Myanmar Visa Info

[WarpSpeed]

Can someone enlighten please/ As an American is there any illegalities with going there under the current sanctions? And second is driving there possible??

[diggers]

went to Yangon and Bagan on VOA just b4 sept - really loved the country, especially the people... stayed near Sule pagoda in Yangon for $6 per night.. in Bagan $4.. want to go back soon, but need VOA to start up again... "elections" now over - any word when VOA will be resurected anyone??

[gotlost]

Can someone enlighten please/ As an American is there any illegalities with going there under the current sanctions? And second is driving there possible??

No illegalities for USA Citizens. As for driving Myanmar does not allow foreigner to drive into or around Myanmar. You will need an escort.

[WarpSpeed]

Can someone enlighten please/ As an American is there any illegalities with going there under the current sanctions? And second is driving there possible??

No illegalities for USA Citizens. As for driving Myanmar does not allow foreigner to drive into or around Myanmar. You will need an escort.

Thank you.....

[TBWG]

went to Yangon and Bagan on VOA just b4 sept - really loved the country, especially the people... stayed near Sule pagoda in Yangon for $6 per night.. in Bagan $4.. want to go back soon, but need VOA to start up again... "elections" now over - any word when VOA will be resurected anyone??

Any news anyone? Tried googling it but not much info at present. Need local input!

TBWG

[sabaijai]

How about regular tourist visas obtained from the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok? Are they currently being issued as usual?

[jaideeguy]

Has the VOA situation into Burma returned to normal and is the political situation any better since the elections??

[gotlost]

Has the VOA situation into Burma returned to normal and is the political situation any better since the elections??

Pretty sure the answer is yes. Check out this site. http://www.air-bagan.org/. They are flying two days a week from CNX to Yangon and have information on the VOA. I thank their Office i on Chang Klan Road. across from the Shangri La.

[anothertorres]

this is the info i see regarding a US citizen residing in Thailand to get into Burma:

Apply for a visa to Myanmar in person at the nearest consulate of Myanmar in Thailand. Please note that the application procedures and fees may vary depending on where you apply. If there is no Myanmar consulate in Thailand there might be a consulate of Myanmar in one of the neighboring countries that covers the jurisdiction of Thailand.

any one been there lately can confirm the VoA is still DoA?

also, any one been to Bagan lately? do you have experience of how you got from Yangon to Bagan?

[seanocasey]

Link I posted was "Hacked" will try and obtain updated.

[CarlHaywood]

Are the forms the same as the ones that had been posted earlier on this thread? Thanks

I couldn't find any info on VoA, so I assume it is still suspended.

The procedure at the embassy on Sathorn has changed somewhat, for the better. You now only have to fill in one double-sided form (last time I was there it was 3 separate forms of various sizes). Then you take the form to the window with 2 photos, a copy of your passport (can do at the embassy) and your money. That's it. There was no queuing system in place as there was no queue - seems like very few people are going to Myanmar at the moment. Picked it up 2 days later.

The photos need to have a light background because the embassy now scans it directly into your visa.

[anothertorres]

can anyone give me an update on the status of Visa on Arrival? any one flown into Yangon lately?

[tombkk]

can anyone give me an update on the status of Visa on Arrival? any one flown into Yangon lately?

I already have a visa for my flight tomorrow, but I will look out upon arrival. Actually, I don't think so, because it would have been in the news if VOA had been restarted.

[tombkk]

There is s booth marked "Visa on arrival" at Yangon airport, staffed with two officials. One was free, so I asked whether I could get a VOA next time, and he sais YES. However, this has to be pre-arranged, he has a list of names.

How to get on that list for the day? He said the travel agencies arrange that with his ministry.

That's all he knew, maybe a travel agent reading this can shed more light.

Oh, and the other official was busy with two Westeners who were getting their Voa, so it does work.

[djayz]

There is s booth marked "Visa on arrival" at Yangon airport, staffed with two officials. One was free, so I asked whether I could get a VOA next time, and he sais YES. However, this has to be pre-arranged, he has a list of names.

How to get on that list for the day? He said the travel agencies arrange that with his ministry.

