MYANMAR will introduce an e-visa system beginning September 1, a move that could finally streamline visa processes for travellers.
Tourists are required to file their visa application online at www.myanmarevisa.gov.mm at least one week before their trip. The online visa is priced at US$50, though the same visa obtained through an embassy abroad costs US$30, according to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. Only credit card payment is accepted.
Once the application has been processed by the Ministry of Immigration and Population, applicants will receive an email confirmation letter that they must present to the airline and to immigration authorities at Yangon International Airport, along with their passports.
Business visas are not yet available online, though this may change in the future.
Mika Itavaara, managing director, Discovery DMC in Yangon, said: “This is great news that we have been looking forward to for quite some time. It will make visa application handling faster and more convenient to tourists from all countries. This is especially welcome news to those nationals who don’t have Myanmar embassies and consulates in their country or nearby.”
With the halt of pre-arranged visa-on-arrival several months ago, tourists from countries without a Myanmar consulate or embassy have had to stop in Bangkok to obtain the visa before going to Myanmar, taking one full day out of their itineraries.
Myanmar first announced it would implement an e-visa system two years ago (TTG Asia e-Daily, February 15, 2012).
By Tobias Esche.
