Myanmar offers several visa categories for foreign nationals planning to visit the country. Whether you are traveling for tourism, business, education, or religious purposes, understanding the different Myanmar visa types helps you choose the right option and prepare your application correctly. This guide covers every visa category recognized by Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including fees, duration of stay, and how to apply through the official eVisa system.
Overview of Myanmar Visa Categories
The Myanmar government issues the following visa types, each designed for a specific purpose of travel:
- Tourist Visa – for leisure travel and sightseeing
- Business Visa – for commercial activities, meetings, and conferences
- Social Visa – for visiting friends or family residing in Myanmar
- Religious Visa – for spiritual or religious activities
- Transit Visa – for travelers passing through Myanmar to another destination
- Employment Visa – for foreign nationals working in Myanmar
- Education Visa – for students enrolled in Myanmar institutions
- Official/Diplomatic Visa – for government officials and diplomats
Most of these categories are available as both single-entry and multiple-entry options, with varying durations and fees. Only the Tourist and Business categories are available through the convenient online eVisa system.
Tourist Visa
The Tourist Visa is the most common choice for visitors exploring Myanmar’s famous destinations like Bagan, Inle Lake, and Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda. This visa allows a stay of up to 28 days and costs $40 USD at embassies or $50 USD through the eVisa system.
Key details:
- Single entry only
- Valid for 90 days from the date of issue (eVisa)
- Non-extendable in most cases
- Available through the official eVisa portal at evisa.moip.gov.mm
The tourist eVisa is processed within 3 to 5 business days and grants entry through designated airports and land border crossings. If you plan to stay longer or enter multiple times, you will need to consider a different visa category. For more details on the application process, see our guide on how to apply for a Myanmar eVisa.
Business Visa
The Business Visa is designed for foreign nationals engaging in commercial activities, attending meetings, conferences, or conducting business in Myanmar. It offers more flexibility than the tourist visa, with both single-entry and multiple-entry options.
Business Visa (Single Entry):
- Fee: $50 USD
- Stay duration: 70 days
- Can be extended according to regulations
Business Visa (Multiple Entry):
| Validity Period | Fee (USD) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | $200 | Multiple entry, stay extension available |
| 6 months | $400 | Multiple entry, stay extension available |
| 1 year | $600 | Multiple entry, stay extension available |
Multiple-entry business visa holders do not need to exit Myanmar after the initial 70-day stay period. The business eVisa is also available online for $70 USD, allowing a single entry with a 70-day stay. Foreigners already residing and working in Myanmar on a business visa can apply for a stay extension online through the eStay portal.
Social Visa
The Social Visa is issued to foreigners who wish to visit friends or family members residing in Myanmar. This visa requires an invitation letter from the host in Myanmar as part of the application.
Social Visa (Single Entry):
- Fee: $50 USD
- Stay duration: 70 days
- Stay extension available
Social Visa (Multiple Entry):
| Validity Period | Fee (USD) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | $150 | Multiple entry, stay extension available |
| 6 months | $300 | Multiple entry, stay extension available |
| 1 year | $450 | Multiple entry, stay extension available |
The social visa is not available through the eVisa system. Applicants must submit their application through a Myanmar embassy or consulate with the required invitation letter and supporting documents.
Religious Visa
Myanmar is a deeply Buddhist country, and the Religious Visa caters to monks, pilgrims, and those undertaking spiritual journeys. Like the social visa, it comes in single and multiple-entry formats.
Religious Visa (Single Entry):
- Fee: $50 USD
- Stay duration: 70 days
Religious Visa (Multiple Entry):
| Validity Period | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 3 months | $150 |
| 6 months | $300 |
| 1 year | $450 |
This visa is commonly used by religious workers, monks visiting sacred sites, and individuals participating in religious ceremonies or study programs in Myanmar.
Transit Visa
The Transit Visa is the most affordable and shortest-duration option, intended for travelers who are passing through Myanmar on their way to another country.