That's all he knew, maybe a travel agent reading this can shed more light.

Oh, and the other official was busy with two Westeners who were getting their Voa, so it does work.

I haven't been to Myanmar yet, but I 'm thinking of going in early January (and if not to Myanmar, then to the Philippines).

This list you mentioned, the one with the names for VOA. It appears travel agents arrange this with the ministry in question. Does this mean everyone going to Myanmar has to book through a travel agent?

I've been looking for info on the net about Myanmar's VOA but turned up with lots of overly-priced "experts". Is it possible to apply for the VOA at the embassy in BKK?

[tombkk]

There is s booth marked "Visa on arrival" at Yangon airport, staffed with two officials. One was free, so I asked whether I could get a VOA next time, and he sais YES. However, this has to be pre-arranged, he has a list of names.

How to get on that list for the day? He said the travel agencies arrange that with his ministry.

That's all he knew, maybe a travel agent reading this can shed more light.

Oh, and the other official was busy with two Westeners who were getting their Voa, so it does work.

I haven't been to Myanmar yet, but I 'm thinking of going in early January (and if not to Myanmar, then to the Philippines).

This list you mentioned, the one with the names for VOA. It appears travel agents arrange this with the ministry in question. Does this mean everyone going to Myanmar has to book through a travel agent?

I've been looking for info on the net about Myanmar's VOA but turned up with lots of overly-priced "experts". Is it possible to apply for the VOA at the embassy in BKK?

If you want a visa on arrival, you go to a travel agent.

If you are willing to go to the embassy, get a (real) visa. It took me about 15 minutes to apply, and two days later I had the messenger pick up my passport. Then you have it in your passport and don't need to worry about anything at arrival.

[Ratsima]

^So, you're saying that you don't have to pick up the visa in person? I live in Korat and do not want to stay in Bangkok for three nights just to pick up the visa. If permitted, I'm sure my wife's law office can find someone to pick it up for me.

I figure I'll go down one late afternoon and hope for an "Express" visa the next morning. If that doesn't pan out I'd like to avoid staying in Bangkok the extra two days.

[Ratsima]

I got a same-day visa yesterday. There are a few changes:

• The visa section is now open for applications only from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Afternoons are only for pickup.
  
• Same-day visas cost 1260 baht. Next-day visas cost about 1000 baht. Two day visas cost about 800 baht.
  
• You need a good reason to get a same-day visa. They were ready to decline my request because I'm not traveling until May. When I explained that I live in Korat and was returning that day they changed their mind.
  
• The "Report of Arrival" form is no longer required.
  
• Only two photos are required; one glued to the application form and one loose or paper-clipped to the form.
  
• Visa pickup time is from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
  
• The normal tourist visa is single entry, valid for three months and good for a 28 day stay.
  
• The Work History portion of the form (on back of the application) now only asks for current employment and one previous period of employment.
  
• A queue system is in effect. I arrived at 8:00 AM. About 40 people were in line. When the door opens you line up at one window where you show your completed form and are given a queue number. You then sit down and wait for you number. When called you pay and turn in your form and passport. (If you don't have a form, grab one from the front counter and fill out while you're waiting.)
  
• When you return for pickup, stand in line at the appropriate window (regular, express or business), show your receipt (you saved it, right?) and pick up your passport. Don't forget to review the visa before you leave.
  

[Ratsima]

The form. Print on one page.

[sbk]

Moved to new Myanmar visa forum

[sonnyamo]

There is s booth marked "Visa on arrival" at Yangon airport, staffed with two officials. One was free, so I asked whether I could get a VOA next time, and he sais YES. However, this has to be pre-arranged, he has a list of names.

How to get on that list for the day? He said the travel agencies arrange that with his ministry.

That's all he knew, maybe a travel agent reading this can shed more light.

Oh, and the other official was busy with two Westeners who were getting their Voa, so it does work.

I haven't been to Myanmar yet, but I 'm thinking of going in early January (and if not to Myanmar, then to the Philippines).

This list you mentioned, the one with the names for VOA. It appears travel agents arrange this with the ministry in question. Does this mean everyone going to Myanmar has to book through a travel agent?

