Myanmar, a land of welcoming people and abundant opportunities, has attracted individuals from all corners of the world. If you wish to visit friends and family or explore the rich culture, cuisine, history, and Buddhist architecture of Myanmar, you can do so with a Myanmar visit visa. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, eligibility criteria, requirements, and other essential information for obtaining a Myanmar visit visa.

What is a Myanmar Visit Visa?

A Myanmar visit visa is issued to foreign travelers who intend to visit Myanmar for various purposes, including visiting friends and family and exploring the country’s tourism offerings. The validity and duration of stay granted by the visa may vary based on the number of entries allowed. It’s important to note that possessing a visit visa does not guarantee entry into Myanmar; entry is subject to the discretion of border control authorities.

How to Obtain a Myanmar Visit Visa for Indian Citizens

Before you begin the application process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for a Myanmar visit visa. There are multiple methods to obtain a visit visa for Myanmar, including online applications, visa on arrival, and offline applications through the Embassy of Myanmar. Here are the detailed procedures:

E-visa Process:

1. Visit the official Myanmar e-visa application website.
2. Complete the visa application form.
3. Attach a recent passport-sized photograph.
4. Upload scanned copies of required documents.
5. Verify your information and submit the application.
6. Pay the applicable visa processing fee.
7. Wait for the approval of your application.

Visa on Arrival:

1. Download the visa on arrival application form.
2. Fill out the form and sign it.
3. Carry the application form and required documents with you to Myanmar.
4. Present the application form and supporting documents to the Immigration officer.
5. Pay the required visa fee.
6. Receive the visa stamp in your passport.

Stamp Visa Process:

1. Begin by downloading the visa application form.
2. Fill out the required information on the form.
3. Attach a recent passport-sized photograph adhering to the specified photo specifications.
4. Submit the application form and supporting documents to the Embassy of Myanmar.
5. Pay the required visa fee.

Ensure that all the information provided in your application is accurate and matches the details on your passport and other supporting documents. Any false or unverifiable information could result in the rejection of your visa application. To minimize the risk of rejection, consider seeking professional assistance from a visa agency.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for a Myanmar visit visa, it’s crucial to check whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The following parameters determine your eligibility:

• Proof of the purpose of your visit.
• If visiting acquaintances, an invitation letter from a resident in Myanmar.
• Visit for tourism or visiting acquaintances, without seeking employment.
• Meeting health requirements, including being fit for travel and providing relevant medical test documentation if required.
• Meeting character requirements, which involve having genuine intentions for visiting Myanmar and providing a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) if requested.
• Having sufficient funds to cover your stay and other expenses in Myanmar, supported by a bank statement or equivalent document.

Myanmar Visit Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

The documents required for obtaining a Myanmar visit visa from India may vary depending on the chosen application process. Here are the specific Myanmar visit visa requirements:

E-visa Requirements:

• Passport with a validity of at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date.
• Passport-sized photo meeting specified requirements.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Proof of the purpose of your visit, such as an exhibition pass or invitation letter.
• Proof of sufficient funds, usually in the form of a bank statement.

Visa on Arrival Requirements:

• Passport with a validity of at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date.
• Duly signed visa application form.
• Passport-sized photo meeting specified requirements.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Proof of the purpose of your visit, such as an exhibition pass or invitation letter.
• Proof of sufficient funds, usually in the form of a bank statement.

Stamp Visa Requirements:

• Passport with a validity of at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date.
• Duly signed visa application form.
• Passport-sized photo meeting specified requirements.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Covering letter.
• Proof of the purpose of your visit, such as an exhibition pass or invitation letter.
• Proof of sufficient funds, typically in the form of a bank statement.

Photo Specifications:

• Provide one copy of a passport-sized photo.
• Photo size: 38 mm x 46 mm.
• Submit a colored copy.
• The photo must be in JPEG format or any other supported format for E-visa.
• Ensure that the face occupies about 70-80% of the frame.
• Center the head in the photo.
• The photograph must not be older than 6 months.
• The background should be white.
• Maintain a neutral expression.
• Ensure hair does not obscure the eyes.
• Both ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be visible.
• Glasses are not permitted, except for prescription glasses.
• Eyes must be clearly visible through glasses.
• Take the photo in clear light, avoiding red eyes or flashes.
• Headgear is not allowed, except for religious reasons.
• Clothing should not match the background.

Processing Time

The processing time for a Myanmar visit visa for Indian citizens varies based on the chosen application process:

• For online applications (E-visa), issuance typically takes about 3 working days. Express visas can be processed within 24 hours.
• Visa on arrival is granted immediately upon arrival in Myanmar.
• For stamp visas, processing may take a few weeks, and in certain cases, it can extend up to 90 days.

Myanmar Visit Visa Fees

The fees for a Myanmar visit visa differ depending on the application process, visa type, and other factors. Here’s a breakdown of the visa costs:

• Online applications (E-visa): Fees can be paid online through various accepted methods.
• Visa on arrival: Fees are paid at the Immigration counter upon arrival.
• Stamp visas: Fees can be paid in cash or via demand draft at the Embassy of Myanmar.

Please note that visa costs vary based on the selected process, visa type, and other variables.

After Submission

After submitting your Myanmar visit visa application, consider the following important points:

• For online applications, ensure that scanned document copies are clear and meet the specified requirements.
• If applying for a visa on arrival, bring all required documents with you to the airport.
• Immediately register with the Township Immigration and National Registration Department if you have obtained a visa on arrival.
• After receiving your online confirmation letter for an E-visa, don’t forget to obtain the stamp from Immigration upon arrival.
• Monitor the status of your visa application during processing.
• Inform the relevant authorities of any changes to your application.
• If your travel plans change and you need to withdraw your application, do so within the processing timeframe.
• Note that visa fees are generally non-refundable.

How to Check Visa Status?

To check the status of your Myanmar visit visa, follow these steps:

• For online applications (E-visa), visit the Myanmar e-visa portal and enter your application number and other details to check the processing status.
• To check the status of a stamp visa applied through an agency, contact the agency, or reach out to the Consulate for assistance.

Once You Have the Visa

After successfully obtaining your Myanmar visit visa, keep the following points in mind:

Before You Travel:

• Print your E-visa for Myanmar.
• Note the visa expiry date and the number of permitted entries; do not overstay this period.
• Travel to Myanmar within the validity of your visa.
• Carry copies of your passport and other travel documents.
• Obtain health insurance and travel insurance from a certified provider.

At the Border:

• Verify your online permit’s confirmation letter.
• Obtain an entry stamp on your passport, regardless of the permit type.
• Have your documents and your E-visa/stamp visa verified.
• Seek assistance from airport authorities if needed.
• Review your visa copy for additional guidelines and rules.

When You Enter Myanmar:

• Register with the office of the Township Immigration and National Registration Department for online and visa on arrival permits.
• Do not engage in any form of employment; volunteering is permitted.
• Avoid visiting tourist-prohibited areas.
• Ensure you do not overstay your visa and apply for a visa extension if needed.