Myanmar

Neighboring countries:  Bangladesh and India to the northwest, China to the northeast, Laos and Thailand to the east and southeast, and the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal to the south and southwest

Area: 676,578 km2

Population: 54,906 million (September 2021) 

Capital: Naypyidaw       Time Zone: GMT +06:30       . Religion: 87.9% Buddhism , 6.2% Christianity, 4.3% Islam, 1.6% Others

Language:  Burmese       Currency: Kyat MMK ($1 = 1,873 MMK - October 2021)

List of Visa Exemption Countries with Myanmar

E Visa

The Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would like to advise all the visa applicants to apply online e-visa through the official website of Myanmar Immigration Authorities https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/. If there would have inconvenience in online e-visa, applicant can apply a necessary visa at the Myanmar Embassy.

Passport holder from the following countries and Taiwan are eligible to apply Tourist eVisa

You will need the following before you apply :

1. Your passport  must have at least (6) months validity.

2. You have to upload one COLOR PHOTO (4.6 cm X 3.8 cm) taking during last (3)months.

3. Visa, Master, American Express , JCB credit cards or Alipay are accepted for Online Visa payment.

Read more https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/

Tourist Visa processing information :

1. The validity of e Visa approval letter is 90 days from the issued date. If it is expired, entry will be denied.

2. Length of stay is (28) days from the date of arrival in Myanmar.

3. e Visa service is non refundable.

4. You will receive an email acknowledgement within 1 hour after successful payment.

5. The processing time is up to 3 working days (Myanmar time) for normal Tourist Visa, and 24 hours for Tourist Visa Express Service. In all cases, processing time starts when the application acknowledgement e-mail is sent, after application is submitted and online payment is successful.

Rules

If the applicant has child(ren) under (7) years old on the same passport, you have to put the name of that child, date of birth in the minor section of the application form.

• Tourists must stay in registered hotels, motels, inns, guest house and resort during your stay in Myanmar.

• The applicant should complete individual personal data whether passenger is FIT or package tour.

• There are Restricted Areas for Foreigners and Tourist travelling in the country. For more information of restricted areas go to  mip.gov.mm. 

• e Visa is a only valid for a single entry. Re-entry will require a new visa.

• Currently passengers with an e Visa enter via the following :

1. Yangon International Airport

2. Mandalay International Airport

3. Nay Pyi Taw International Airport

4. Tachileik Land Border Checkpoint

5. Myawaddy Land Border Checkpoint

6. Kawthaung Land Border Checkpoint

7. Tamu Land Border Checkpoint

8. Rih Khaw Dar Land Border Checkpoint

9. Htee Khee Land Border Checkpoint

We will announce other port of entry in due course.

• If you are visiting Myanmar via a cruise, please contact your tour agent for pre-arrangement Visa on Arrival. You will not be able to use eVisa to enter Myanmar via seaport.

• If the decision is to not allow entry, you may return by the same flight.

• Singapore citizens (Singapore passport holders) do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 30 days and you can enter and depart from all International Checkpoints.

VISA ON ARRIVAL

VISA ON ARRIVAL (TOURIST) FOR TOURISTS FROM AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY, LUXEMBOURG, NEW ZEALAND

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar will allow the passport holders of the following countries to apply for Visa on Arrival (Tourist) in Myanmar for three year trial period with effect from 1st January, 2020:

(i) Austria                              (ii)  Czech Republic

(iii) Hungary                         (iv) Luxembourg

(v) New Zealand

The terms and Conditions for the Visa on Arrival (Tourist) are as follows:-

(a) Visa on Arrival (Tourist) will be issued only to those arriving by air through the Entry points of Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw International airports.

(b) The fee for Visa on Arrival (Tourist) is US$ 50 and duration of stay in Myanmar is (30) days.

(c) Visa on Arrival will be granted for tourism purpose only.

(d) Duration of stay is not extendable.

(e) The visitors must adhere to the existing laws and regulations of Myanmar.

(f) Visitors are allowed to travel any tourist sites, except the areas restricted for security reasons.

(g) Concerned Security and immigration authorities have the right to deny granting Visa on Arrival if the applicants are found ineligible to enter into Myanmar.

(h) All visitors may leave Myanmar from any International Entry/Exit Points of the country.

