Myanmar Visa on Arrival and Its Eligibility

A quaint nation sandwiched between India and China, Myanmar has been attracting travelers from all parts of the world.

International travelers planning to explore this beautiful country need to get a visa from the Myanmar government.

Myanmar grants different types of visas to foreigners based on their nationality and the nature of the visit.

The country issues visas on arrival and Myanmar eVisas to citizens of eligible nations.

Foreign travelers from countries that are not entitled for such visa exemptions can visit the Myanmar embassy to apply for a visa.

Read on to know more about the Myanmar visas on arrival.

What is the Myanmar Visa on Arrival?

A visa on arrival is a special visa exemption granted to citizens of eligible foreign nations. Travelers from these countries do not need to apply for a Myanmar visa in their countries.

They can travel to an Asian country with their identity and other documents and get a visa on arrival in select international airports.

Generally, a visa on arrival is issued for short-term and emergency visits that do not exceed 70 days and is not extendable at the end of the permitted stay.

Who is Eligible for a Myanmar Visa on Arrival?

Ordinary passport holders from over 50 foreign countries are eligible for a visa on arrival in Myanmar to participate in business meetings, to attend workshops and seminars, do research, and transit.

These foreign countries include Taiwan, Thailand, Brunei, Belgium, Australia, Malaysia, Ukraine, Russia, South Africa, New Zealand, China, Slovenia, Lavita, France, Spain, Japan, Netherlands, and Cambodia.

Airlines crews from these countries can also apply for a visa on landing in a Myanmar port of entry.

Citizens of foreign countries like India, Luxembourg, Austria, Australia, China, and Italy can get a Myanmar visa on arrival for tourism and related activities.

How to Apply for a Myanmar Visa on Arrival?

Travelers from eligible countries can go directly to the visa-on-arrival counter at the immigration area. They need to fill out an application form for the visa on arrival.

After completing the application form, they need to submit it to the authorities along with all the required documents.

Designated officials will verify the data and if eligible, grants the visas. It will be stamped in the passport.

Foreign travelers can get this facility only at the visa-on-arrival counters in a few international airports in Myanmar. They are Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. Applicants also need to pay the required processing fees.

Digital payment facilities may not be available in all the international airports in the country. So, it is important to be prepared and carry hard cash in acceptable currencies.

They also are requireddocuments required for a visa on arrival based on the purpose of the visit.

Documents Required for Myanmar Visas on Arrival

The documents required for a visa on arrival vary based on the nature of the visit. According to the government of Myanmar, the following are a few mandatory documents for applying for this type of visa:

• A valid passport that does not expire for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival in Myanmar
• Recent passport-size photograph in color
• A letter of invitation from a company registered in Myanmar if a foreigner is arriving for a business trip for the first time.
• Copies of the license and registration of the company in Myanmar (for a business visa on arrival)
• Documents to prove the address of the company and designation of the traveler
• A letter or invitation if the applicant is in the country for a meeting or workshop
• Air tickets to a destination country for a transit visa on arrival
• Details of hotel and resort bookings

As per the Myanmar visa rules, even children above seven years are required to get a visa to enter the country. Note that the decision of the staff in the visa scrutiny and issuing team at the visa-on-arrival counter will be last.

All foreign travelers arriving at this counter must comply with the decision of the officials.

If their visa is denied by the officials, they should return to the country from which they arrived.

Travelers must keep their documents in order. Discrepancies in the identity, travel and supporting documents can create problems at the port of entry.

Also, be prepared to answer the questions of the officials sincerely.

They should also follow the rules and regulations associated with the type of visa and leave the country before the duration of their permitted stay is over.

Otherwise, they may have to face legal action.

Is This Visa Still Available?

Yes, according to Timatic (Travel Information Manual Automatic), an international travelers’ database for document requirements, the Myanmar visa on arrival has now been resumed.

The Myanmar government suspended the issuance of all types of visas in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, Myanmar eVisas and visa-free entries have been reinstated.

Alternatives to the Visa on Arrival

Travelers from countries that are eligible for a Myanmar visa on arrival can apply for an electronic travel authorization (eVisa) or an embassy visa to enter Myanmar.

Myanmar reopened visa issuance in September 2020. Most countries that are eligible for visas on arrival in Myanmar are also entitled for either an eVisa or an embassy visa.

Travelers can enquire about the kind of visa that they are required to apply for at the Myanmar embassy in their country. At present, only visa on arrival has been suspended.

Myanmar military took over power in a coup in 2021, and following this, pro-democracy organizations are waging what they call a war against the government. Following this civil unrest, most foreign nations have issued travel advisories to their citizens, warning them against traveling to Myanmar.

International travelers need to be extremely cautious while entering and staying in the country. There can be wrongful detentions and arrests.

They may not be able to get help from their country’s diplomatic mission in the Asian country due to civil unrest and armed conflicts.