Mongolia Tourism Gets A Visa-Free Boost And New Flights To The Gobi And Khuvsgul

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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August 25, 2026 09:30 GMT+5:30

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The Mongolian tourism sector has been given a dual boost in terms of improved accessibility, as people holding passports from 34 countries continue to get visa-free entry into the country, while new air routes have increased connections into and out of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. And indeed, visitors interested in touring around the country, experiencing its magnificent steppe, Gobi, and Lake Khuvsgul no longer have to struggle much with their logistics. The visa facility is available for travellers coming from 34 countries with an ordinary passport for up to 30 days on tourist grounds. This list comprises travellers from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries. Tourists from South Korea enjoy a different visa waiver facility for up to 90 days.

The fact that needs to be mentioned here is that there was an increase in the number of tourists visiting Mongolia. With the growth in the number of foreign tourists by 19.8 percent in the first half of 2026, the growth has happened in the number of tourists visiting Mongolia has increased, making up a total of 418,732 tourists. Moreover, in the same period, the number of tourists visiting Mongolia was 263,683, 295,535, and 349,644 tourists in 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. In addition, it can also be said that the tourism industry of Mongolia is growing. In 2025, the number of international tourists in Mongolia was 846,000, and the value of exports of the tourism industry was $1.6 billion.

Ulaanbaatar Is Becoming A Bigger Regional Air Gateway

Now for the transport development, because Mongolia’s distances are not exactly designed for casual road trips between every attraction.

Ulaanbaatar has gained a direct Central Asian connection with Astana, Kazakhstan, adding another route into Mongolia for travellers from the region and beyond. The service operated by SCAT Airlines connects the two capitals twice weekly, while Hunnu Air has also increased its Almaty-Ulaanbaatar service.

The two Kazakhstan-Mongolia routes provide six weekly flights between the countries, combining the Astana and Almaty connections. The expansion is aimed at strengthening tourism and broader travel links between Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

For travellers planning multi-stop Central Asian itineraries, the development adds another option for reaching Mongolia without relying solely on traditional regional gateways.

And then there are the domestic routes, which are arguably where the travel story gets particularly useful.

South Gobi And Lake Khuvsgul Get Better Air Access

Dalanzadgad provides access to Mongolia’s South Gobi, one of the country’s major tourism regions, while Murun serves as a gateway towards Lake Khuvsgul and northern Mongolia.

Domestic flight schedules show seasonal services connecting Ulaanbaatar with both destinations. Hunnu Air’s published timetable includes Ulaanbaatar-Murun services several times a week during the summer operating period. Ulaanbaatar Airport schedules also show seasonal services to Murun and Dalanzadgad.

That means travellers can build itineraries around several distinct landscapes without depending entirely on long overland journeys.

Dalanzadgad places travellers closer to the South Gobi’s desert scenery and major attractions, while Murun provides a practical starting point for journeys towards Lake Khuvsgul, Mongolia’s northern lake region.

For visitors with limited time, those domestic connections can make a significant difference to how much of Mongolia can fit into one trip.

FAQ: Mongolia Tourism Travel Details

1. Which travellers can enter Mongolia without a tourist visa?
Citizens of 34 countries, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand and numerous European countries, can currently enter visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days. South Korean citizens have a separate 90-day tourism exemption, while US citizens can stay visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days.

2. How many international tourists visited Mongolia in the first half of 2026?
Mongolia recorded 418,732 foreign tourist arrivals by the start of July, representing a 19.8% increase year on year.

3. Which domestic destinations have seasonal air links from Ulaanbaatar?
Murun and Dalanzadgad are among the destinations served by seasonal domestic flights, providing access towards Lake Khuvsgul and the South Gobi.

Key Dates

2 June 2026: SCAT Airlines launched the Astana-Ulaanbaatar route with two weekly services.

15 June 2026: Hunnu Air’s seasonal Ulaanbaatar-Murun services began.

1 July 2026: Mongolia had recorded 418,732 foreign tourist arrivals for the year to date.

31 December 2026: The South Korean 90-day visa-free tourism arrangement is scheduled to remain in effect through this date.

1 January 2027: The temporary 30-day visa exemption covering citizens of 34 countries is scheduled to expire unless extended.

Conclusion

Tourism infrastructure for Mongolia is developing on two levels: making it easier for qualified travelers to enter and better flight connections to the capital and other regions of the country. Thanks to the growing number of visitors, the increasing number of direct Central Asian flights, and the seasonal flights to the South Gobi and Lake Khuvsgul regions, it becomes easier to travel through Mongolia.