ITALIAN, SPANISH, AUSTRALIAN, SWISS, GERMAN AND RUSSIAN TOURISTS HOLDING ORDINARY PASSPORTS ARE PERMITTED TO OBTAIN A VISA ON ARRIVAL

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has announced that the ordinary passport holders from the following countries are eligible to apply for the Visa on Arrival (Tourist) in Myanmar starting from 1st October 2019 for one year probation period:

• Australia

• Germany

• Italy

• Russia

• Spain

• Switzerland

The Required Terms and Conditions for VISA ON ARRIVAL

The applicant shall –

• Have a valid passport not expiring for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Myanmar.

• Bring two recent (4cm x 6cm) color photos taken within the past six months.

• Have the letter of invitation from the sponsoring company in the event of first trip of business study. (Stay cannot be extended.)

• Be required to produce copies of company registration/business license/ evidence of permission to do business issued by the ministries concerned together with the application if he is working in Myanmar.

• Fully mention the name of the factory, location, the sponsor and the position he holds if he is doing business with business visa.

• Apply for extension of visa with the recommendation of the ministries concerned as well as in accordance with the existing procedures if he is doing business with business visa.

• Produce letter of invitation by the ministries concerned if he is going to attend meetings, workshops, events and ceremonies.

• Not be allowed to engage in any sort of work with or without charges apart from the professions mentioned in the visa application form.

• Produce air ticket to the destination if he is applying for transit visa.

• Stay at the hotels, motels and guest houses holding legal licenses issued by Myanmar Government, and factories and workshops legally permitted as well as human dwellings; and exactly mention the address he will stay at.

• Make a promise to strictly abide by the existing laws, rules, procedures, orders and directives issued by Myanmar Government.

• Have under-seven-year-old children accompanying parents in the passport granted visa free of charge; be able to produce the evidence of parent-children relationship if the children are holding separate passport.

• Not be allowed to travel to the restricted areas without seeking prior permission.

• Report to the office of the township Immigration and National Registration Department concerned at which he stays within Myanmar mentioning the address of hotels, motels, guest houses, factories and workshops legally permitted as well as human dwellings.

• Depart to the country which he has traveled from by the arrangement of the airline he is using if he is denied entry.

• Abide by the decision of the On Arrival Visa Scrutiny and Issuing Team.

• Apply for Visa On Arrival at Airport Immigration Section obtaining the application form either from the airlines in Myanmar or the following website www.mip.gov.mm of the Ministry of Immigration and Population.

The best time of year to visit Myanmar is generally considered to be from November to February which is slightly cooler months and more comfortable for exploring.

Anyone heading to Myanmar during the monsoon season, from May to October, should be prepared for heavy rain and take waterproof clothing including a jacket and shoes. Dry bags are recommended to protect valuables such as mobile phones and cash from getting wet during a downpour.

BY AIR 

The three international airports of Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw are the main arrival points for most international visitors. 

BY LAND

• Myanmar - Thailand border gate : (you must have a visa before going through immigration and customs)

1. Tachileik Land Border Checkpoint

2. Myawaddy Land Border Checkpoint

3. Kawthaung Land Border Checkpoint

4. Htee Khee Land Border Checkpoint

• Myanmar-India Land Border Checkpoints : (you must have a visa before going through immigration and customs)

1. Tamu Land Border Checkpoint

2. Rih Khaw Dar Land Border Checkpoint

TRANSPORT IN CAMBODIA

Air 

Internal flights are also available with many domestic centers easily reached by air

Bus

If you want to be more convenient than you can go by bus, you should choose a small bus (20-seat type) because the larger models (40-seaters or more) are only for long distances. Depending on where you want to go, the cost can range from 8-10 kyats for short and 15-18 kyats for long distances.

Taxi

This is the main means of transport in Yangon, but the interior is quite simple, not as modern as in other Southeast Asian countries, most of which do not turn on the air conditioner. 

Bicycles

In addition, when coming to the town of Nyaung Shwe in Inle Lake, the most comfortable means of transport is probably bicycles or electric bicycles, only available in the Bagan region. Bicycle rental price is about 2-3 kyats/day, electric bike rental price is higher from 5-6 kyats/day. 

Boat

At Inle Lake, you can rent a boat, enough to carry up to 5 people. The main marina is located right in the town of Nyaung Shwe, prices range from 18-25 kyats/boat, depending on the destination.

