A trip to Mongolia is a dream come true for people living in South Africa. Such a beautiful country with pristine nature, lively culture, and incomparable adventures is definitely worth a visit. To prevent any hassle on your trip, it is very important that you understand the Mongolia eVisa procedures. The information presented here is like a roadmap for you, giving you all the details you might need, from types of Mongolia eVisa for Citizens of South Africa and time taken to get them, application requirements, refunds, applies again, SIM cards, and many more.
Do South Africans Need a eVisa for Mongolia?
Yes, a evisa is required for South African citizens to enter Mongolia. The good news is that Mongolia has put in place a user-friendly eVisa system to facilitate access for travellers who may not be able to visit the office in person. This electronic visa can be used for various types of visits such as tourism, transit, and participation in sport or cultural events. South Africans can stay for a single entry and up to 150 days with the eVisa, the exact duration being dependent on the visa type. The online application is easy: you upload your passport bio page, a photo, your travel itinerary, and other necessary documents, select a processing time, and wait for the approval. This eVisa scheme is a travel saver for South Africans who now can focus on other things like planning their trip and immersing themselves in Mongolia’s beautiful nature and rich culture.
What Types of Mongolia eVisa Are Available for South African Citizens?
Citizens of South Africa are eligible to obtain various types of Mongolia eVisas which should be chosen based on the different purposes of their visits.
These are the major alternatives:
- Transit eVisa: It is a short stay of up to 150 days, single entry, and mainly holds airport travelers connecting to their next flights.
- Tourism eVisa: It can be used for 150 days, single entry. It is a great way to experience Mongolia’s nature and historic sites.
- Sport or Cultural Events eVisa: This visa is valid for 150 days, single entry. It is suitable for travelers going to sports competitions, cultural festivals, or the like.
Different types of visas have similar terms, i.e., single entry and 150 days duration, which are very suitable for short-term travelers.
How long does it take to get an eVisa for Mongolia?
Processing time depends on the speed you choose during your application.
Mongolia offers three options:
- Normal Processing: 9 to 11 working days. Ideal for travelers with flexible schedules.
- Rush Processing: 5 to 9 working days. Perfect if you need your visa sooner.
- Super Rush Processing: 3 to 5 working days. Best for last-minute travel plans.
It’s important to select the processing type based on your travel dates. Once processing begins, cancellations are usually not possible.
What Documents Are Required for a Mongolia eVisa?
One of the requirements for a successful visa application is the preparation of documents. Each of your files should be typed in a proper way with no doubt about their legibility.
These are:
- Passport Bio Page: A scanned copy of the main page of your passport should be uploaded. Make sure your passport is of at least six months’ validity.
- Applicant Photo: A recent photograph of passport style. Mongolia’s photo guidelines should be followed by the applicant which require a clear and front-facing image without shadows.
- Accommodation Docs / Letter from Sponsor / Hotel Booking: Confirmation of where you will be staying during your visit. It may be a hotel’s confirmation or a letter from the host.
- Travel Itinerary: A detailed and clear plan of your trip and the dates in which you will be in Mongolia and the destinations.
- Proof of Financial Resources: Bank statements or other financial documents that demonstrate your ability to support yourself during the stay.
- Health Statement: A signed document that indicates the health status of the individual.
- Education Verification: If used for certain purposes, proof of educational background is required.
- Declaration Letter: A formal statement that confirms the authenticity of the information that you have provided.
Please make sure all your documents are properly formatted and clearly scanned so that there will be no delays.
Is Mongolia a Good Place to Work for South African Citizens?
- For South Africans looking to gain international experience and engage in cultural exchange, Mongolia presents distinctly different work opportunities.
- Essentially the foreign workers’ sectors are the mining industry, education, tourism, and international business.
- Professionals who communicate in English might obtain positions in schools, non-governmental organizations, or multinational companies.
- There are a limited number of job openings for foreigners, and the competition can be tough.
