jackpotresultnight|Mongolia issues e-visas to 38,291 foreigners in 1st half of 2024

ULAN BATORjackpotresultnight, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A total of 38,291 foreigners from 63 countries and regions were granted Mongolian electronic visas in the first half of 2024, marking a 57 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, local media reported on Thursday, citing Mongolia's Immigration Agency.

During the same period, the country's immigration agency issued 10,234 residence permits in Mongolia, and extended 17,255 residence permits. The residence permit issuance decreased by 5.1 times compared to previous year.

Currently, Mongolia's economy relies most heavily on the export of mineral resources. Tourism promotion is considered one of the priority areas for diversifying the country's economy and increasing the competitiveness of the domestic tourism sector in the context of global competition.

According to Mongolia's Immigration Agency, an electronic visa (e-visa) for foreigners were officially launched on October 1, 2021 in Mongolia. In 2023, Mongolia issued e-visas to almost 31,242 foreign citizens worldwide.

Mongolia has implemented this shift in a strategic move aimed at boosting tourism and attracting foreign tourists.

Citizens from 99 countries and regions, who are eligible for e-visa issuance to enter Mongolia on a guest, business or tourist visit, as well as to participate in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic and sport events, can fill out an e-visa application form online and submit it to the visa portal before he/she visits Mongolian diplomatic mission in his/her country of residence.■