Myanmar is a Buddhist country well known as the Golden Land. Otherwise, it is also called the Land of Pagodas. Hence, when coming to Myanmar, tourists should know the behaviors both in public and religious monuments.

Dos:

1, Respect the Myanmar people and their unique traditions: Visitors are not asked to abandon their ways, they are asked to adapt to the Myanmar environment.

2, Respect the elders: Let the oldest be served first, and bend a bit when crossing close in front of the elders.

3, Wear decent clothes when visiting religious sites: Please cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes and socks when entering pagoda areas.

Offer articles with both hands. Seek permission on retrieving an article above a person’s head.

4, Keep the feet on the ground: Do tuck away your feet, when you sit, your legs should not be stretched out and your feet should never face the Buddha.

5, To maintain Myanmar’s unique heritage, do not buy antiques. Buy arts and crafts instead: Myanmar loses its heritage every.

6, Help protect Myanmar wildlife by refusing to purchase wildlife products:  The illegal selling of wildlife endangers the species native to Myanmar. Tourists should not buy these products.

7, Myanmar currency should be exchanged at the official exchange counters and banks, not on the black market.

Don’ts:

1, Don’t sit with back against Buddha Image. Don’t handle Buddha Images or sacred object with disrespect. Don’t keep Buddha Images or sacred objects in inappropriate places.

2, Don’t offer to shake hands with a monk. Women should not touch a monk.

3, Don’t step on others shadow or any part of their bodies. Don’t point a finger straight in others’ faces. Don’t point with your foot: In Myanmar the feet convey messages. Pointing with your feet means disrespect.

4, Don’t touch anybody on the head: The head is the most esteemed part of the body. To be touched on the head is considered aggressive.

5, Don’t touch a woman on any part of her body.

6, Don’t gamble. Don’t use drugs. Using drugs is illegal in Myanmar.  

7, Don’t go where you are advised not to go: Myanmar is slowly opening up and more destinations will be accessible to foreigners in the future.

8, Don’t kiss in public: Displaying physical closeness in public places is frowned upon in Myanmar.

9, Don’t disturb people praying or meditating: Visitors should avoid loud talk and should take care not to touch people meditating.

10, Calling with your finger up means calling for a challenge: Calling someone with your fingers down is considered polite.

11, Don’t touch the robe of a monk: Monks are very revered; they observe many rules, study the Dhamma, practice meditation and are highly respected in Myanmar society. Visitors should never touch the robe of a monk, not even if they see a worm crawling up his robe.

12, Giving money or sweets to children is not advisable: Instead of creating children’s dependency on tourism, visitors should consider the saying: “Don’t give a helpless person a fish, teach them how to catch a fish and they will learn for a lifetime”.

LOCAL CURRENCY: Kyat MMK ($1 = 1,873 MMK - October 2021)

Myanmar currency is called the Kyat. There are no coins , only notes ranging from 1 to 10,000 Kyats. Cash is still widely used however, credit cards are becoming popular in larger centers. It is recommended to carry a small amount of US Dollars. Euros and Singapore dollars can also be changed at banks and official money changers. No other foreign currencies are accepted.

Restricted items when traveling to Myanmar

Free import allowances for each passenger are currently as follows:

• Tobacco products: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

• Alcohol: 2 liters of liquor

• Perfume: 150 milliliters

• Goods for personal use: maximum value of $500 USD

• Electrical and electronic goods: maximum value of $500 USD

• Filming equipment: portable video camera, HD camera or DV camera plus 1 spare battery set

• Laptop/portable computerMedicines: a reasonable amount for personal use

• Sports equipment: 1 golf set of no more than 15 clubs, 2 tennis or badminton rackets

• Fishing equipment: 1 set

• Jewelry must be declared on arrival at Myanmar customs. Plants and plant products including seeds, bulbs, and fresh fruits and vegetables will require a phytosanitary certificate and must also be declared.

Prohibited items that cannot be taken into Myanmar

• Counterfeit coins and currencies

• Pornography

• Goods with counterfeit trademarks

• Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances

• Playing cards

• Wildlife

• Items with the imprint or reproduction of the Myanmar flag

• Items with the emblem of Buddha or Myanmar temples

What You Cannot Take out of Myanmar

There are also some restrictions on items that cannot be exported from Myanmar.

