Armenia and Mongolia Open Doors for Visa-Free Travel for All Citizens

The Armenian government has approved changes to its existing agreement with Mongolia, allowing citizens of both countries to travel without a visa. This move extends the visa exemption, which previously applied only to holders of diplomatic and official passports, to ordinary passport holders as well. This decision was announced during a recent Armenian Cabinet meeting.

The original visa exemption agreement between Armenia and Mongolia took effect on June 2, 2019. It initially focused on government officials, making travel between the two nations easier for diplomats and other state representatives. Recently, however, the Mongolian government proposed expanding this agreement to include regular travelers, allowing ordinary citizens with valid passports to visit each other’s countries without needing a visa for short stays.

The new protocol, once finalized, will permit Armenian and Mongolian citizens holding ordinary passports to enter, exit, transit, and stay in each other’s countries for up to 30 days. This addition not only facilitates greater ease of travel but also signals growing ties between the two nations.

Currently, the flow of tourists between Armenia and Mongolia remains modest. By removing visa requirements, both countries hope to encourage more travel and cultural exchange. For Armenia, this could mean a gradual increase in Mongolian tourists visiting its historic sites, vibrant cities, and scenic landscapes. Similarly, Armenia’s rich history and culture could draw more interest from Mongolian travelers curious about the country's unique heritage and European flair.

Beyond tourism, the expanded visa agreement could open doors for new business partnerships. Armenia and Mongolia both have growing economies with opportunities in fields like agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. Visa-free travel may help entrepreneurs and business professionals from both nations explore potential ventures, exchange expertise, and build valuable connections.

Though Armenia and Mongolia are geographically distant, they share a surprising historical connection rooted in the Mongolian Empire’s legacy. Mongols, originating in the vast Mongolian steppes, once expanded their influence across Asia, including parts of present-day Turkey (Western Armenia), which neighbors Armenia. The Mongolian Empire’s impact on the region left cultural footprints that persist in areas influenced by Turkic and Mongolic traditions, such as Tengrism, a belief system emphasizing reverence for nature and spiritual freedom. The Mongolian influence in Asia, including shared aspects of Turko-Mongol heritage.

The updated visa-free protocol is expected to deepen the people-to-people ties between Armenia and Mongolia, allowing citizens to connect and learn from each other's cultures more easily. Armenia, with its ancient monasteries, bustling city of Yerevan, and renowned hospitality, is poised to attract Mongolian visitors eager to explore Armenian traditions and landscapes. Mongolians, known for their rich nomadic culture and connection to nature, bring a unique perspective that could enrich Armenia’s cultural landscape.