Visas and Travel Permits

All non-Myanmar national tourist and business people require a valid passport and entry visa (tourists or business) before entering Myanmar. Myanmar visa application could be made at Myanmar Embassies and Consulate General Offices abroad. Tourists could also applied visa on arrival that could be pre-arranged through travel agents in Myanmar. Applying visa on arrival is currently highly recommended.

Both Tourist Visa & Business Visa are valid for 28 days, extendible to 14 days for tourists & 3 months for business.

It is ideal for travellers who live in the country where there is no Myanmar Embassy, though everyone can apply it. Visa on arrival can be arrange through authorized local tour operators and travel agents who will do all the paper work in Myanmar. They will then send you the approval letter which you need to show to airlines and Myanmar immigration officers on arrival.

The information required to apply for visa on arrival:

Although travelling to many places in central Myanmar, around Shan Yoma to the east and Aye-yar-waddy river and the delta region are freely allowed to anyone holding a valid passport and the visa, some places in Myanmar required a permit that is issued by MTT (Myanmar Travel and Tours) in Yangon or via authorised travel agents in Myanmar.

MTT won't usually issue the permit unless you arrange for the paid service of a guide. If you purchase a tour package your service provider should already arrange it for you. If you add the destinations that require permit, you should inform your service provider in advance as it may take from 2 weeks to a month.

For instance, a permit in addition to the valid visa is required to visit the places like Mu Se (right on the China/Myanmar border) and Mogyote (the city of Gems mines) and Putao (the gate way to Myanmar Himalayas).

Note that your passport is likely to be checked at any checkpoint within the country whilst travelling.

Since 2009 September, travellers are required to pay US$ 15.00 per day, royalty fees, to the Ministry of Tourism for the period of their stay in Putao and beyond (Myanmar Himalays).