I've been looking for info on the net about Myanmar's VOA but turned up with lots of overly-priced "experts". Is it possible to apply for the VOA at the embassy in BKK?

The Travel Agents are willing to do this service to be able to solicit other business like ticketing and hotel booking. But it is up to the travelers to decide to refuse. Some travelers away from Myanmar Embassy can get this Pre-arranged visa on arrival at the comfort of their office or homes. Charges are only 70$ of which 30$ goes to the government. 40 bucks is not all into the Agent's pocket. They had to recreate all documents with copies for 3 different government at Naypyidaw the new capital 300 km away. Send all physical documents with courier and pay the return postage as well. And on top of that they have to take responsibility of each and every travelers under their name. If one goes astray and make minor problems ("minor" to to travelers) it can become a big deal which end up in suspension of their license or closing shop all together.

My suggestion is to communicate with the agent to find out if they are professional at their business.

[george]

Myanmar introduces visa-on-arrival to facilitate foreigners' entry

Read more:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/560614-myanmar-introduces-visa-on-arrival-to-facilitate-foreigners-entry/

[Chazchallenger]

had flights booked to yangon yesterday with air asia, at arrival at the check in desk we were asked to show our visas. i informed check in lady that they now issue visa on arrival. we were informed that that has already stopped and we now have to get visa prior to arrival. flight money lost and im off to laos instead.

[SeaVisionBurma]

had flights booked to yangon yesterday with air asia, at arrival at the check in desk we were asked to show our visas. i informed check in lady that they now issue visa on arrival. we were informed that that has already stopped and we now have to get visa prior to arrival. flight money lost and im off to laos instead.

Need to show your pre-approval letter (stating that a visa will be issued on arrival at Yangon) to the Air Asia check in staff.

Expect this will affect some travellers who assume they can get on the flight without having a visa pre-approved.

Visa On Arrival in this case (for travel to Myanmar) does not mean simply getting on a flight and being automatically issued a visa at the other end.

Sent from my ALCATEL_one_touch_918D

[asiamint]

The form. Print on one page.

had flights booked to yangon yesterday with air asia, at arrival at the check in desk we were asked to show our visas. i informed check in lady that they now issue visa on arrival. we were informed that that has already stopped and we now have to get visa prior to arrival. flight money lost and im off to laos instead.

Need to show your pre-approval letter (stating that a visa will be issued on arrival at Yangon) to the Air Asia check in staff.

Expect this will affect some travellers who assume they can get on the flight without having a visa pre-approved.

Visa On Arrival in this case (for travel to Myanmar) does not mean simply getting on a flight and being automatically issued a visa at the other end.

Sent from my ALCATEL_one_touch_918D

is this the pre approval letter your refering to, call me stupid i know you guys do a great job, but when you post something can you be a little bit clearer on what you mean, showing a letter to air asia? where would one get a letter from?

had flights booked to yangon yesterday with air asia, at arrival at the check in desk we were asked to show our visas. i informed check in lady that they now issue visa on arrival. we were informed that that has already stopped and we now have to get visa prior to arrival. flight money lost and im off to laos instead.

feel really sorry for you, there is so many misleading posts about VOA on this site and others

Does any one know if i can secure a 24 hour transit visa at Yangoon on arrival? Do i need a letter to show air asia? if i do where do i get the letter from?

thanks for any help

[asiamint]

had flights booked to yangon yesterday with air asia, at arrival at the check in desk we were asked to show our visas. i informed check in lady that they now issue visa on arrival. we were informed that that has already stopped and we now have to get visa prior to arrival. flight money lost and im off to laos instead.

Need to show your pre-approval letter (stating that a visa will be issued on arrival at Yangon) to the Air Asia check in staff.

Expect this will affect some travellers who assume they can get on the flight without having a visa pre-approved.

Visa On Arrival in this case (for travel to Myanmar) does not mean simply getting on a flight and being automatically issued a visa at the other end.