A special cash memo or receipt issued by an authorized dealer is required to export any of the following items:

• Jewelry

• Gemstones (set or unset)

• Silverware

• Handicraft items

Tourists should keep this in mind when purchasing souvenirs in Myanmar.

Airport Tax to Be Paid on Departure

All passengers are required to pay an airport tax on departure. Only transit passengers continuing the journey on the same airplane and crew members on duty are exempt.

The tax for leaving Myanmar on an international flight is currently set at 20 USD. Passengers taking a domestic flight will pay 3,000 MMK.

Myanmar customs regulations state that the local currency of Myanmar (Myanmar Kyat) cannot be imported.

An unlimited quantity of foreign currency can be taken into Myanmar. Myanmar nationals are required to declare all foreign currency on arrival, foreigners must declare amounts over the equivalent of $10,000 USD.

It may not be possible to find all medicines and other health items in Myanmar, for this reason it’s advisable to pack essentials.

• Prescription medicines, labeled and in their original packaging

• Antihistamines

• Diarrhea tablets

• Small first aid kit

• Insect repellent

• Hand sanitizing gel and wipes

• High-factor sunscreen

• Water purification tablets

Police: 199

Fire: 191

Ambulance: 192

Pre-Departure Tasks

The first essential item on everyone’s list should be a Myanmar visa. Tourists from many countries can now apply for a Myanmar eVisa, the process is fully online with no need to visit an embassy or consulate. Travelers must submit their request at least 3 business days before their flight, allowing more time for processing is strongly advised.

On approval, the Myanmar eVisa is sent to the applicant by email, it should be printed and kept safe ready to present on arrival in the country.

Packing according to the weather in Myanmar

After arranging the visa, travelers can move onto packing their luggage. Depending on the time of year, a packing list for Myanmar may differ slightly. Nevertheless, temperatures remain high throughout the year so lightweight, breathable clothing is key regardless of the season.

The best time of year to visit Myanmar is generally considered to be from November to February which are slightly cooler months and more comfortable for exploring.

Anyone heading to Myanmar during the monsoon season, from May to October, should be prepared for heavy rain and take waterproof clothing including a jacket and shoes. Dry bags are recommended to protect valuables such as mobile phones and cash from getting wet during a downpour.

What to wear in Myanmar: clothes and accessories

• Loose-fitting, long trousers that dry quickly

• Shorts and t-shirts

• Comfortable footwear suitable for walking

• Jumper or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, or air-conditioned Burmese transportation

• Waterproof jacket in monsoon season

• Wrap around/sarong to cover up when visiting temples

• Sun hat

• Sunglasses

• Sandals/flip flops that are easy to slip on and off when entering temples

Shorts can be worn in Myanmar and are suitable for outdoor activities due to the warm temperatures. They should not be very short; knee-length styles are best to avoid causing any offense.

When wearing shorts it’s advisable to carry a sarong or other wrap-around item that can be used to cover the knees easily. Longyi, a long piece of fabric wrapped around the waist, can be purchased at markets throughout the country and are the ideal cover-up accessory for men and women.

Many people opt for long, light trousers rather than shorts to keep their knees covered and also to protect from insect bites.

Packing list for Myanmar: electronics and technology

• Torch or headlight: some streets are poorly lit at night, also useful for dark stairways in temples

• Travel adaptor: Myanmar uses A, C, D, G, and I power sockets providing a standard voltage of 230V

• Camera: Myanmar offers excellent photo opportunities worth capturing

• Portable charger: keep devices fully charged when on the move using a power bank

Myanmar Healthy Travel Packing List

It may not be possible to find all medicines and other health items in Myanmar, for this reason it’s advisable to pack essentials.

• Prescription medicines, labeled and in their original packaging

• Antihistamines

• Diarrhea tablets

• Small first aid kit

• Insect repellent

• Hand sanitizing gel and wipes

• High-factor sunscreen

• Water purification tablets

Etiquette for Visiting Burmese Pagodas & Temples

Temples and pagodas are amongst the most popular sights and attractions in Myanmar and a highlight on every travel itinerary. Tourists should dress appropriately and follow all temple etiquette to avoid offending locals.

• Remove shoes and socks before entering: consider wearing sandals or flip flops

• Cover shoulders, wear t-shirts instead or strap tops or cover up with a shawl or scarf

• Wear long trousers or a longyi to cover the thighs and knees

• Avoid tight or revealing clothing