Myanmar is a country of beautiful pagodas, awe-inspiring sunrises, and a local culture worth exploring. Therefore, it is no big surprise that many travelers want to visit Myanmar while they are in Southeast Asia. Most backpackers make a stop in Myanmar when on usual Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam route.
Now, it is natural that people have questions about Myanmar visas and how to get them. Let us find out.
Visa on Arrival
Until sometime back, getting Myanmar visa on arrival was possible, but now, the Government of Burma has stopped this facility except for some nationalities. You need to be from one of the following neighboring ASEA countries to be able to get a visa on arrival in Myanmaraal:
•Cambodia
•Indonesia
•Laos
•Philippines
•Thailand
•Vietnam
Indian travelers can also get a visa on arrival, in a recent change of policy by the Burmese Government.
Documents for Myanmar Visum on Arrival
You should have:
•A valid passport that does not expire for six months from the entry date into Myanmar.
•Two recent and color passport photos.
•Invitation letters, if it is a business study.
•Air ticket to destination if it is a transit stop.
•Proof of stay at valid hotels and so on.
Other Options
For those who are not from these ASEA countries, you have two options:
•Apply for a visa through a designated Myanmar embassy
•Apply for an electronic visa online
Myanmar eVisa
There are some pre-requisites for the e-visa which travelers must abide by. You can use a travel agent or apply yourself.
At present, people with eVisa can enter Myanmar only through the following points:
•Tachileik Land Border Checkpoint
•Kawthaung Land Border Checkpoint
•Myawaddy Land Border Checkpoint
•Yangon International Airport
•Mandalay International Airport
In case you are reaching Myanmar by boat, you must have a visa, because seaports do not accept eVisas.
Validity and Cost of Myanmar Visa
You should note that the eVisa approval letter for visiting Myanmar is valid for 90 days from the issuance date. Your visa remains valid for 28 days, and you can extend it for a further 14 days so that you can stay in Myanmar for 42 days in all.
You must also specify where you will be staying in Myanmar because you can stay only in registered inns, motels, hotels, guest houses, and resorts during your visit.
The approximate cost of a Myanmar visa is 56 US dollars.
Myanmar Visa from an Embassy
Other than the eVisa, you can also get a visa by applying at your closest Burmese or Myanmar consulate. In Asia, the easiest one is in Bangkok, Thailand. You will get the visa in one or two days, and they also offer an express, same-day service, which costs more. The visa center is usually open from 9 AM to 12 PM local time. It is best to reach early as there can be long queues.
Getting a visa to Myanmar is not that difficult, and if you plan to visit, apply, and enjoy Myanmar.
