If you plan to travel to Mongolia for its most celebrated cultural festivals, Naadam in summer or the Golden Eagle Festival in autumn, knowing how to get the Mongolia eVisa, how to prepare, and what to expect can make your experience much smoother. This guide explains what you need to know about visas, festivals, lodging, and travel preparations so you can enjoy Mongolia fully.
Why Festivals in Mongolia Offer a Unique Experience
A festival in Mongolia is more than entertainment. It is a display of living traditions, nomadic life, local community, and heritage. During Naadam, held in mid‑July, visitors see traditional sports: wrestling, horse racing, archery. Many people wear traditional clothing, regional foods are prepared, and there is lively social energy everywhere. The Golden Eagle Festival, held around early October in Bayan‑Ölgii Province in western Mongolia, highlights Kazakh eagle hunters and their skill. Guests witness bird handling, local music, customs, and see dramatic landscapes.
Understanding the Mongolia eVisa System
Visa Types
There are several visa categories depending on your purpose:
- Tourism eVisa, Apply for the Mongolia Tourism eVisa online and discover Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes and culture.
- Visa for cultural or sport events, suitable if you attend or participate in a festival.
- Transit visa if you will pass through Mongolia but not stay long.
Validity and Duration
- The visa must be obtained before your trip using the official eVisa portal.
- Once issued, the eVisa is typically valid for 150 days. You must enter Mongolia within that period.
- Duration of stay usually permits up to 30 days for tourists or festival attendees.
Application Process
- Select appropriate visa category (tourism or cultural event as needed).
- Fill in personal details, passport information, travel dates, and if needed, event name or registration.
- Upload a scan of the passport photo page and one passport‑size photo. Sometimes proof of lodging or registration for the festival is required.
- Pay the Mongolia eVisa Cost and visa type.
- Wait for processing. In most cases approval arrives in about three business days.
- When approved, receive your eVisa by email. Print a physical copy or have a digital version for arrival.
Urgent Processing
If time is short, some variants of the eVisa allow faster processing, such as 24 or 48 hour service. Extra fees apply in those cases.
Planning Your Trip Around the Festivals
Naadam (July)
| What Happens | Travel Advice |
| Main events are in Ulaanbaatar including opening ceremonies, sports like wrestling, archery, horse racing. Rural Naadam events happen in provinces, often more modest and more authentic. | Reserve flights and lodging well in advance. Expect higher costs in city areas. Arrive early for ceremonies to avoid traffic or delays. Consider attending smaller provincial Naadam for a different perspective. |
Golden Eagle Festival (Autumn)
| What Happens | Travel Advice |
| Held in Bayan‑Ölgii Province in western Mongolia, often in remote mountainous terrain. Events include eagle competition, horseback games, local cultural displays. Weather can change; nights can be cold. | Book flights early, especially the domestic leg to Ölgii. Choose lodging ahead. Pack warm clothes and rain or wind protection. Allow buffer time for delays or transportation challenges. Consider joining guided tours if unfamiliar with remote travel. |
What to Pack
- Layers of clothing including thermal base layers, fleece or warm mid‑layers, waterproof outer garments. Nights get cold.
- Sturdy footwear suitable for rough, uneven terrain.
- Protection from sun, wind, dust: hat, scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Basic first aid kit, any personal medications, water purification or treatment if needed.
- Travel documents: passport valid for 6 months, printed or digital copy of your eVisa, hotel or festival registration confirmations, travel insurance.
- Electronics: camera or phone with extra batteries, power bank, universal adapter, binoculars if interested in outdoor viewing.
- Cash in local currency. In remote regions credit cards may be rarely accepted.
Travel Logistics and Accommodation
- Domestic flights to Ölgii or other western airports fill up quickly during festival times. Book early.
- Ground transport in remote terrain may be limited. Roads may be rough. Be prepared for delays.
- Lodging in festival areas may be simple, often guest houses, camping, or local homes. Amenities may be basic.
- Guided tours help with logistics, local language, transportation, food in remote areas. If traveling independently, build extra flexibility into your itinerary.
Culture, Food, and Behavioral Insights
- Local dishes are often meat and dairy heavy. Try regional specialties when possible.
- Traditional clothing, songs, crafts are part of the festival experience. Many visitors appreciate wearing or trying local attire respectfully.
- Etiquette: ask permission before photographing individuals, especially elders or people in traditional dress. Be polite in interactions.
- Respect for environment is critical. Festivals often happen in fragile ecological zones. Minimize waste, carry reusable items, avoid littering, follow local guidelines.
Timing and Planning Ahead
- If attending Naadam, begin booking flights and hotels three to four months in advance.
- For the Golden Eagle Festival, plan six months ahead if possible, especially for remote lodging and transport.
- Monitor weather forecasts. Large festivals often follow fixed dates, but transport and lodging options may fluctuate.
Checklist Before Departure
- Confirm visa eligibility for your nationality.
- Submit eVisa application with enough time.
- Verify your passport has required validity.
- Secure flight and lodging bookings.
- Confirm festival tickets or registrations.
- Prepare packing list including clothing layers, footwear, travel documents, health supplies.
- Obtain travel insurance.
- Carry sufficient cash.
- Learn basic phrases in Mongolian or local languages.
Conclusion
Visiting Mongolia for Naadam or the Golden Eagle Festival is a rare opportunity to engage with deep tradition, expansive landscapes, and warm hospitality. The eVisa process makes obtaining entry much more straightforward. Planning ahead, packing smartly, respecting local culture and environment will help you make the most of your journey. Travelers who prepare well rarely regret taking this route.
