How to get a visa for Myanmar: What you need to know

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a country in Southeast Asia with a population of almost 54 million. In 1989, the military government changed the name of Burma to the Union of Myanmar and later became the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the country's current name.

This change of name from Burma to Myanmar is due to Than Shwe (President of the Military Junta). They did not want the name given by the British during colonisation that took place between 1824 and 1948. The former capital was renamed Rangoon.

Yangon is still Myanmar's largest city, but it ceased to be its capital in 2005 and was replaced by Naipyidó, a city built to be the country's new capital, and which is gradually becoming one of the country's many tourist attractions.

Do I need a visa to travel to Myanmar?

If you wish to visit the country, regardless of the reason, you must process and obtain one of visas. These visas can be applied for in-person through the consulates and embassies or online. Processing the visa online is the most common and convenient option for all citizens visiting Myanmar for tourism or business.

To apply for a visa online, you must ensure that your nationality is eligible. You can use our eligibility checker. Spanish citizens, as well as all European nationalities, are eligible for online procedures to enter Myanmar.

Types of visas for Myanmar

There are different types of visas and permits to enter the country. Depending on the reason for your trip you must choose the most suitable:

Transit visa

This visa must be requested by travellers who enter the country as a stopover or to transit. You cannot be in Myanmar for more than 24 hours.

Tourist visa

This visa allows eligible travellers to enter Myanmar for tourism purposes and to stay in the country for no longer than 28 days.

Work visa

This visa will allow you to enter the country to work for a maximum stay of 70 days.

Business visa (single entry)

This visa must be applied for by people who wish to do business in the country. It is a single-entry visa and has a maximum duration of 70 days.

Business Visa (multiple entries)

This visa is designed for people who want to do business and need to enter and leave the country. The continuous stay cannot exceed 70 days, and the visa can be applied for 3, 6 or 12 months.

Courtesy visa for diplomats and officials

This visa will allow diplomats and officials who fulfil the entry requirements to enter Myanmar. The duration is determined by the work they need to perform.

Social visa (single entry)

This visa will be granted to those people whose purpose is to visit friends, maintain social relations, take part of cultural or educational exchanges, as long as it does not involve commercial or work activities. This visa has a maximum duration of 70 days and can only be used for a single entry.

Social visa (multiple entries)

This visa will be granted under the same conditions as the previous one, with the difference that it can be requested for 3, 6 and 12 months, with multiple entries and continuous stays that cannot exceed 70 days.

Religious visa (single entry)

This visa can be obtained by all those who travel to the country to attend a religious or clergy event. It is a single-entry visa and the maximum length of stay may not exceed 70 days.

Religious visa (multiple entries)

This is the same as the Religious visa (single entry), but allowing the bearer to leave and enter the country as many times as required, during the period requested (3, 6 or 12 months). A continuous stay cannot exceed 70 days.

Visa for officials (single entry)

This visa is for government officials and international organizations and their families. It is a single-entry visa with a maximum duration of 70 days.

Visa for officials (multiple entries)

This visa is the same as the previous one, but with multiple entries within 3, 6 or 12 months. Likewise, a continuous stay cannot exceed 70 days.

Education visa (single entry)

This visa will allow a person who has to study or finish its studies to enter Myanmar. The maximum duration is 90 days and it only allows one single entry.

Education visa (multiple entries)

This visa is the same as the previous one, with the difference that its validity is 1 year without the requirement to leave the country. If you need to exit the country during the year, the visa does not need to be renewed.

Journalist visa

This visa will be granted to communication professionals who need to enter the country to cover a news story, make a documentary, or for any reason related to their work. You cannot stay in the country for more than 28 days, and there is no possibility of extension.

Crew visas (single entry)

This visa must be used for crew members during transit or change of ship or aircraft. It is a single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 90 days.

Crew visa (multiple entries)

This visa covers the same people as the previous one, but it is a multiple-entry visa and is valid for 2 years. It is not necessary to leave the country after 90 days.

Workshop/ seminar/ meeting/ research visa

This type of visa is necessary to carry out some of the activities mentioned. The stay may not exceed 28 days, except for research activities, for which an extension of the visa may be requested according to rules and conditions.

Entry visa for diplomatic guests (single entry)

With this visa, people who are invited to the country by a diplomat will be able to enter the country with a maximum stay of 28 days and a single entry.

Entry visa for diplomatic guests (multiple entries)

With this visa, those invited to the country by a diplomat will be able to enter the country. They can apply for the 3, 6 and 12-month visa, with multiple entries and will not need to leave after 28 days.

Entry visa for non-diplomatic staff and their immediate family members (single entry)

This visa is granted to those belonging to the team of a diplomat and their most direct relatives. Their stay in the country cannot exceed 28 days.

Entry visa for non-diplomatic staff and their immediate family members (multiple entries)

This visa will be granted to people belonging to the team of a diplomat and their most direct relatives. It can be applied for 3, 6 and 12 months, it allows multiple entries and you will not need to leave after 28 days.

