Visas for Myanmar

This guide was written prior to the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Travel to Myanmar is currently not advisable due to ongoing civil unrest, armed conflict, and severe restrictions on communications and transportation.

You will likely need a visa to enter Myanmar, and citizens of 100 countries can apply for one through Myanmar’s e-visa portal. Visa-free travel is available for 14 days for passport holders from eight Southeast Asian countries, with Singapore receiving 30 days of visa-free access. Japanese citizens also receive 30 days of visa-free travel.

Myanmar offers business, tourist and express visas for visitors, and if you’re from a select number of countries, you may be eligible to apply for visas on arrival at international airports in the country.

Visit visas for Myanmar

If you’re travelling to Myanmar for leisure, you can apply for a 28-day single-entry tourist visa, either at an embassy in your home country or digitally through the country’s e-tourist visa system. You must present a passport that is valid for at least six months, as well as proof of insurance, accommodation and a return ticket.

An express tourist visa is perfect if you need to enter Myanmar within 48 hours. The express visa is typically processed within one to eight hours of application, although you will have to pay slightly more than you would for a standard visa.

If you’re looking to journey to Myanmar for commercial purposes, you can apply for a business visa, which is valid for a visit of up to 70 days within three months of being issued. You will need to submit an invitation letter from a registered Myanmar company along with your application.

For other professional reasons, see our guide to Work Permits for Myanmar.

Stay permits for Myanmar

If you intend to live and work in Myanmar, you'll need a stay permit, and this can be a taxing process involving multiple government agencies. A stay permit allows foreigners to live and work in Myanmar.

As a first-time applicant, you will enter the country on a business visa and then apply for a stay permit, which is typically granted for an initial six months. If you’re working for a Myanmar enterprise, you will need to have your employer secure recommendation letters from the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Immigration and Population to submit along with your stay permit application.

Thereafter, you can apply for a 12-month stay permit, which will be assessed on an individual basis.

Working in Myanmar

Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.