Myanmar offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) program for eligible travelers arriving at select international airports. While the system exists, most visitors find the Myanmar eVisa a more reliable option. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Myanmar visa on arrival – who qualifies, how much it costs, required documents, and why the eVisa may be a better choice.
What Is the Myanmar Visa on Arrival?
The Myanmar Visa on Arrival is a permit granted to eligible foreign nationals at the airport immigration counter upon landing in Myanmar. Unlike the eVisa, which must be arranged before departure, the VOA is processed at the port of entry. It is available at three international airports:
- Yangon International Airport (RGN)
- Mandalay International Airport (MDL)
- Nay Pyi Taw International Airport (NYT)
The VOA is not available at land border crossings or seaports. Travelers entering Myanmar overland must obtain a visa in advance through the eVisa system or at a Myanmar embassy.
Who Is Eligible for a Visa on Arrival?
Eligibility for the Myanmar VOA depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. The program covers two main categories: tourist visas and business-related visas.
Tourist Visa on Arrival
Only citizens of a limited number of countries can obtain a tourist VOA. As of 2026, the eligible nationalities are:
- China
- India
- Italy
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Russia
- Australia
- Austria
- Hungary
- New Zealand
If your country is not on this list, you must apply for an eVisa or a embassy visa before traveling. Citizens of most Western countries – including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and France – are not eligible for a tourist VOA and must use the eVisa system instead. See the full Myanmar visa requirements for details.
Business and Other VOA Categories
A broader list of over 60 nationalities can apply for a VOA for business, workshop/seminar, transit, or crew purposes. This includes citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and most EU countries. Business VOA applicants must provide official invitation letters from a sponsoring company in Myanmar along with company registration documents.
Myanmar Visa on Arrival Fees
The fees for a Myanmar Visa on Arrival vary by visa type:
| Visa Type | Duration of Stay | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 30 days | $50 USD |
| Business Visa | 70 days | $50 USD |
| Workshop/Seminar/Meeting/Research | 28 days | $40 USD |
| Transit Visa | 24 hours | $20 USD |
| Crew Visa | 28 days | $40 USD |
Payment is accepted in US dollars only. The tourist VOA does not allow extensions – once your 30 days are up, you must leave Myanmar. For comparison, the Myanmar eVisa fee is also $50 USD for a tourist visa with a 28-day stay.
Required Documents for Visa on Arrival
To apply for a Myanmar VOA at the airport, you must present the following:
- Valid passport – must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry
- Two recent color photographs – 4 cm × 6 cm, taken within the last 6 months
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking confirmation at a licensed property
- Completed VOA application form – available from airlines or the Myanmar immigration website
Business visa applicants must additionally provide:
- Letter of invitation from a sponsoring company in Myanmar
- Copies of company registration or business license
- Details of the factory, location, sponsor, and your position
Children under 7 years old accompanying a parent on the same passport receive a free visa. If the child holds a separate passport, proof of the parent-child relationship is required.
How to Apply for Visa on Arrival
The process at the airport follows these steps:
- Before your flight: Obtain the VOA application form from your airline or download it from the Myanmar immigration website (www.mip.gov.mm)
- Fill in the form completely with accurate personal and travel details
- Upon arrival: Proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter at the immigration area
- Submit your documents: Hand over the completed form, passport, photos, and supporting documents
- Pay the fee: $50 USD in cash for a tourist visa
- Wait for processing: The immigration team will review your application
- Receive your visa stamp: If approved, your passport will be stamped and you can proceed through immigration
Important Warnings About the VOA
While the Myanmar VOA program officially exists, travelers should be aware of several risks:
- Airlines may deny boarding: Many international airlines refuse to let passengers board flights to Myanmar without a pre-arranged visa, since they face penalties if a passenger is denied entry
- Approval is not guaranteed: The On Arrival Visa Scrutiny and Issuing Team has full discretion to deny your application at the airport
- No recourse if denied: If your VOA is rejected, you will be required to return to your departure city on the next available flight at your own expense
- Limited availability: Processing may not be available during all hours, and staffing can vary
For these reasons, most experienced travel advisors recommend using the Myanmar eVisa instead of the VOA. The eVisa is processed online before departure, giving you certainty before you fly.
Visa on Arrival vs. eVisa: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application location | At the airport | Online before travel |
| Processing time | At arrival (variable) | 3 working days |
| Cost | $50 USD | $50 USD |
| Stay duration | 30 days | 28 days |
| Extension possible | No | No |
| Certainty of approval | Not guaranteed | Approved before departure |
| Entry points | 3 airports only | 3 airports + Kawthaung land border |
The eVisa offers a clear advantage: you know whether your visa is approved before you book your flight. The VOA carries the risk of being turned away at the airport. Unless you have a specific reason to use the VOA – such as a last-minute trip where there is no time to process an eVisa – the online visa is the safer choice.
Visa-Exempt Countries
Before applying for any visa, check whether your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry. Citizens of the following ASEAN countries can enter Myanmar without a visa:
- Singapore – 30 days (all checkpoints)
- Vietnam – 30 days (airports only)
- Thailand – 14 days (airports only)
- Cambodia – 14 days (airports only)
- Indonesia – 14 days (airports only)
- Laos – 14 days (airports only)
- Philippines – 14 days (airports only)
- Brunei – 14 days (airports only)
If you plan to stay longer than the exemption period, you must apply for an eVisa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in Myanmar?
No. US citizens are not eligible for a tourist Visa on Arrival in Myanmar. However, US passport holders can apply for a business VOA with proper documentation, or more commonly, apply for a Myanmar eVisa online before traveling.
How much does the Myanmar visa on arrival cost?
The tourist Visa on Arrival costs $50 USD, payable in cash at the airport. Business and workshop visas also cost $50 USD, while transit visas cost $20 USD.
How long does the visa on arrival take to process?
Processing time varies. It can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the queue and the completeness of your documents. There is no guaranteed processing time.
Can I extend my visa on arrival?
No. The tourist VOA is valid for a maximum of 30 days with no possibility of extension. If you need a longer stay, apply for a business VOA (70 days) or an appropriate visa type before arrival.
What happens if my visa on arrival is denied?
If your VOA application is rejected at the airport, you will be required to leave Myanmar on the return flight. You will not be allowed to enter the country, and you may bear the cost of the return ticket.
Is the eVisa better than the visa on arrival?
For most travelers, yes. The eVisa costs the same ($50 USD), is processed online in advance, and gives you certainty before you travel. The VOA carries real risks of denial at the airport and many airlines will not let you board without a pre-approved visa.
Conclusion
The Myanmar Visa on Arrival is available to select nationalities at Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw airports. While it offers a last-minute option for eligible travelers, the risks of airline boarding issues and potential denial at immigration make the eVisa the recommended choice for most visitors. Apply online in advance, receive your approval before departure, and enter Myanmar with confidence. Check the Myanmar visa types and processing times to find the best option for your trip.