Sent from my ALCATEL_one_touch_918D

From my understanding only a business or tranist visa can be issued at the airport

it cleary says this on their offical website

http://www.mip.gov.mm/visaonarrival/

BUSINESS VISA US$ 50 70 days ENTRY VISA US$ 40 28 days (Meetings / Workshops / Events) TRANSIT VISA US$ 20 24 hours

9. produce air ticket to the destination if he is applying for transit visa.

no where does it say you have to go to the embassy. Also is this where you were talking about getting the pre-approval letter from, you fill the form out and show it to airasia?

I blame airasia for this as well there ripping off their own customers, i cant get a straight answear off them on live chat, they refuse to talk about visa requirements and then just close the converstaion, no manners or help at all, and their telephone in thailand just did not go through to anyone, and all the other numbers are rip off call costs.

if airasia can refuse people to get on the flight they are certailnly giving advice then, so why not before, it seems so stupid that i have to go to the actual airport to be told a straight answear, i wonder how many hundereds of thousands air aisa have made from this.

also the offical myanmar website says this iwas valed from

Date of Commencement (1-6-2012) (26 Countries)

Australia France Japan Norway Switzerland Vietnam Brunei Germany Korea Philippines Taiwan Cambodia India Laos Singapore Thailand China Indonesia Malaysia Spain United Kingdom Denmark Italy New Zealand Sweden

United States of America

[juggernaut]

Have recently (end of January 2013) taken a business trip to Yangon and successfully obtained a business visa on arrival at Yangon airport. You will need US$50 in crisp unfolded/un-creased bank notes, two passport photos, a completed application form, a letter of invitation from the company or organisation you are visiting, and a copy of their company registration document/s. You also need to have a passport from one of the qualifying countries. It can be a little tedious as there were only two officers at the booth processing people for these visas, and there were maybe a dozen people from my flight queued up. Thai Airways were a little sticky about letting me board the flight without a visa, however upon showing them a completed form and the invitation letter and registration documents they seemed to be satisfied things would be ok.

Am about to take another trip there and this time will be visiting areas outside of Yangon. Was requested by my Burmese host to obtain business visa in advance and was provided with an invitation letter and their company registration documents via email. I visited the Embassy last Friday around 10:30am to submit my application (open for submissions 9:00am - 12:00pm). I was required to provide:

• invitation letter from Burmese company
• Burmese company's registration document
• two passport photos (one glued to the application form)
• completed business visa application form (as available in the pinned topic here)
• copy of the bio page of my passport
• my passport
• 2,115 baht cash (same day processing)

I requested same day processing and was told ok even without providing a reason (flying out of Bangkok that Sunday to another destination). Given a yellow receipt and told to come back between 15:30 and 16:30 that afternoon to collect visa/passport.

Both times that day, the room was quite full but things were moving quickly so only took 5-10 mins on either visit. Overall a very easy process for me.

Just in case anyone wanted to know......

Edited March 5, 2013 by juggernaut

[simon43]

As per the last post, you cannot get a VOA if you are simply visiting Myanmar for general business opportunities. You must be able to show Yangon Airport immigration (and the airline that you fly in on), a copy of the invitation letter from the Myanmar business that's invited you AND a copy (both front and back) of their company registration.

Without these 2 documents, the airline will generally refuse to allow you to board. (On my first trip to Yangon, I didn't have the company registration document, and I was only allowed to board after AirAsia made phone calls to my employer in Yangon, who promised to come to Yangon Immigration with a copy of the registration)

Once you have a few 70-day VOAs in your passport, the process seems to get easier at both airline check-in and at Yangon immigration.

Simon

[mitebbots]

I will get a Visa at the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok again this time, Planing a June trip for a few days.

Last time they wanted to see airline tickets, does that have to be round trip? last time i had to pay for another flight on air asia when I wanted to stay an extra couple days.

pretty sure they want to see RT tickets..

[SeaVisionBurma]

I will get a Visa at the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok again this time, Planing a June trip for a few days.

Last time they wanted to see airline tickets, does that have to be round trip? last time i had to pay for another flight on air asia when I wanted to stay an extra couple days.

pretty sure they want to see RT tickets..

I have never been asked for return tickets.

In fact the only time I have been asked for any tickets is when I want an express (same day) visa.

I have rarely had my return flight booked when going to get my visa at the embassy in Bangkok.

As long as you have your ticket going over this should be fine.