- Getting used to the local traditions, learning some Mongolian, and being familiar with the work culture will make the time spent there more enjoyable.
- South Africans who have the qualities of being open-minded and adaptable will find working in Mongolia a great experience.
Is Mongolia Friendly with South Africans?
- Mongolia is quite open and pleasant to South African travelers.
- In general, Mongolians are very hospitable and nice to people.
- South African tourists are receiving good respect and treatment in urban and rural areas as well as small towns.
- There aren’t any limitations or bad views toward South African citizens.
- If you are polite and respectful of the local customs, you will surely have a great time.
- A warm and friendly atmosphere is what South Africans will be able to enjoy all along their stay.
How much is the eVisa fee for Mongolia?
Its offers to Mongolia eVisa Fee application via an online system depends on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality.
- The money amount that you have to give will be shown to you on the screen during the last step of your online application.
- The payment must be made by a digital method at the moment when the form is being submitted.
- It will cost you more if you choose a faster or an emergency processing option.
If the application is being processed, the money that you have already paid will not be refunded.
Is Travel Insurance Required for a Mongolia eVisa?
If it isn’t required in all cases, the purchasing of travel insurance is highly suggested:
- It shall be the means of covering medical emergencies, accidents, or unforeseen events.
- Will bring reassuring feelings to you during your stay abroad.
- A few travel insurance plans could provide cover for the cancellation of flights or the loss of luggage.
- Putting it on will also signal to you as being prepared, which, in turn, may help your visa application get accepted.
Can Children Apply for a Mongolia eVisa?
Yes, children of South African citizens can apply for an eVisa. Requirements include:
- Child’s passport bio page.
- Recent photograph of the child.
- Proof of accompanying parent or guardian.
- Health and declaration documents if required.
Parents or guardians must submit applications on behalf of minors and ensure all documents are complete.
Do Travel Agents Help with Mongolia eVisa for South Africans Citizens?
- Travel agents can assist South Africans with their Mongolia eVisa application.
- They help by guiding applicants, ensuring forms and documents are correct.
- Agents can reduce errors and save time, especially for first-time applicants.
- They cannot guarantee visa approval; the decision is made by Mongolian authorities.
- Using an agent may involve additional service fees.
- Self-application is possible if you carefully follow the instructions.
Can I Get a Refund If My Mongolia eVisa Is Cancelled?
- Yes, you can ask for a refund for your eVisa to Mongolia, but only under certain situations. Refunding is available only when your file has not yet been reviewed. Once the processing of the file is started, it is not possible to cancel or refund your request.
- In case you cannot travel to a place due to an unexpected situation like sickness or some urgent personal matters, then only in such a case will your refund be considered, and that too, only if the application has not been processed yet. Also, in a situation whereby you have chosen the wrong visa category, you may be refunded only if you ask for the cancellation of your application prior to processing.
- On the contrary, in a situation where your visa is denied because of past travel issues or you are not eligible, the money will not be returned to you. Any refund granted will be made to the same payment method that was used for the initial transaction.
Is Mongolia eVisa Payment Safe and Secure?
- In general, Mongolia eVisa payments should not pose a risk when they are carried out via the official system.
- The payments are made on securely encrypted online platforms to ensure that personal and financial data remain confidential.
- It is recommended that you always make use of reliable payment methods i.e. credit or debit cards.
- By the end of the payment process, it is expected that you will be given a confirmation receipt indicating the transaction made.
- Have a look at the website URL once more and also verify that the connection is secure (“https”).
- Stay away from unofficial third-party platforms so as not to be a victim of fraud or error.
How to exchange money in Mongolia?
Changing money in Mongolia is not difficult, but it requires a little thinking in advance. The official currency is the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT).
Banks: Big banks in cities like Ulaanbaatar are equipped with currency exchange services. They offer the best rates and are the safest places for big transactions.
Currency exchange offices: There are always some licensed exchange offices at the airport, in the shopping areas, and the tourist centers. They normally have good exchange rates, but you should always beware of the extra charges.
