VISA

1-Q

With regards to visas for cruise ship passengers, can the cruise ship company obtain the visas for all passengers when the ship arrives? What are the possible means?

Ans:

The best way is to obtain pre-arranged visa-on-arrival with the ground operator. Normally, all travel agents are entitled to apply for visa-on-arrival, which usually takes about 3 working days.

2-Q

Can I get a tourist visa at the Yangon Airport on arrival in Myanmar? How much does it cost?

Ans:

Yes, Myanmar tourist visa can be obtained upon arrival at Yangon Airport with a visa pre-approval letter, in case you have no sufficient time to get visa stamp through the Myanmar embassy or consulate general prior to your departure. The fee is US$20.00.

3-Q

I heard that tourists could get a visa-on-arrival at the Yangon Airport. What documentation do I have to prepare? What is a pre-approval letter?

Ans:

To obtain visa-on-arrival you need to have a pre-approval letter from the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism (MHT), and submit a copy of your passport and information on flight schedule and address in Myanmar (hotel, guesthouse, residence, etc. where you will be staying). The fee for visa-on-arrival is US$20.00. The pre-approval letter is issued by the MHT which can be obtained through your travel agent or directly from MHT via mail correspondence with address 77/91 Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon or email at: mtt.mht@mptmail.net.mm.

4-Q

In my country there is no Myanmar embassy or consulate office and, therefore, I need to send my passport and supporting documents to the next nearest country which may take up to two weeks. Since I will be in Bangkok for 2 days, can I be able to get my visa there? Do I have other options to get my visa the fastest?

Ans:

Yes, visa stamp can also be obtained in Bangkok (BKK) if you travel to Myanmar via Thailand directly at the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok. Time required for visa processing is 1-2 working days.You can ask your travel agent in Myanmar to apply for a visa-on-arrival on your behalf.

5-Q

I need to get a Myanmar visa but there is no Myanmar embassy or consulate office in my country. Where can I get my visa? Where can I find out a list of embassies and consulate office?

Ans:

You can obtain your visa at any embassy in a country near to your location by mail. Please refer to our list of Myanmar Embassies and Consulate Offices in foreign countries:

http://www.myanmar-tourism.com/myanmar_embassies.htm

6-Q

What are the requirements to get a tourist visa and how can we get it? Can we get a single or multiple entry tourist visas and how much does it cost? How long can we stay in Myanmar as a tourist?

Ans:

A tourist visa is a single-entry visa for tourist travelers for a maximum of 28 days stay within the country. There are no multiple-entry visas available for tourists. Please refer to answers to 3-Q and 5-Q for ways to obtain the visa. The fee for tourist visas in embassies or consulate office various upon the country to which they are located. On-arrival visa cost US$20.00.

The following are the requirements for obtaining a tourist visa:

1. National Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
2. One Arrival Report Form*
3. Two Application Forms for tourist visa*
4. Three passport photos, must be attached to forms 2 and 3
5. Tourist visa fee, which amount depend upon country and can be paid in cash

If visa application is sent by mail, a self-addressed return envelope with stamps or postage for registered letter should be included.

* Forms can be obtained at the Myanmar embassy or consulate office

7-Q

Is there a minimum amount of money to be spent in the country when visiting Myanmar?

Ans:

No, there are no restrictions as to how much you need to spend in the country. 

8-Q

I am planning to visit Myanmar later this month and would like to stay up to 30 days there. Is it possible for me to stay for 30 days without renewal of visa? Would there be a fine or any serious charges if I over stay by a couple of days?

Ans:

The maximum stay on a single entry tourist visa is 28 days. For a longer stay you would need to renew your tourist visa outside of the country.

Alternatively, you can pay a daily fine of US$ 3.00 at the Immigration counter of the airport upon departure for each day that you stayed over.

9-Q

How can I apply for a business visa for Myanmar?

Ans:

You can apply for a business visa at any embassy or consulate office, however, you would need a letter of assignment from a company within Myanmar for which you are working.

WEATHER

1-Q

I heard that Myanmar has its monsoon season during the middle of the year. When is the exact period of the monsoon season? What other seasons exist in Myanmar and when are they occurring during the year? What is the best time to travel within Myanmar?

Ans:

The monsoon season is between May and September. In October there are a few rainy days with a temperature that can reach up to 40°C in Yangon. By the end of November to February the weather becomes cooler and this would be the best time to visit Myanmar. March and April are the hottest month, very sunny, but humid with temperatures sometimes way over 40°C.

2-Q

I would like to visit Myanmar between July and September. What is the weather like during this period? Is this a good time to travel within the country? Which of these months is best to travel: July, August, or September?

