA at:
TRAVEL INFORMATION INDEX Entry & Exit Formalities Most foreign visitors to Mongolia will require a visa. The MTA advises all visitors to obtain visas in advance from Mongolian embassies, consulates and honorary consulates overseas, although it may be possible to obtain visas at the airport upon arrival. Holders of US passport, who travel to Mongolia for official, private business and tourism for up to 90 days are exempted from visa requirements in accordance with the New Visa Policy, which is effective since July 18, 2001. For all types of visa application, you will need your passport, a completed application form and at least one passport-sized photograph. Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months. For full details of entry formalities, see the website of the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs - http://www.extmin.mn/consulInfo.htm or contact your nearest Embassy http://www.extmin.mn/missionsAbroad.htm Visitors who intend to spend more than 30 days in Mongolia must register themselves within 7 days of arrival in Mongolia . If you are taking antiques out of the country, make sure that you have the correct paperwork. Some antique shops will provide you with this. If you buy antiques at the market, you will need to obtain permission from the Ministry of Enlightenment. Mongolia is a signatory to CITES and therefore exporting some animal products, including snow leopard and wolf furs is prohibited by law. Mongolian Visa Information Mongolian Visa Information Embassy of Mongolia to the USA Passport and Visa are required to travel to Mongolia. For Mongolian Tourist or Business Visas for 30 days or less it is required to submit by mail or in person following documentation: 1. Passport with a validity date at least six months beyond the end of the applicants intended period of stay in Mongolia 2. Visa Application Form for non-tourists with one passport size photo 3. Visa Application Form for Tourists with one passport size photo 4. Visa fee: Single entry visa $30.00, Double entry visa $60.00, Multiple entry visa for six month $65, Multiple entry visa for one year $105.00, Transit visa $15.00. For citizen of Canada and Great Britain visa fee is $55.00. Fees must be paid in US dollars by money order or cashiers check made payable to "The Embassy of Mongolia" 5. Prepaid, self-addressed return envelop. We recommend using a certified mail with tracking number, like Federal Express, Priority Mail 6. Transit visa processing requires visa for next destination, copy of onward ticket For staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days, or obtaining multiple entry visas for work / study, it is required to have an Approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. You can have an Approval with assistance of your partners or supporters there in Mongolia. Normally visa is processed in 2 working days. However, please be advised that the regulations require up to one week for the processing. The same day service (8 work hours for handling) is available for additional fee of US $30.00 and $55.00 for citizens of Canada and Great Britain. Visa is valid for entry within 90 days upon the issuance (Date of Issue) and its duration (Duration of Stay) counts from the date of entrance. Holders of US passport, who travel to Mongolia for official, private business and tourism for up to 90 days are exempted from visa requirements in accordance with the New Visa Policy, which is effective since July 18, 2001 . US citizens need a visa to travel to Mongolia more than 90 days. For staying in Mongolia for more than 90 days, or obtaining multiple entry visas for work / study, it is required to have an Approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia. You can have an Approval with assistance of your partners or supporters there in Mongolia . Visa fee is $100. Normally visa is processed in 2 working days. However, please be advised that the regulations require up to one week for the processing. The same day service (8 work hours for handling) is available for additional fee of US $100. List of Countries and Regions with No Visa List of countries and regions with non-visa
2. Israel - 30 days for all type of passports 3. Kazakhstan - 90 days for all type of passports 4. Malaysia - 1 month for all type of passports 5. Philippines - 21 days for all type of passports 6. Singapore - 14 days for all type of passports
a) 1. Bulgaria - no visa for diplomatic and official
passport holders. Ordinary passport holders need visa b) 1. China - no visa for all type of passport holders.
Private travelers need visa List of countries without visa fee 1. India - All type of passports need a visa, no visa applications, photos and fees required 2. USA- no visa for all type of passport holders,
including A, H, J visas within 90 days. Mongolia has consular conventions with the following countries: Mongolia has treaties on mutual legal assistance with the following
countries: If you are taking antiques out of the country, make sure that you have the correct paperwork. Some antique shops will provide you with this. If you buy antiques at the market, you will need to obtain permission from the Ministry of Enlightenment. Mongolia is a signatory to CITES and therefore exporting some animal products, including snow leopard and wolf furs is prohibited by law. Climate Mongolia is a land of climatic extremes. The summers are hot (up to 40 degrees centigrade), usually dry and sunny. Most of the low annual rainfall appears in July and August. The winters are very cold (down to minus 40 degrees centigrade) with little snow, although this will remain until spring. There is little humidity and blue skies for most of the year. The spring is well known for its strong winds. For up-to-date weather forecasts visit www.weather.com, www.cnn.com/WEATHER/ Transport Foreign visitors can enter Mongolia by rail or plane. The Trans-Mongolian railway runs between Beijing and Moscow , entering the Mongolian border points of Sukhbaatar and Zamyn Uud. Ulaanbaatar connects with Moscow , Berlin , Frankfurt , Beijing , Osaka , Tokyo , and Seoul with the following airlines:
Transport within and around Ulaanbaatar is by trolley bus, bus, taxi or private car. Bus and train services are limited to the countryside. Most visitors arrange jeep transport through local tour operators and/or use MIAT domestic flights. Taxis typically cost T250 per kilometer. The average cost from the airport to the centre of town is T5000 or US$5.