ATMs: You will find ATMs in most cities and can withdraw the local currency if you hold an international card. Check with your bank if there will be any foreign transaction fees before you depart.
Hotels: Some hotels may change your money, but the rates will not be attractive.
It is advisable to carry some cash if you are going to the villages where there might not be any ATMs. Always check your cash and, if possible, keep the receipts.
Changing money in Mongolia is not difficult, but it requires a little thinking in advance. The official currency is the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT).
Banks: Big banks in cities like Ulaanbaatar are equipped with currency exchange services. They offer the best rates and are the safest places for big transactions.
Currency exchange offices: There are always some licensed exchange offices at the airport, in the shopping areas, and the tourist centers. They normally have good exchange rates, but you should always beware of the extra charges.
ATMs: You will find ATMs in most cities and can withdraw the local currency if you hold an international card. Check with your bank if there will be any foreign transaction fees before you depart.
Hotels: Some hotels may change your money, but the rates will not be attractive.
It is advisable to carry some cash if you are going to the villages where there might not be any ATMs. Always check your cash and, if possible, keep the receipts.
What Do People in Mongolia Do for a Living?
- A big percentage of Mongolians are nomadic herders, thus they raise livestock such as horses, sheep, goats, camels, and cattle.
- In remote areas, the breeding of animals is still the main way of earning money.
- People living in cities have jobs in the service industry, the government, education, and healthcare, among others.
- The mining and natural resource sectors, which include coal, copper, and gold, are the major contributors to the employment pool.
- Small businesses, trade, and tourism are the three main sectors that are developing in cities like Ulaanbaatar.
- The Mongolians are able to keep up their traditional ways of living while at the same time doing modern jobs which is a reflection of their country being a combination of both cultural and economic progression.
Can I Apply Again Immediately if My Mongolia eVisa Is Rejected?
You are normally allowed to submit a new application for a Mongolia eVisa if your first attempt was declined.
Definitely, you have to figure out the main reason why the first application was rejected.
Some of the most frequent causes are incomplete forms, wrong documents, passport validity less than required, and being ineligible.
Make sure that when you apply again, you have fixed all the mistakes that were pointed out in the letter of rejection.
If you send the same files without any changes, your application might be refused once again.
Although it is not obligatory to wait for some time, a request that is well-prepared has more chances to be approved.
What Adventures Can I Experience in Mongolia?
Mongolia is a haven for adventure enthusiasts:
- Horseback Riding: Explore vast steppes and traditional nomadic settlements.
- Trekking: Discover pristine landscapes in the Gobi Desert and Altai Mountains.
- Cultural Events: Participate in festivals like Naadam, featuring wrestling, archery, and horse racing.
- Wildlife Tours: Spot rare species like snow leopards, ibex, and wild camels.
- Camping: Sleep under the stars in Mongolia’s serene countryside.
Whether you enjoy nature, sports, or cultural experiences, Mongolia has something for every traveler.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible to file an eVisa application for Mongolia more than once in case of a rejection?
Sure, you can submit an application again after fixing the mistakes in your first application. Make sure that all the files are complete and accurate.
2.What is the length of the Mongolia eVisa validity period?
Each eVisa type is valid for one single entry with a maximum stay of 150 days.
3.Can I be given my money back after the eVisa application?
If the processing has not been initiated or there is a technical issue, then refunds are the only possible options.
4.Is it necessary to have travel insurance for a trip to Mongolia?
While not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover health emergencies and unexpected incidents.
Final Thaught
Mongolia has a very simple and convenient electronic visa system for the people of South Africa and the tourists can easily take the opportunity to visit the unique natural beauties, the culture, and the adventurous activities of Mongolia. If you get ready with the necessary papers, choose the accurate processing time, and obey the requirements for the photo and the health, then your trip will be nice and without any problems. It doesn’t matter if you arrive at the airport or at the sea port or if you travel with children, being prepared well will make your trip free of any trouble.