Since 30 August 2023, Myanmar has been offering a visa on arrival to travellers from China and India. The expected increase in the number of Asian tourists should make up for the decline in visitors from Europe and the US. Travellers from Europe used to be able to apply for this visa, but this has not been the case for several years now.
The visa on arrival for Myanmar
The Myanmar visa can be obtained in several ways depending on the nationality of the applicant. First, the application may be submitted via the Myanmar embassy. Secondly, it is possible to apply for the visa online before departure. The third option is to apply for the visa on arrival in Myanmar. Before the pandemic, travellers from certain European countries who arrived in the country via one of Myanmar’s main international airports could also apply for the visa on arrival. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the coup in 2021, the country stopped issuing the visa on arrival entirely. In summer 2023, Myanmar announced the reintroduction of the visa on arrival for Indian and Chinese tourists.
Tourism suffering from the political situation
After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the coup d’état of 1 February 2021, Myanmar almost completely disappeared from the radar of many tour operators and travellers. The governments of several countries in Europa still advise against travelling to Myanmar in early 2024. In fact, the political situation in the country is considered unstable, and it is said that conflicts could flare up at any moment. Those who do travel to Myanmar do not have complete freedom of movement, as some areas are subject to curfew, while others may not be visited at all.
Tightening relations with China and India
The current government of Myanmar believes tourism in the country can be revived. At the moment, the country is overtly focused on Asian countries, who already accounted for 90% of the total number of foreign visitors before the pandemic. Making the visa on arrival available for Indian and Chinese travellers is part of the strategy. In fact, Myanmar shares two long borders with these countries, which have helped establish close relations over the years. While Myanmar’s current military government is strongly criticised by the West, India and China still maintain close diplomatic relations with the country. Myanmar now wants to tighten these bonds to revive tourism.
Visa on arrival for travellers from China and India
In August 2023, the government of Myanmar restored the visa on arrival for travellers from India and China, at least until 30 August 2024. The visa on arrival allows holders to stay in Myanmar for up to 30 days. Moreover, the visa on arrival can be obtained at any international airport in Myanmar. In order to obtain this document, travellers must fill in the application form, provide two passport photos in colour and pay 50 USD in total. Travellers also need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival in Myanmar.
The Myanmar e-visa is an alternative
Only travellers from China and India are currently eligible for the visa on arrival for Myanmar. All other travellers must apply for a visa before departure. This can be done online through the digital application form. The online application procedure allows you to obtain the e-visa Myanmar. You do not have to visit an embassy to apply for this visa, since all the required documents can be submitted digitally. The e-visa is valid for a tourist trip of up to 28 days in Myanmar.