For Mongolian Maps, try:
Food Despite what you may hear about the availability and variety of food supplies in Mongolia , visitors will have no problem in having a balanced diet, even vegetarians and vegans. There are a wide variety of restaurants in Ulaanbaatar serving Mongolian, Chinese, Russian, European, Japanese, Korean and Latin American cuisines. Supermarkets sell imported goods from China , Russia , East Asia and Europe . Food supplies in the countryside are more limited to Mongolian local products and Chinese or Russian imports. Tour Operators will normally take food with them from Ulaanbaatar when traveling to the countryside. For international-style imported foods, check out the following shops:
Time Difference Mongolia is 8 hours ahead of GMT in winter and 9 hours ahead in summer. The three western aimags of Mongolia , Uvs, Bayan Ulgii and Khovd are one hour behind Ulaanbaatar and the rest of Mongolia . Tourist Safety & Security Mongolia is a safe destination. Visitors are unlikely to experience any serious problems, although like anywhere else, care is advised in busy areas or late at night. Foreign visitors can be targets for a very small minority of thieves. Theft is seldom violent. Pick pocketing and bag slitting is most common in crowded places such as the black market, on buses or at tourist attractions such as Gandan Monastery. Valuables should be kept in a money belt and kept underneath your clothing. Be careful about being seen with large amounts of money outdoors. Being out late on your own is not advisable. Avoid ger districts and poorly lit areas. Take a torch with you and only use recognizable taxis. Avoid dogs in ger districts. They are guard dogs rather than pets. Souvenirs The most popular locations for souvenirs are:
Currency & Banks The Mongolian currency is the Tugrik (T or MNT) available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 & 10,000 Tugrik notes. There are also coins in denominations of 20, 50, 100 and 200 Tugriks. For an up-to-date exchange rate, check out http://www.oanda.com. US$ American Express & Thomas Cook Travelers Checks are accepted at major banks. Cash advances can be made on credit cards and VISA ATM machines are available in a few locations in Ulaanbaatar . All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and licensed exchange booths in Ulaanbaatar . Many shops, restaurants and hotels now accept credit cards in Ulaanbaatar . Take local currency to the countryside. For the best exchange rates, visit the following licensed exchange locations:
Public Holidays
Accommodation Guest Houses, Home stays and hotels with prices between $5 and $120 can be found in the capital. Generally, quality and comfort increases with price. Tourist accommodation in the countryside is based around the ger camp concept, the traditional home of the Mongolian herders. Anything from 6 to 60 gers in one location with separate toilet and washing facilities and a restaurant. Prices range between $30 and $40 per night including meals. There are few hotels in the countryside and most are designed for domestic rather than international tourists. Prices average at $15 per night. Tourists can generally camp where they wish in the countryside, although it is advisable to camp away from settlements. There are also laws governing protected areas that prohibit camping in the most sensitive areas.
List of hotels:
Medical Information Mongolia does not specifically recommend any inoculations or vaccinations prior to visiting. All visitors should check with their Doctor for the latest information available before departure. To reduce the risk of illness while traveling within Mongolia , visitors are advised to follow all usual precautions.
All visitors should ensure that they come to Mongolia with suitable medical insurance. Check that your insurance includes medical repatriation and active sports. Medical facilities in Ulaanbaatar are reasonable given the country's level of economic development. Medical facilities and services in the countryside are severely restricted. A range of basic drugs and medicines are available. Mineral water is easily available in both the capital and in Aimag centers Electricity Power is 220V and 50Hz. Sockets accommodate the European-style 2 round pin plugs. Photography General print film and AA batteries are available throughout the capital and at tourist attractions. Professional film, slide film and specialist batteries should be purchased prior to departure. Photography is generally prohibited within Monastery buildings. Some attractions may charge a small fee for still and video cameras. Avoid photographing military establishments, airports, border crossings and government buildings. Ask countryside people before photographing them. Tipping/Bargaining Tipping at bars and restaurants is becoming more customary. 5-10% of the total cost is a good guide. All shops in the centre of town will display prices. Bargaining is only commonplace at markets, such as the large black market. In most cases tourists will be charged the same price as Mongolians, unless they are looking for antiques or jewelry. Only bargain if you are seriously interested in purchasing and then do not expect the price to drop more than around 30%. Language More and more people in Ulaanbaatar are beginning to speak English. Even at the food markets, you may be able to hold a simple conversation with the stall holders. The Mongolian language, a Turkish-Altaic language, is written nowadays in Cyrillic (like Russian). Restaurants Ulaanbaatar has a plentiful array of international restaurants to suit all tastes. Look out for the following:
Other Information A number of websites can easily be found on the culture and history of Mongolia . Rather than repeat their contents, we suggest you visit: http://www.mongoliatourism.gov.mn List of tour operators, camps, guest houses, hotels and etc
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Phone: (202) 333-7117, (202) 333-7017 Fax: (202) 298-9227 esyam@mongolianembassy.us Monday-Friday 09:00AM-13:00PM 14:00PM-17:00PM |
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