How do I apply for a Myanmar visa?

The process for applying for a visa for Myanmar depends on the type of visa required. There are 3 ways to apply for a tourist visa:

• On arrival in the country, through the international airports of Yangon, Mandalay or Nay Pyi Taw. This is the so-called On Arrival Visa. For this visa, you must have all the necessary documents to fill in the form that you will get from the Myanmar government website, and present it to the authorities upon our arrival, where the country's agents will process the visa.
• You can also apply for this visa in person at a Myanmar embassy in your country.
• And the most common and quickest way is to process the visa online. You can complete the process online and print your approved visa before entering the country. It is not a complicated process, but you can obtain help from specialised companies such as Visagov.com, which can carry out the procedure on your behalf.

All other visas that are not for tourist or transit purposes must be processed at the embassy of the country closest to your place of residence.

Who needs a visa for Myanmar?

Any foreigner travelling to the country must apply for one of the visas offered by the Myanmar government, with some exceptions such as the citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Holders of ordinary passports from these countries will not need a visa to travel as tourists for a maximum period of 14 days if they enter the country from the international airports of Yangon, Mandalay or Naypyidaw.

If they are going to stay in Myanmar for more than 14 days or enter from any of the International Land Border checkpoints, then they will need to apply for an e-Visa like citizens of other countries. Another exception is Singaporeans, who do not need a visa for tourist visits to Myanmar with a maximum stay of 30 days. All other nationalities must apply for a visa to travel to Myanmar.

What are the requirements to apply for a visa to Myanmar?

Depending on the visa you applied for, you will have to attach additional documentation.

For tourism type visas, you will need:

• Ordinary passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entering Myanmar.
• Two recent colour photos (4cm x 6 cm) taken within the last six months.
• “Inbound Travel Accident Insurance”. You can purchase it on your own or directly from our website. You will have that option when you're applying for the visa.

For transit visas, in addition to the above, you will need:

• Flight tickets to the final destination.

If you apply for a tourist visa, you can only use it for tourism and you must also respect the rules of the country, including:

• The duration of the stay cannot be extended.
• Compliance with existing laws, rules, procedures, orders and directives issued by the Government of Myanmar.
• Do not travel through restricted areas without prior permission.
• Travellers entering through the International Airport on a tourist visa may exit at any international entry and exit point.

More specific documents are required for all other visas, such as:

• Ordinary passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entering to Myanmar.
• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Letter of invitation from the sponsoring company in case your trip is for study or business purposes. The stay cannot be extended.
• Present copies of company registration, business license or proof of permission to do business issued by relevant ministries.
• Provide company details such as name, location, sponsor, and position or rank if the applicant is already doing business on the business visa.
• Provide a letter of invitation from the relevant ministries if the applicant will be attending meetings, workshops, events or ceremonies.

If you apply for a business, work or study visa, etc., you can only use it for the purpose for which you have applied. In addition to the visa, you must also comply with the rules of the country:

• Stay in hotels that have legal licenses issued by the Government of Myanmar.
• Collaborate with legally permitted factories and workshops.
• Do not travel to restricted areas without prior permission.
• If you need to apply for an extension of the visa, it has to be with the recommendation of the relevant ministries.
• No work is permitted other than the profession mentioned in the visa.

Can the Myanmar visa be changed once it has been processed?

No, it will not be possible to make any changes once it has been processed. Moreover, a new application cannot be registered, as the visa is attached to the passport, and it will already be in the immigration system. If you have made a mistake on the visa, you will not be able to process a new visa until the previous one expires. You will need to go to the embassy to seek advice on obtaining a new visa.

How much does a visa to Myanmar cost?

The government fees for applying for a visa are:

• Courtesy visa for diplomats and officials: Free.
• eVisa Tourist (online): 50 USD.
• eVisa Turista Express (online): 56 USD.
• Business Visa (online): 70 USD.
• Transit visa: 20 USD.
• Tourist visa: 40 USD.
• Working visa: 50 USD.
• Journalist visa: 40 USD.
• Business visa (single entry): 50 USD.
• Business visa (multiple entries) (3 months): 200 USD.
• Business visas (multiple entries) (6 months): 400 USD.
•  Business visas (multiple entries) (12 months): 600 USD.
• Social visa (single entry): 50 USD.
• Social visa (multiple entries) (3 months): 150 USD.
• Social visa (multiple entries) (6 months): 300 USD.
• Social visa (multiple entries) (12 months): 450 USD.
• Religious visa (single entry): 50 USD.
• Religious visa (multiple entries) (3 months): 150 USD.
• Religious visa (multiple entries) (6 months): 300 USD.
• Religious visa (multiple entries) (12 months): 450 USD.
• Official visa (single entry): 50 USD.
• Official visa (multiple entries) (3 months): 200 USD.
• Official visa (multiple entries) (6 months): 400 USD.
• Official visa (multiple entries) (12 months): 600 USD.
• Education visa (single entry): 50 USD.
• Education visa (multiple entries) (1 year): 160 USD.
• Crew visa (single entry): 50 USD.
• Crew visa (multiple entries) (2 years): 160 USD.
• Visa for workshop/seminar/meeting/Research: 40 USD.
• Entrance for diplomatic guests (single ticket): 20 USD.
• Ticket for diplomatic guests (multiple entries) (3 months): 100 USD.
• Ticket for diplomatic guests (multiple) (6 months): 200 USD.
• Ticket for diplomatic guests (multiple) (12 months): 400 USD.
• Entry for non-diplomatic personnel (single entry): 20 USD.
• Entry of non-diplomatic personnel (multiple entries) (3 months): 60 USD.
• Entry of non-diplomatic personnel (multiple entries) (6 months): 120 USD.
• Entry of non-diplomatic personnel (multiple entries) (12 months): 240 USD.

