Myanmar Visa Overview

Tourist visa is valid for a stay of 28 days, and it is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

Tourist visa cannot be extended or renewed. The two sub-categories of tourist visa are Foreign Independent Travel (FIT) and Package Tour Group (EVT).

Package Tour Group requires a letter of invitation from a registered tour company, such as Asia Pearl Travels.

Ex-Myanmar citizens and immediate family members are eligible for a single entry Social Visit Visa valid for a stay of 28 days.

Social Visit Visa is extendable at the Immigration Department in Yangon for 3 months, and it is possible to extend further.

Your second extension of the Social Visit Visa will be valid for an another 3 months. In early 2012, division level immigration is issuing subsequent extensions 3 months at a time instead of 1 year. Effective 1st July 2017, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months extensions can be made.

Please note that after change in government in 2011 with more authorities given to the local and division levels, there are now more application steps.

First, you must get necessary paper from your neighborhood Council "Yut-Kwat". With the recommendation from "Yut-Kwat" in a standard form, get the paper work done at the Township ( Myo Nare) level.

In addition, you must now go to Regional District ( Khayaing ) and Division ( tine ) to submit Form-C and Stay Extension Documents. Be sure to get your file number and note down the date of submission.

Keep photo copies of your original Form-C application at the Regional District office if you plan on making further extensions, as it must be attached in subsequent applications.

Processing time at Division level immigration department (now located at former parliament building) will take about a week from the day you get your file number. If your visa should expire prior to the completion of this process, you will NOT be fined for visa overstay, provided that your visa is still valid at the time you get your file number.

Finally, go to the immigration office on Pan-Soe Dan Road. You must submit additional two photos, and fill up more forms. Bring photocopies of necessary documents and your passport. It would be a good idea to make your first trip there for inquiries and to get the forms.

If you arrive to the office around 10:30 AM, you should get your visa sticker in the afternoon. Do not go so early. Office work usually starts around 10 AM.

Finally, make your payment in crisp new US dollars.

You can expect the whole process to take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 weeks depending on the workload at each department.

Latest: The immigration department has planned to issue On arrival Business Visa that allows 70 days stay starting June 1st, 2012. The application fee is USD 40.

Business Visa is valid for a stay of 10 weeks, extendable up to 12 months on case-by case basis.

Business travelers who enter Myanmar frequently (3 or more times in a year) could take advantage of the Multiple Journey Entry Business Visa (MJEV), which may be obtained at the discretion of the embassy official.

First time visitors are not eligible to apply MJEV.

Myanmar is the only country in the world to issue a type of visa called Meditation Visa, which is valid for a 3 months stay.

Original sponsor letter from the meditation Center/Monastery/ Venerable Sayadaw in Myanmar is required.