Myanmar Visa Requirements – Who and How to apply

Myanmar visa requirements differ depending on the travel purpose. Different visa requirements apply for various Myanmar visas, and the perks and limitations also vary.

Nevertheless, travelers are welcome to this country in Southeast Asia which still retains one of the highest levels of exotic allure. This enigmatic destination draws in an uncountable number of foreign visitors, thanks to its over 100 ethnic groups and the numerous stunning golden temples of its cities.

Endeavor to acquaint yourself with the visa requirements of Myanmar, as it will save you unnecessary stress. To give you an idea of “how,” here is a guideline outlining the requirements for the various Myanmar visas.

Myanmar visa requirements

Myanmar visa requirements are the prerequisites that every foreign applicant must meet before obtaining a Myanmar visa. Like every foreign country, Myanmar has visa policies for foreign applicants.

For every visa, there are requirements and documentation that you must meet despite your country of citizenship. There are attached privileges following the visa eligibility requirements, but there are limitations too. However, the applicant’s nationality is a major contributing factor to the prerequisites needed for the application.

Most foreign nationals who intend to travel to Myanmar must apply for a visa. While some foreign nationals can use facilitated techniques: some others cannot. Whichever process you are eligible to use, there are requirements that you must meet.

Read on to discover more!

Exemptions from Myanmar Visa application

Citizens of certain nationalities are free from holding a Myanmar visa. However, this is applicable only when they are visiting for a short-term purpose. Consequently, they will have to request a Myanmar visa should their stay in Myanmar extend beyond the stipulated visa-free duration.

1. Citizens of Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Singapore, and South Korea. They qualify for a 30-day visa-free stay in Myanmar.
2. Citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam qualify for a 14-day visa-free stay in Myanmar. The visa exemption is only for travel purposes involving business and tourism. Furthermore, it only applies to holders of ordinary passports.
3. You are eligible for a visa exemption duration of 90 days if you have a service, official or diplomatic passport from Bangladesh, Colombia, India, Israel, Japan, Morocco, Nepal, Russia, Serbia, and South Korea.
4. Meanwhile, citizens holding a service, diplomatic or official passport of Belarus, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, North Korea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam are eligible for up to 30 days of visa exemption in Myanmar.

Types of Myanmar Visa

The Myanmar visas are of two categories. These categories of visas are divided based on the application methods and the travel purpose.

Based on the method of application,

There are three Myanmar visa types;

#1. Visa on arrival

Open at a certain point of entry.

#2. Myanmar e-visa

Available for online application.

#3. Regular visa

Accessible when they apply directly at the Myanmar consulate in their country.

Based on the travel purpose

The visa type under this visa category include;

#1. Tourist visa

The tourist visa is for tourists traveling to Myanmar for tourism and recreation.

#2. Visit visa

Distributed to foreign citizens or ex-Myanmar citizens who have family relationships with Myanmar citizens or non-Myanmar citizens holding permanent residency permits in Myanmar.

#3. Business visa

Accessible to foreigners entering Myanmar for business.

#4. Employment visa

Available to foreign citizens who enter Myanmar to work.

#5. Myanmar crew visa

This visa is issued to foreign aircrew members.

#6. Myanmar transit visa

A visa is issued to foreign citizens stopping briefly in Myanmar before continuing their flight.

Other visa types in this visa category

Other visa types which fall under the category of visas issued based on travel reasons include;

1. Gratis Diplomatic/ Official Courtesy visa
2. Social visa
3. Religious visa
4. Journalist visa
5. Education visa
6. Workshop / Seminar / Meeting/Research visa
7. Entry visa (for diplomatic guests)
8. Entry Visa (for non-diplomatic staff)

General Myanmar visa requirements for Myanmar travel

Below are the general visa requirements for Myanmar travel.

#1. A copy of an international passport

The copy of the international passport must;

• Be six months valid beyond your arrival date
• Be signed and stamped
• Include the endorsement page, amendment page, and the page containing your personal information
• Be obtained within the past ten years
• Have a minimum of two unfilled pages.

#2. Two copies of passport-type photographs

The passport-type photographs required for the visa application must be snapped within the past three months, be of higher quality and measure two inches by two inches. The passport should show your full facial features, with a neutral facial expression and no headgear apart from religious reasons.

The image background should be white or colored. However, the color should be moderate and sharp.

#3. Myanmar visa application form

You can fill out the Myanmar visa application form electronically or manually. However, whichever application method is employed must include the correct information, signature, and stamp of the Myanmar embassy.

#4. Letter of invitation

The invitation letter is a Myanmar visa application prerequisite written by either your host or the inviting organization. The letter must also contain the stamp of duty from the embassy of Myanmar in Myanmar and the signature of the person or organization inviting you.

#5. Proof of travel plans

Except for crew members, every other Myanmar visa applicant must make available their travel plan to the embassy. From the entry and exit flight tickets to proof of accommodation, the traveler must submit a travel itinerary with the same information as other traveling documents.

