DFAT’s Smartraveller portal issued an update on 20 January confirming that Australians can now enter Mongolia visa-free for stays up to 30 days, provided they register with the Mongolian Immigration Agency within 48 hours of arrival. Longer stays still require a visa or on-shore extension.
The change streamlines travel for mining, infrastructure and NGO personnel who regularly shuttle between Perth and Ulaanbaatar via Seoul or Hong Kong. Employers should, however, note the 48-hour registration rule—failure to comply attracts fines of up to MNT 300,000 (about AUD 130).
![Mongolia Waives Visas for 30-Day Stays—DFAT Issues Fresh Guidance]()
DFAT also highlights a rise in pick-pocketing and police-impersonation scams near Sukhbaatar Square, advising visitors to carry copies of passports and visas separately from originals. Business travellers transporting satellite or survey equipment must still obtain temporary-import permits from the Customs General Administration on arrival.
With several Australian mining majors expanding exploration in the Gobi region, the visa-free policy could shave weeks off mobilisation timelines—but mobility managers should monitor any reciprocal changes in work-permit thresholds if assignments exceed the 30-day window. (smartraveller.gov.au)
The change streamlines travel for mining, infrastructure and NGO personnel who regularly shuttle between Perth and Ulaanbaatar via Seoul or Hong Kong. Employers should, however, note the 48-hour registration rule—failure to comply attracts fines of up to MNT 300,000 (about AUD 130).
DFAT also highlights a rise in pick-pocketing and police-impersonation scams near Sukhbaatar Square, advising visitors to carry copies of passports and visas separately from originals. Business travellers transporting satellite or survey equipment must still obtain temporary-import permits from the Customs General Administration on arrival.
With several Australian mining majors expanding exploration in the Gobi region, the visa-free policy could shave weeks off mobilisation timelines—but mobility managers should monitor any reciprocal changes in work-permit thresholds if assignments exceed the 30-day window. (smartraveller.gov.au)
Source: DFAT Smartraveller