Ans:

It is a monsoon period and is raining everyday around the southern part of country (Yangon area). However, if you travel to upper Myanmar where most of the famous tourist sights are situated, the rain is not so bad.

CurrencIES, Exchange Rates & CREDIT CARDS

1-Q

What currency do you use in Myanmar? What is the current exchange rate for that currency against the US Dollar?

Ans:

The local currency used is called Kyat (pronounced “chat”, abbreviated as Ks). The currency exchange rate is Ks 450 against the US Dollar at the official exchange counter located in airport and downtown area.

2-Q

I understand that I have to exchange US$200 into FEC (Foreign Exchange Currency) upon arrival in Myanmar. Does this requirement still exist? I was also told that the FEC is worth about 25% less than the US Dollar when changed into Myanmar Kyat. Is this correct?

Ans:

The requirement to exchange the above specified amount upon arrival no longer exists. There is no compulsory exchange in place. It is also not correct that the FEC is worth 25% less than the US Dollar. The FEC is officially equal to the US Dollar in value and so far has similar exchange rates (which sometimes slightly vary) to the local Kyat currency.

3-Q

During travel in Myanmar, can we be able to use our credit cards? If so, what types of credits are commonly accepted? If not, what types of currencies should we bring?

Ans:

Currently, credit cards are not accepted in Myanmar. We advise you to bring enough US Dollars for your travel, accommodation, shopping and dining expenses.

4-Q

If the use of credit cards is not permitted in Myanmar, how much should I bring for within country travel, food and lodging, and shopping expenses?

Ans:

The amount of US Dollars you should bring will depend on your length of stay and which part of country you will be traveling. We advise that you consult with you travel agent with regards to this.

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

1-Q

We are a travel agency and organize a group travel to Myanmar. We would like to give to our clients some brochures, maps and documentation about Myanmar. Do you supply such information materials? If yes, whom shall we contact to obtain these? If not, where can we best get these materials where the information is reliable and up to date?

Ans:

The Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC) is able to provide existing promotional materials in the form of a booklet (Mystical Myanmar Magazine), leaflet and CD. As per individual request, we are also able to provide a detailed map. Please contact the MMC directly at the contact address below this FAQ. Further information materials can be obtained at the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar or at any hotels and tour operators listed in our website.

2-Q

We would like to obtain images of Myanmar for the use of promoting the country as a destination in our brochures, itineraries and website. How can we obtain images of these destinations in Myanmar: Yangon, Irrawaddy River, Inle Lake, Sagaing, Heho, Bagan, and Mandalay? 

Ans:

In the future, a photo library will be available on this website from which you can use for your own promotion materials. Alternatively, you may contact MMC member companies listed on this website or tour operators for images of various destinations.

4-Q

My family and I are planning for vacation to Myanmar. We know very little about the country. We would like to know more about the culture, people, history, interesting places/events to visit, arts and crafts and the environment in Myanmar. Where can I be able to get a tourism guide or travel information kit for Myanmar? 

Ans:

Basic travel information is available on this website. You may also find many tourism guidebooks on Myanmar at various bookstores in your country or within Myanmar.

5-Q

I am a budget traveler planning to travel on my own throughout Myanmar. Where can I get a directory listing of hotels and restaurants in the country which has price information on it?

Ans:

A directory of member companies of MMC is available on this website and in-print format. You can also obtain a directory of all hotels and some restaurants at the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism (MHT) located at 77/91 Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon with email: mmt.mht@mptmail.net.mm. Neither directories include price information.

Beach

1-Q

I would like to visit Myanmar and am very interested in going to beach destinations there. When would be the best time of the year for me to visit your beach resorts? What and where are the beach destinations in Myanmar?

Ans:

The best time for a visit to Myanmar beaches is between November and April, which outside of the monsoon season. The beaches with easy access are mainly on the west coast at the Bay of Bengal. Beach destinations from the south to north: New Saung, Chaungtha, Kanthaya, Ngapali Beach (most highly visited and beautiful). There are also a few other resorts opening soon in southern Myanmar, such as Maungmagan at the Andaman Sea. This area and the Myeik Archipelago are still not easily accessible, nevertheless, very pristine resort areas.

2-Q

What is the weather like in the beach areas? Are there any local villages nearby the beach where I can visit?

Ans:

The weather in the beach areas during the very dry and sunny season can reach up to 30°C and a bit above during the day. However, in the evening, the wind from the sea can be quite chilly, reaching as low as 15°C. There are always villages nearby the beach destinations which you can visit by foot. 

3-Q

When during the year is the peak and low seasons of the beach destinations in Myanmar?

Ans:

The peak season is normally during November until middle of January, while the low season starts around May until mid October.

Sports

1-Q