#6. Proof of purpose of travel

Proof of the purpose of travel can be an invitation letter, contract agreement, real estate papers, or any other document that states the travel purpose.

#7. Proof of accommodation

The applicant should include a hotel booking voucher, property ownership papers (if any), or a copy of the host’s residence permit.

#8. Travel and health insurance certificate

The insurance certificate must depict a minimum insurance coverage of €30,000 issued by a globally known insurance company.

#9. Proof of financial sufficiency

The document primarily acceptable for this purpose is the applicant’s bank statement or the bank statement of their host or sponsors.

Proof of prepaid transportation, traveler’s cheque, payslips, proof of accommodation, letter of employment, and a credit card are also acceptable.

#10. Proof of visa fee payment

After your electronic application, you should pay your application fee and print a confirmation slip which you must submit to the embassy. Also, request receipt of payment after paying at the embassy if you engaged in a manual visa application. Then, attach the confirmation slip to other documents and submit it to the embassy.

Specific Myanmar visa requirements

Tourist Visa

• A copy of your residence permit if you are not a citizen of the country of residence.
• For a multiple-entry visa, a letter of Visa Authorization from the Directorate General of Immigration in Myanmar.

Business Visa

• Business cover letter printed on the company’s letterhead.
• For a multiple-entry visa, a letter of Visa Authorization from the Directorate General of Immigration in Myanmar.
• A copy of your residence permit if you are not a citizen of the country of residence.

Work Visa

The employer and employee submit different visa requirements when applying for a Myanmar work authorization. They include;

• A copy of their sponsor’s identity card
• An id card of the employee.
• Company’s documents: tax identification number, business license, capital registration license, registration letter, annual reports on the totality of employees, certificate of domicile, approval certificates, and the authorization of deed establishment.
• The company’s blank letterhead.
• Letter of a contract agreement.
• A copy of your CV.
• A copy of University credentials.
• Verification of work experience in a similar role within the last five years.
• An employment letter.

Student Visa

Below are the documents you need for a student visa;

• A letter of recommendation from the university
• A copy of an acceptance letter from the student
• A Letter of recommendation from the local Myanmar consulate
• A copy of your academic results
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A confirmatory document for sponsorship or financial guarantee. But only in cases where the applicant is under scholarship.
• Proof of financial responsibility from your parents, legal guardians, or a sponsor for the duration of your studies
• Health certificate

Gratis Diplomatic/ Official Courtesy Visa

• Letter of Appointment
• Letter of approval
• Written request
• Diplomatic note
• Journalist Visa
• Journalist documentation
• Evidence of applicant’s employment
• Evidence of applicant’s business license
• Work permit,
• Reentry Permit.

Social Visit Visa

• Two entry visa application forms
• Two reports of arrival forms,
• Five colour photos of 3×4 size(4) and 5x7cm size(1).
• Medical Certificate.
• The name of the sponsor or host
• Marriage or birth certificate

Transit Visa

• Visa on the arrival application form
• Onward flight tickets

Religious Visa

• Prepaid self-addressed return envelope
• Work History Form
• Letter of sponsorship

Crew visa

• Work History Form
• Five colour photos of 3×4 size(4) and 5x7cm size(1).
• Valid official crew license

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process a Myanmar visa application?

Myanmar visa application takes about 24 days to process when you use the regular Myanmar visa application at the consulate or embassy.

However, the visa processing time is bound to change depending on the country you are applying from, the visa type, how complete your documents are, and the application method ( mail or through the embassy or VAC).

How long is the Myanmar visa duration?

The Myanmar visa will be valid only for three months after issuance. Consequently, the entry authorization will expire, and you will have to reapply if you do not enter the country within three months.

With the crew visa, tourist visa, journalist visa, workshop or seminar visa, or social visit visa, you can always stay in Myanmar for 28 days. But with the education visa, business visa, religious visa, or employment visa, you can stay in Myanmar for up to 70 days.

However, you will pay an overstay fee of $3 if you overstay. You will pay this fee every day until when you will leave.

How much does it cost to acquire a Myanmar visa?

The cost of a Myanmar visa varies depending on the visa type and the duration of stay. For example, the Myanmar multiple-entry official visa costs $200 for a three-month stay, $400 for a six-month stay, and $600 for a 12-month stay. And the cost varies from one visa to another.

Is It Possible to extend a Myanmar Visa?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Myanmar if your visa expires. But this depends majorly on the type of visa you have. For instance, you can seek a visa extension of a Myanmar tourist visa, but you can seek an extension when you have an employment or a business visa.

Moreso, you must lodge your visa extension application at least three weeks before the visa expiration.

Conclusion

Before applying for a Myanmar visa, you need to be specific about the intent of your travel. After, you research the stamp of duty necessary for the travel purpose and its requirements. With this, you will have a smooth visa application experience.