How far in advance do I need to apply for a Myanmar visa?

Online processing times are quite fast. Regular tourist and business visas take an average of 3-5 working days. If you need a visa more urgently, you can apply for the express tourist visa, which is generally processed within 48 hours.

However, processing times may vary depending on the season, so we recommend that you apply for visas in advance. Once you apply for the visa, the government may ask for extra information or documentation, and they will only give 24 hours to respond. If after 24 hours you have not attached what they are asking for, the visa will be denied, and you will be refunded for the costs of the application. Visas have an expiry date of 90 days from the time they are processed, so it is best to apply at least 30 days before our trip.

What are the entry borders to Myanmar?

Myanmar borders India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos, China, the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. If you already have an e-Visa, you can enter the country through the international airports of Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. You can also enter through the land borders of Tachileik (Chiang Rai), Myawaddy (Mae Sot), Kawthaung (Ranong), Tamu (Moreh) and Rih Khaw Dar. At the Hteke (Phunaron) border crossing point, you are allowed to exit with the online visa, but not enter.

Do I need any vaccines to travel to Myanmar?

Vaccination against Yellow Fever is compulsory if you come from a country where the disease still exists. In this case, you must carry the international vaccination card.

There is no other mandatory vaccination, although it is advisable to have the following vaccines: Tetanus-diphtheria or Tetanus-pertussis, MMR (Measles, Rubella and Mumps), Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Before travelling, you should consult with the international vaccination centre in your home country for current advice and information.

What is the currency of Myanmar?

Myanmar's official currency is the Burmese Kyat (MMK) and is divided into 100 pyas (cents). Myanmar accepts the use of the dollar and the euro. In most places, you can pay with either of these two currencies, apart from the Kyat. Paying by credit card is not yet widespread, except in well-known hotels and restaurants.

All banks in Myanmar can exchange foreign currency without limit. You will find exchange offices at any of the international airports, and you can also get Kyats at any ATM. Watch out for the 50 and 100 notes you can get in the shops. These have to be issued by the Central Bank of Myanmar, not the Union of Burma because they are not valid.

When is the best time to travel to Myanmar?

The climate is quite changeable in Myanmar and the best time to visit will depend on your travel itinerary. If we are going to enjoy the coast and islands, the best time is from February to April. If you're visiting the former capital Rangoon and its great architectural beauty from the British colonial era, the best months are December to March.

The worst time to travel is from May to October, as this is the monsoon season and you can encounter flooding, closed roads and continuous power cuts.

Is it safe to travel to Myanmar?

Currently, there are some areas to be avoided in Rakhine State, specifically the border with Bangladesh and the neighbouring state of Chin. This is one of the areas with the most significant risk. Moving through this area is restricted by the army, especially at the Miraik-U archaeological site.

If you want a safe and uncomplicated trip, it is best not to leave the tourist areas such as Rangoon, Mandalay, Bagan, Lake Inle (Shan-south) or Bago and the capital Naypyidaw.

Important tips for travelling to Myanmar

• As in all Asian countries, you have to be very careful about the use of drugs and alcohol. In Myanmar, there are hefty penalties for drug possession or trafficking ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment.
• You must also be careful when taking photos, as it is forbidden to photograph military installations and strategic structures, as well as people in uniform.
• In general, public displays of affection are frowned upon and same-sex relationships are prohibited.
• Myanmar is a very religious country; if you visit Buddhist monasteries or temples, you must abide by their customs and be respectful.
• Food poisoning is common. Eating at street vendors and drinking tap water is discouraged.
• In Myanmar, the head is the most respected part of the body. Touching someone's head is considered disrespectful and aggressive.
• It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take off and put on. When visiting the temples and monasteries, you will need to take off your shoes and socks.
• You should never point with the tip of your feet. If you sit in a sanctuary, be careful that your feet do not point to a Buddha or monk as this act is incredibly offensive.
• No one should touch a monk; this is especially the case for women. If a woman is to give something to a monk, she should leave it somewhere for the monk to pick it up.
• Extending the right hand and holding the forearm with the other when receiving something is an act of respect and courtesy.