On April 22, B.Battsetseg, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Choi Jin-won, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Mongolia.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister B.Battsetseg raised multiple issues that have been repeatedly brought to the attention of the Korean side but remain unresolved. These include:
- The detention and forced return of Mongolian citizens holding valid visas by South Korean border officials, often without clear justification. Confiscation of personal belongings such as mobile phones, invasion of personal privacy, and violations of data protection rights during entry procedures;
- A restriction that prevents Mongolian citizens from reapplying for visas within six months of rejection, even if circumstances change;
- The current requirement to submit original passports when applying for visas at the South Korean Embassy in Mongolia, which restricts citizens’ ability to travel freely while waiting for a decision. The minister proposed that notarized passport copies or passport references issued via the state electronic services portal, E-Mongolia, be accepted instead;
- The need to digitalize the South Korean visa application process and allow for electronic visa issuance for Mongolian applicants.
- The Government of Mongolia has granted South Korean citizens visa-free access to Mongolia for up to 30 days for tourism purposes until the end of 2025. In return, she urged the South Korean government to consider exempting Mongolian citizens traveling for medical treatment and their guardians from visa requirements for up to 30 days. Additionally, she requested an increase in multiple-entry visas for officials from Mongolia’s leading enterprises.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that resolving these issues is essential for strengthening people-to-people ties and deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Ambassador Choi expressed understanding of the difficulties faced by Mongolian citizens and stated that he would study the issues raised and continue working with the Mongolian side toward potential solutions.
On April 22, B.Battsetseg, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Choi Jin-won, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Mongolia.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister B.Battsetseg raised multiple issues that have been repeatedly brought to the attention of the Korean side but remain unresolved. These include:
- The detention and forced return of Mongolian citizens holding valid visas by South Korean border officials, often without clear justification. Confiscation of personal belongings such as mobile phones, invasion of personal privacy, and violations of data protection rights during entry procedures;
- A restriction that prevents Mongolian citizens from reapplying for visas within six months of rejection, even if circumstances change;
- The current requirement to submit original passports when applying for visas at the South Korean Embassy in Mongolia, which restricts citizens’ ability to travel freely while waiting for a decision. The minister proposed that notarized passport copies or passport references issued via the state electronic services portal, E-Mongolia, be accepted instead;
- The need to digitalize the South Korean visa application process and allow for electronic visa issuance for Mongolian applicants.
- The Government of Mongolia has granted South Korean citizens visa-free access to Mongolia for up to 30 days for tourism purposes until the end of 2025. In return, she urged the South Korean government to consider exempting Mongolian citizens traveling for medical treatment and their guardians from visa requirements for up to 30 days. Additionally, she requested an increase in multiple-entry visas for officials from Mongolia’s leading enterprises.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that resolving these issues is essential for strengthening people-to-people ties and deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Ambassador Choi expressed understanding of the difficulties faced by Mongolian citizens and stated that he would study the issues raised and continue working with the Mongolian side toward potential solutions.