FAQ

1. Electronic Visa (e-Visa): Mongolia has introduced an electronic visa system via www.evisa.mn and now issues e-visas to citizens of 36 countries listed in the annex. These visas are valid for up to 30 days (up to 10 days for a transit visa). You are eligible if: You are a citizen of France, Spain, or Portugal You are traveling to Mongolia for tourism (K2) You are participating in competitions or cultural/sports events, or creating films and content (K4) You are transiting through Mongolia to another country (K6) All these types of visas can now be requested online. Your visa will be sent to you by email within 72 hours and will allow you to enter Mongolia. The list of eligible countries and the application process are available on: www.evisa.mn You can also apply directly through the Mongolian Embassy in France. 2. Visa through the Embassy: The Embassy can issue a single-entry tourist visa (category K2) with a stay of 30 days. This can be extended once in Mongolia for an additional 30 days, allowing a maximum stay of 60 days without needing authorization from Mongolian authorities or an invitation. IMPORTANT: Some travelers may be required to leave the country and apply for a new visa if they enter Mongolia with a tourist visa expecting to convert it into a long-term visa or residence permit. In other words, it is important to obtain the correct type of visa from the start. Where and how to book an appointment for a visa? Embassy of Mongolia in France 5 avenue Robert Schuman 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt Phone: +33 (0)1 46 05 23 18 (press 2, then 1) Email: visa@ambassademongolie.fr REMINDER: For more information about visas, please visit: http://paris.embassy.mn/frn/index1.php?moduls=41

Mongolian cuisine is mainly based on two types of foods: dairy products (known as “white foods,” mostly consumed in summer) and meat (known as “red foods,” mostly consumed in winter, often boiled). It may sometimes seem quite simple or austere to travelers. You can find a wide variety of foods in Ulaanbaatar, but outside the capital, mutton and goat meat (as well as their milk) are staple foods. After a summer “white season” mainly made up of dairy products, Mongolians satisfy their “hunger for meat” with mutton that is boiled, fried, or cooked in dumplings called buuz, or in fried pastries called khuushuur. Milk is heated to produce a thick clotted cream called öröm. This rich, yellow cream is spread on slices of Russian-style bread and can also be turned into dried curds known as aaruul. Meals are important social moments, and tea plays a central role. However, be aware that salt and milk are often more prominent than the tea leaves themselves, and it is common to melt cheese in it or reheat leftovers. Milk, which is never consumed raw, is used to prepare more than 300 different recipes, as well as two alcoholic beverages: airag (made by fermentation) and koumiss (made by distillation).

In general, airlines allow one checked bag of 20 to 23 kg per person on international flights (economy class). Soft luggage (duffel bags or soft suitcases) is strongly recommended, as it is easier to fit into 4×4 vehicles. Be aware that on domestic flights, the total allowed weight—including carry-on luggage—is often limited to 15 kg, so be sure to check at the time of booking. It is advisable to bring a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase, as it is easier for handling and more practical to store in vehicles. Pack warm clothing such as sweaters, a cardigan, or a fleece jacket, along with a windbreaker or a Gore-Tex jacket to cope with rapid temperature changes. You will need protection from the sun during the day and from the cold in the evening and at night. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential due to the strong sunlight. It is also recommended to bring rain gear as a precaution. Bring comfortable walking or hiking shoes that you have already worn in. A headlamp or flashlight is very useful. You may also consider bringing small gifts or tokens when visiting local villages.

The local currency is the tugrik (MNT). We strongly recommend bringing US dollars or euros and exchanging them into small denominations upon arrival in the city, especially for expenses outside Ulaanbaatar, such as in small markets. Credit cards are accepted in most major hotels in the capital.

Although it is not mandatory, we recommend that participants take out a standard travel insurance policy with their insurance provider. This is an affordable and comprehensive travel protection plan that covers unexpected events which may cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip, as well as unforeseen delays, medical assistance, and loss or damage to baggage.