Mongolia Travel Troubles and Easier US Pre-Flight Checks

A friend of the Beijinger related an interesting travel story to us after a recent visa run. She or he said that after clearing China customs, and attempting to enter Mongolia, the traveler was declared "unfit" to do so for an unspecified reason, despite her or his passport allowing for visa-free entry into that country. Luckily, when she or he then tried to re-enter China, the only thing the border guard was interested in was that the traveler had successfully departed China earlier in the day. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Travelers with US passports may wish to know that it has become easier to apply for TSA Pre, the background check that allows one to access a shorter, expedited security line that allows the traveler to avoid the whole remove-your-shoes-and-belt-and-undergarments and all that nonsense. It's on an airline-by-airline basis, although most major US airlines accept it. The bit that's made it easier, especially for US passport holders who travel internationally, is that TSA Pre offices at major US airports will accept walk-in applicants if no one else has a scheduled appointment. The whole application takes about six minutes; you're notified by mail within 45 days of the result, although you can check your status and obtain your number online about a week later. Just bear in mind that the decision is not instantaneous, and that you won't be able to use TSA Pre on the same day that you apply. There's a full list of airlines and the usual procedure for how to apply here.

Speaking of easy access at airports: While re-entering Beijing last week, I was about 20th in a line of about 300 passengers coming off of a US flight. After sending 12 WeChats, I passed the time by watching the bored officer at the 72-hour, visa-free entry desk. He handled exactly two guests, one of whom was actually a transit passenger to Korea -- I know this because he showed me his onward ticket and asked me where to go, then ignored my advice to go back to the international transit passenger desk. There is discussion about extending the program to a one-week, Beijing-only, visa-free entry, but in its current incarnation, doesn't seem to be overly useful.

Don't miss Robynne Tindall's excellent piece on solo travel and its benefits.

Photo: Five Dollar Traveler