Myanmar or Burma is one of the most less traveled countries in South East Asia. But it's filled with heartwarming locals and a wide array of places to choose from like the Garden City of Yangon, Seat of Ancient Kings - Mandalay, Bagan The Ancient City of Devotion, and Inle the Tranquil Sea in the Mountains. Myanmar is a dreamlike nation that should you should not miss.

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Philippine Passport Holders can enter Myanmar visa free for 14 days; if you want to visit more than that, you can get an eVisa. Several nationalities can enter visa-free, visa on arrival or eVisa. Check out this guide on how to avail of either of the three and what to do in Myanmar.

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Visa Free Countries

There are only a few countries that may enter in Myanmar, Visa-Free. It's a bit strict as you may only get a tourist visa or enter selected borders. Please bring a passport that's valid for at least 6 months.

30 days

30 days but only as Tourists (Pilot Program is until September 30, 2020):

14 days

Can only enter and depart at Yangon, Mandalay or Naypyidaw International Airports as per the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

Visa on Arrival

The following countries can enter Myanmar on a fee of USD 50 at Yangon, Mandalay or Naypyidaw International Airports, mostly are for tourism purposes only:

From October 2018 (1 year Trial Period)

From January 2020

Please note that you may not be granted a visa if you come from China (People's Republic) on a Chinese airline as per IATA Website.

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Myanmar eVisa Guide

Length of Stay: 28 days

Validity: 90 days from issued date

In case you don't want to be hassled during your arrival. You can get a visa in advance. Here are the countries that are eligible for a Myanmar eVisa as per the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism:

Point of Entries

Airports

Yangon International Airport
Mandalay International Airport
Nay Pyi Taw International Airport

Land Border Check Points

Myawaddy (Thailand Border)
Kawthaung (Thailand)
Rih Khaw Dar (India)
Tachileik (Thailand)
Tamu (India)
Htee Khee (Exit only)

Documents Required for a Myanmar Evisa

1. Passport – at least 6 months validity

2. Colored Photo – 4.6 x 3.8 cm and taken within the last 3 months

3. Credit card for Visa Fee

Tourist Online for 28 days (3 working days) – USD 50
Tourist Online Express for 28 days (24 hours Processing Time) – USD 56

Step by Step Guide in getting a Myanmar Evisa

STEP 1: Prepare your Photo (soft copy), passport and tour details.

STEP 2: Go to this website

1. Choose your visa type if Tourist Visa or the Express One – the difference is the normal one costs USD 50 issued to you within 3 working days while the express is USD 56 and issued within 24 hours.

2. Enter your entry information.

3. Read the Terms and Conditions and click "I Agree."

4. Type your personal information and upload your Photo.

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5. Review your application.

STEP 3: Pay the application fee.

STEP 4: Wait for 3 working days. After that, check your approval letter in the email you provided. Print the approval letter.

STEP 5: When you arrive in the Myanmar Immigration Checkpoint, please present your passport and the approval letter. Your passport will then get stamped upon your arrival.

Myanmar Tourist Visa Extension

There are no Tourist Visa Extensions for Myanmar under a Tourist Visa. Extendable visas are Business, Social, Religious, or Working Visas. If you think 14 days is not enough, then you may apply for an eVisa granting you 28 days.

There is a Visa Extension office in Yangon Airport, but it functions mostly as an overstay collection office. Some tourists usually pay USD 3 a day for a temp Visa if they have overstayed. I think getting out of the country and coming back is better.

Overview of Myanmar

Capital: Nay Pyi Taw

Language: Burmese

Currency: Kyat (1 USD = 1,400 MMK)

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar or Burma is a Southeast Asian nation surrounded by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. By area, it is the biggest in South East Asia, with about 54 million people living there. The Pagan Kingdom ruled the Burmese lands during the 800s, on the 1500-1800s, dynasties ruled this land until it was under Britain. It then became independent in January 1948.

Myanmar is perhaps one of the hardest South East Asian Countries to tour around since there are territories that are not accessible to foreigners. Transportation from the neighboring countries is limited, and mostly, you can go through here by air. However, you should see this hidden gem when you are off to South East Asia.

Going to Myanmar

There are 3 major international airports in Myanmar; Nay Pyi Taw (the Capital), Yangon and Mandalay. There are flights mainly from South East Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore or Malaysia and also from Japan, South Korea, China, Japan, Qatar, and Germany.

What to do in Myanmar

1. Ride a boat in Inle Lake

Inke Lake is a breathtaking site in Myanmar. Go on a boat tour in Lake Inle. See the fishermen, houses on bamboo stilts, and floating gardens. Though this is a tourist spot, there aren't many tourists so that you would love the peace and tranquility of this place.

2. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda

Walk the streets of the Garden City, Yangon, and see the Shwedagon Pagoda. It's a 326-foot Golden Pagoda that's stunning day or night. A visit here will make you learn more about the faith and culture of the Burmese. Be wary of what you wear, it's a religious site, so you need to cover up, and you'll walk barefoot!

3. Go to Mahamuni Buddha Temple

See a fantastic religious temple in Mandalay, Mahamuni Buddha Temple. Too bad females can't go near the deity, but males can place a gold leaf on the Buddha. The pagodas are also gorgeous; prepare to be in awe.

4. See Old Bagan

Old Bagan is an ancient capital city of the Pagan Kingdom and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. There were more than 4 thousand temples and pagodas during the 13th century, but now, less than 3 thousand has survived.

5. Swim at Ngapali Beach

Myanmar doesn't only have ancient cities or buildings but also beaches. Ngapali Beach is the best and most beautiful beach in Myanmar. It's spotless and adorned with soft white sand. It's not crowded, so you will love the serenity of the place. You can also snorkel or dive!

Frequently Asked Questions for your travel in Myanmar

1. Is Myanmar Visa-free?

For Philippine Passport Holders, it is visa-free, and you are permitted to stay for 14 days. For other nationalities, see the list above!

2. Is it safe to travel to Myanmar?

Myanmar is a safe place for travel. However, there are off-limits areas due to ongoing civil war and possible land mines. I always recommend buying travel insurance since we don't know what will happen to us. Check out Safetywing, my insurance provider.

3. Is it expensive in Myanmar for tourists?

Myanmar is a bit expensive compared to Thailand or Vietnam, like transportation and food. Be sure to save up and research before going to be prepared for the costs.

4. When is the best time to visit Myanmar?

Visit Myanmar during the dry season from November to February because there's not much rainfall and the temperatures are cool.

5. Where should I stay in Myanmar?

You can stay at either of the following: Yangon or Mandalay as they have airports in their town and close to beautiful tourist spots. Here's a list of our recommended Luxury Hotels in Myanmar and Best Hostels in Myanmar.

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Myanmar is a magical place rich in history and culture. Though it's quite costly to get in (you need to have a plane ride or get an eVisa to cross land borders), it surely is worth going. Don't miss this on your South East Asia trip! You will not regret this gorgeous country!