Thinking of departing from the well-beaten tourist track and exploring Myanmar? Known for its Buddhist temples, sacred pagodas, stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches, in this destination you will be immersed in natural beauty, history and culture.
But first, you need to get a visa. US citizens cannot enter the country without one.
Luckily, Byevisa makes it easy to get your visa for Myanmar from the USA. You can apply online and receive your travel authorisation in your email inbox in less than 24 hours.
The Myanmar tourist visa for US citizens is valid for 90 days and allows you to visit for up to 28 days. That should give you ample time to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of this unique country.
In this article you will learn how to apply, what documents you need, what fees there are and other travel information that’s important to know ahead of your trip.
Please note that Myanmar and Burma are two names for the same country. Both names are still in common use, and you will often hear them used interchangeably.
Now, let’s get into the details on how to get your travel pass so you can visit the country and experience it for yourself!
Contents
- 1 e-Visa vs Myanmar Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
- 2 Myanmar Visa Requirements for US Citizens
- 3 Myanmar Visa Application Form for USA Visitors
- 4 How Much Is the Myanmar Visa Fee for US Citizens?
- 5 How Long Is the Burma Visa for US Citizens Valid?
- 6 Travelling to Myanmar as an American
- 7 USA Embassy and Consulate in Myanmar
- 8 Myanmar Visa FAQs for American Citizens
- 9 Full Information to Apply for the Myanmar e-Visa
e-Visa vs Myanmar Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
Americans are not eligible for a Myanmar Tourist Visa on Arrival (VoA). The only types of VoA you can get with a US passport is a Business Visa, Transit Visa or Workshop/Seminar/Meeting/Research Visa (provided you have the required documentation). Therefore, if you are travelling for tourism, you must get your visa ahead of time.
The easiest way to do so is with the Myanmar e visa for US citizens. You can apply online, so you don’t have to schedule an appointment or go to the embassy in person. Byevisa is here to help you obtain this electronic authorisation. Read on to learn all about this travel pass and how to get it.
Myanmar Visa Requirements for US Citizens
Here’s what you need to apply:
- Your US passport, valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.
- A colour scan of your passport’s personal bio page.
- A recent digital passport-style photo. Size: 1.5 in x 1.8 in.
- A credit card, debit card or PayPal account.
When you travel, you will require:
- Your passport, with at least 1 blank page to receive your entry stamp.
- A printed copy of your eVisa.
- *If you are travelling from a country at risk of yellow fever, you need a vaccination certificate. This does not apply when travelling from the United States. Visit the World Health Organisation website for more details.
You are required to enter the country through one of the following entry points:
- Mandalay International Airport
- Nay Pyi Taw International Airport
- Yangon International Airport
- Tachileik Land Border
- Myawaddy Land Border
- Kawthaung Land Border
- Tamu-Moreh Land Border
- Rih Khaw Dar-Zokhawthar Land Border
You can exit the country through any of the points above, or through the Htikee Land Border.
If you are travelling by sea, such as on a cruise ship, you are not eligible for the eVisa. Contact your cruise company for details on the authorisation you need.
If you are planning on staying or studying at a meditation centre or monastery, you are not eligible for an eVisa. You must get a special religious/meditation visa through the embassy instead.
Myanmar Visa Application Form for USA Visitors
You complete the application process online. To get started, click the ‘Apply Now’ button below.
This will take you to the application form. It is simple and easy to fill out, with fields for you to enter information such as:
- Your personal details, including a valid email address.
- Your passport information.
- Your intended travel dates.
- Your intended port of arrival (airport or land border).
Then you choose how quickly you want to receive your eVisa. Byevisa offers 3 speeds: 3 business days, 2 business days or 12 hours.
Finally, you pay for your application. You can use a debit card, credit card or PayPal account.
Now you know how to apply for a visa to Myanmar in the USA!
How Much Is the Myanmar Visa Fee for US Citizens?
The amount charged by the Myanmar government is 50 USD.
There is an additional cost for using the Byevisa service:
- 25 USD to get your travel document in 3 business days (Standard).
- 55 USD to get it in 2 business days (Rapid).
- 85 USD to get it in 12 hours (Highly Rapid).
The final amount to pay will be clearly displayed when you make your payment.
How Long Is the Burma Visa for US Citizens Valid?
The document is valid for 90 days, but you can only visit the country for up to 28 days. The 90-day validity period allows you to apply for the authorisation well in advance of your trip. However, you can only stay in the country for up to 28 days within those 90 days.
The Burma eVisa is for Single Entry, so once you exit the country, you cannot enter it again with the same document. You would need to apply for a new authorisation to visit again.
Travelling to Myanmar as an American
This country shares a border with India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand. It receives much less tourism than most of its neighbors, making it an attractive alternative destination for visitors to Southeast Asia. Between 60,000 and 80,000 Americans travel to Burma each year.
There are no direct flights to Myanmar from the USA, so you can count on having a layover in Asia or the Middle East. Make sure to check the visa requirements for transiting through the country. These may vary depending on whether or not you wish to leave the airport.
When you arrive, you will land at one of 3 international airports in Myanmar: Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw or Yangon. Nay Pyi Taw is the country’s capital, but Yangon (also known as Rangoon) is the largest city.
It is important to know that as a foreign tourist, you are required by law to stay in a registered hotel or guesthouse. The Burmese government publishes a list of hotels and resorts where you can legally stay.
Burmese is the official language. However, English is widely spoken, and other common languages include Mandarin, Cantonese and Hindi.
The majority of the population are Buddhist, and insulting religion is a punishable offense. Insult can be interpreted in many ways. For example, tourists have been deported for having tattoos that resemble the Buddha. Take special care with any religious images, representations and statues.
You can also be prosecuted for making negative comments on social media.
LGBTI visitors should be aware that same-sex sexual activity is illegal in this country. These laws are rarely enforced, but LGBTI travellers have reported discrimination and arbitrary arrests.
USA Embassy and Consulate in Myanmar
The address of the US Embassy in Myanmar is:
110 University Ave
Kamayut Township
Rangoon, Burma
The contact email is ACSRangoon@state.gov
The emergency number for US citizens is 01-753-6509. If you are outside of Burma, you must first dial the country code 95.
All non-emergency services are by appointment, which can be made online.
If you are a victim of a crime or are arrested while abroad, there are a number of ways the embassy can help you. For example, they can provide a list of local English-speaking attorneys, contact your family, friends or employers with your permission, or help you get medical care. They are also the ones to contact if your passport is lost or stolen.
Myanmar Visa FAQs for American Citizens
Want to learn more about visiting Burma from the US? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your trip.
Can All Americans Travel to Burma?
Yes, as long as you meet the requirements. You must have a passport valid for 6 months and a visa. Byevisa can help you get your Burma visa online.
Is It Safe for Americans to Travel to Myanmar?
It’s important to follow safe practices for food and drink. For example, drink only bottled water and eat food that is cooked and served hot.
Make sure that your medical insurance plan covers you during your trip abroad, including medical evacuation, and check that you are up-to-date on vaccinations.
The crime rates in Burma are lower than in other countries in the region. Watch out for pickpockets and take care when using taxis late at night.
Full Information to Apply for the Myanmar e-Visa
For more details on the application process, please visit Byevisa’s main page on Myanmar visas.
You can also find helpful travel tips and interesting articles about visiting the country here.
