Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Streamlined eVisa Process
Myanmar's eVisa system has been expanded for easier access, allowing most nationalities to apply online for a 28-day tourist visa ($50 fee) with approvals typically within 3-5 business days. The process is fully digital, requiring scanned documents and passport photos - apply at least two weeks before travel to account for any delays or peak season backlogs.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Myanmar, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps to accommodate potential overland border crossings.
Always carry your passport as it's required for check-ins at hotels, domestic flights, and temple visits; consider a photocopy in a secure place for emergencies.
Visa-Free Entry
A limited number of nationalities, primarily from ASEAN countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam, enjoy visa-free entry for up to 14 days, but this is strictly for tourism and requires a confirmed onward ticket.
For all others, including US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia citizens, a visa is mandatory; overstaying can result in fines up to $10 per day and potential detention.
eVisa Applications
Apply for the eVisa online via the official Myanmar government portal, submitting a passport scan, photo, and proof of accommodation; the fee is $50 for a single-entry 28-day visa, non-extendable for tourists.
Processing times average 3 business days but can extend to 10 during holidays; print your approval letter as it's required at immigration upon arrival at Yangon, Mandalay, or Naypyidaw airports.
Visa on Arrival & Borders
Visa on arrival is available at major airports like Yangon and Mandalay for select nationalities, but eVisa is recommended to avoid long queues and potential denials; fees are the same $50 plus a processing charge.
Overland border crossings with Thailand or India require pre-arranged visas and can be unpredictable due to political situations - always check current advisories from your government's travel department.
Health & Vaccination Requirements
No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies shots are strongly recommended; yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from endemic areas like parts of Africa.
Malaria prophylaxis is advised for rural areas like Bagan outskirts; carry a yellow fever certificate if applicable, and ensure comprehensive travel insurance covers medical evacuations, as facilities vary widely.
Visa Extensions & Overstays
Tourist eVisas are not extendable, but business or journalist visas can be extended at immigration offices in Yangon for up to 28 additional days at a cost of $50-100, requiring proof of onward travel.
Overstaying incurs a $3-10 daily fine payable at departure; for longer stays, consider a new eVisa application from outside the country to avoid complications.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Myanmar uses the Myanmar Kyat (MMK). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Yangon or Mandalay by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on international airfare, especially during the dry season peak.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at tea houses and street stalls for authentic dishes under $5, avoiding tourist traps in Bagan to save up to 60% on meals.
Local markets in Mandalay provide fresh fruits, snacks, and ready-to-eat options at bargain prices, often less than $2 per serving.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared taxis or buses between cities like Yangon to Bagan for $10-20, or get a multi-day boat pass on Inle Lake to cut water transport costs.
Domestic flight bundles from airlines like Myanmar Airways can reduce inter-region travel by 20-30% when booked together.
Free Attractions
Explore ancient pagodas in Bagan and Yangon's colonial architecture on foot, which are free and provide immersive cultural experiences without entry fees.
Many monasteries and hill tribe villages offer voluntary donations instead of fixed prices, allowing budget travelers to contribute as they wish.
Card vs Cash
Cash in kyat is king as cards are rarely accepted outside upscale hotels; exchange USD at banks or authorized shops for the best rates.
ATMs dispense kyat but charge $3-5 fees per withdrawal - plan larger amounts to minimize costs, and avoid airport exchanges.
Tour Packages
Bundle temple tours in Bagan or boat trips in Inle Lake through local agencies for $20-30/day, including transport and guides, which often include free entry to multiple sites.
Group tours pay for themselves after 2-3 stops, offering insights and savings on individual admissions that can add up quickly.
Smart Packing for Myanmar
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including long pants and sleeves for sun protection and modest temple attire that covers shoulders and knees.
Include quick-dry items for humid conditions and a sarong or scarf for impromptu temple visits, as rentals can be inconvenient in remote areas.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type A/B/C/D/G plugs, a solar charger or power bank for off-grid spots like Inle Lake, and a VPN app for reliable internet access.
Download offline maps of Bagan and Yangon, plus translation apps for Burmese, as Wi-Fi is spotty outside cities.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, and vaccinations records; pack DEET insect repellent for malaria-prone regions.
Include water purification tablets or a filter bottle, as tap water is unsafe - this prevents common traveler's issues in rural Myanmar.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack for temple hopping in Bagan, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and a lightweight rain poncho for sudden showers.
Bring passport copies, a money belt for cash security, and noise-canceling earplugs for overnight buses between cities.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable sandals or flip-flops for easy removal at temples, paired with sturdy walking shoes for uneven paths in ancient ruins and hiking in Shan State.
Waterproof options are vital for boat trips on Inle Lake or during monsoon treks, preventing blisters on multi-day explorations.
Personal Care
Pack high-SPF sunscreen, moisturizer for dry seasons, and thanaka cream (local sunscreen) if sourcing locally; include biodegradable soap for eco-sensitive areas.
Travel-sized wet wipes and toilet paper are essentials, as public facilities in rural spots like Mandalay markets may lack them.
When to Visit Myanmar
Cool Dry Season (November-February)
The peak time to visit with comfortable temperatures of 20-28°C, clear skies ideal for balloon rides over Bagan temples and trekking in Hsipaw.
Fewer rains mean better access to remote sites, though expect crowds at popular spots like Inle Lake - book accommodations early for festivals like Thingyan.
Hot Season (March-May)
Intense heat up to 35-40°C suits early morning temple visits in Mandalay and beach relaxation in Ngapali, but midday activities require hydration breaks.
Lower crowds and discounted rates make it viable for budget travelers, with vibrant water festivals in April providing cultural immersion despite the swelter.
Rainy Season (June-October)
Affordable travel with lush greenery and temperatures of 25-30°C, perfect for indoor cultural experiences like puppet shows in Yangon or monastery stays.
Heavy afternoon rains limit outdoor plans but enhance boat rides on Irrawaddy River; fewer tourists mean authentic interactions in hill tribes.
Shoulder Seasons (Transitions)
October and March offer mild weather around 25-32°C, balancing dry paths for hiking in Kalaw and emerging blooms without peak pricing.
Ideal for combining city explorations in Yangon with rural escapes, avoiding extremes while enjoying transitional festivals and moderate crowds.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Myanmar Kyat (MMK). USD is widely accepted for exchanges but notes must be crisp and post-2006; cards limited to major cities.
- Language: Burmese is official, with English spoken in tourist hubs like Bagan and Inle Lake; basic phrases help in rural areas.
- Time Zone: Myanmar Standard Time (MMT), UTC+6:30
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Mixed plugs: Types A, B, C, D, G (bring adapters for versatility)
- Emergency Number: 199 for police, 191 for fire, 192 for ambulance; international +95-1-383-311 for tourist police
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; 5-10% at restaurants or $1-2 for guides and drivers in tourist areas
- Water: Do not drink tap water; stick to bottled or purified sources to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Pharmacies: Available in cities under "clinic" signs; stock up on basics in Yangon as rural options are limited