- Fee: $20 USD
- Stay duration: 24 hours only
- Single entry
This visa does not allow for tourism or extended stays. It is strictly for transit purposes and requires proof of onward travel to a third destination.
Employment Visa
Foreign nationals who have secured a job in Myanmar need an Employment Visa to enter and work legally in the country.
- Fee: $50 USD
- Stay duration: 70 days
- Requires proof of employment and an invitation letter from the Myanmar-based employer
- Stay extension available according to regulations
The employment visa process typically involves coordination between the employer in Myanmar and the employee’s home country embassy. For complete document requirements, visit our Myanmar visa requirements page.
Education Visa
Students enrolled in Myanmar educational institutions are eligible for the Education Visa, which offers a longer initial stay than most other visa types.
Education Visa (Single Entry):
- Fee: $50 USD
- Stay duration: 90 days
- Stay extension available
Education Visa (Multiple Entry):
- Fee: $160 USD
- Validity: 1 year
- Multiple entry with stay extension available
Official and Diplomatic Visa
Government officials and diplomats traveling on official business receive the Official Courtesy Visa free of charge (Gratis). The duration matches the period of assignment.
Official Visa (Single Entry):
- Fee: $50 USD
- Stay duration: 70 days
Official Visa (Multiple Entry):
| Validity Period | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 3 months | $200 |
| 6 months | $400 |
| 1 year | $600 |
Myanmar eVisa: What You Need to Know
The Myanmar eVisa system, operated by the Ministry of Immigration and Population, provides a fast and convenient way to obtain a visa online. Currently, only Tourist and Business visas are available through the eVisa platform.
How the eVisa process works:
- Create an account on the official eVisa portal (evisa.moip.gov.mm)
- Fill in the secure online application form
- Confirm your details and pay the visa fee
- Receive your approval letter via email within 3-5 business days
- Present the approval letter at a designated port of entry to get your visa stamped
Important eVisa restrictions:
- eVisa holders can only enter Myanmar through designated ports of entry
- The eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue
- It permits a single entry only
- Tourist eVisa allows stays up to 28 days; business eVisa up to 70 days
If your travel purpose falls outside tourism or business – such as employment, education, or social visits – you must apply for a traditional stamped visa through a Myanmar embassy or consulate. Check the complete fee breakdown for all visa types.
Visa Fees Summary
Here is a quick-reference table of all Myanmar visa fees:
| Visa Type | Single Entry | Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | $40 (embassy) / $50 (eVisa) | N/A |
| Business | $50 (embassy) / $70 (eVisa) | $200-$600 |
| Social | $50 | $150-$450 |
| Religious | $50 | $150-$450 |
| Transit | $20 | N/A |
| Employment | $50 | N/A |
| Education | $50 | $160 |
| Official | $50 | $200-$600 |
All visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many types of visas are there in Myanmar?
Myanmar officially recognizes eight main visa categories: Tourist, Business, Social, Religious, Transit, Employment, Education, and Official/Diplomatic. Within each category, single-entry and multiple-entry options may be available.
What is the cheapest Myanmar visa?
The Transit Visa at $20 USD is the most affordable option, though it only allows a 24-hour stay. For longer visits, the Tourist Visa at $40 USD (via embassy) is the next cheapest.
Can I extend my stay in Myanmar?
Yes, most visa types – except the Tourist Visa – allow for stay extensions. Business, Social, Religious, Employment, and Education visa holders can apply for extensions according to Myanmar’s immigration regulations.
How long does it take to get a Myanmar eVisa?
The eVisa is typically processed within 3 to 5 business days. The approval letter is sent to your registered email address.
Do US citizens need a visa for Myanmar?
Yes, all US citizens require a visa to enter Myanmar. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangement for US passport holders. The eVisa is the most convenient option for tourist or business travel.
Need Help With Your Application?
Choosing the right visa type is the first step toward a successful trip to Myanmar. If you have questions about which visa suits your travel plans, or need assistance with the application process, feel free to contact us. For information about how we handle your personal data during the application process, please review our privacy policy and terms of service.
