MYANMAR FAQs

VISA

1-Q: Can I get a tourist visa at the Yangon Airport on arrival in Myanmar? How much does it cost?

Ans: Yes , Myanmar tourist visa can be obtained upon arrival at Yangon Airport with a visa pre-approval letter , in case you have no sufficient time to get visa stamp through the Myanmar embassy or consulate general prior to your departure. The fee is US$20.00 and bring 2 passport sized pictures along with you . Luxury Travel is able to apply for visa-on-arrival, which usually takes about 3 working days.

2-Q: I heard that tourists could get a visa-on-arrival at the Yangon Airport. What documentation do I have to prepare? What is a pre-approval letter?

Ans: To obtain visa-on-arrival you need to have a pre-approval letter from the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism (MHT), and submit a copy of your passport and information on flight schedule and address in Myanmar (hotel, guesthouse, residence, etc. where you will be staying). The fee for visa-on-arrival is US$20.00. The pre-approval letter is issued by the MHT which can be obtained through Luxury Myanmar Travel or directly from MHT via mail correspondence with address 77/91 Sule Pagoda Road , Yangon or email at: mtt.mht (at) mptmail.net.mm.

3-Q: In my country there is no Myanmar embassy or consulate office and, therefore, I need to send my passport and supporting documents to the next nearest country which may take up to two weeks. Since I will be in Hanoi for 2 days, can I be able to get my visa there? Do I have other options to get my visa the fastest?

Ans: Yes, visa stamp can also be obtained in Hanoi if you travel to Myanmar via Vietnam directly at the Myanmar embassy in Hanoi. Time required for visa processing is 1-2 working days.

If you can get Myanmar visa in Myanmar embassy in Bangkok. You should ask your Luxury Travel Company to apply for a visa-on-arrival on your behalf.

4-Q: I need to get a Myanmar visa but there is no Myanmar embassy or consulate office in my country. Where can I get my visa? Where can I find out a list of embassies and consulate office?

Ans: You can obtain your visa at any embassy in a country near to your location by mail. Please refer to our list of Myanmar Embassies and Consulate Offices in foreign countries:
http://www.myanmar-tourism.com/myanmar_embassies.htm

5-Q What are the requirements to get a tourist visa and how can we get it? Can we get a single or multiple entry tourist visas and how much does it cost? How long can we stay in Myanmar as a tourist?

Ans: A tourist visa is a single-entry visa for tourist travelers for a maximum of 28 days stay within the country. There are no multiple-entry visas available for tourists. Please refer to answers to 3-Q and 5-Q for ways to obtain the visa. The fee for tourist visas in embassies or consulate office various upon the country to which they are located. On-arrival visa cost US$20.00.

The following are the requirements for obtaining a tourist visa:

1. National Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
2. One Arrival Report Form*
3. Two Application Forms for tourist visa*
4. Three passport photos, must be attached to forms 2 and 3
5. Tourist visa fee, which amount depend upon country and can be paid in cash

If visa application is sent by mail, a self-addressed return envelope with stamps or postage for registered letter should be included.

* Forms can be obtained at the Myanmar embassy or consulate office

6-Q: Is there a minimum amount of money to be spent in the country when visiting Myanmar?

Ans: No, there are no restrictions as to how much you need to spend in the country.

7-Q: I am planning to visit Myanmar later this month and would like to stay up to 30 days there. Is it possible for me to stay for 30 days without renewal of visa? Would there be a fine or any serious charges if I over stay by a couple of days?

Ans: The maximum stay on a single entry tourist visa is 28 days. For a longer stay you would need to renew your tourist visa outside of the country.

Alternatively, you can pay a daily fine of US$ 3.00 at the Immigration counter of the airport upon departure for each day that you stayed over.

8-Q How can I apply for a business visa for Myanmar?

Ans: You can apply for a business visa at any embassy or consulate office, however, you would need a letter of assignment from a company within Myanmar for which you are working.

9-Q With regards to visas for cruise ship passengers, can the cruise ship company obtain the visas for all passengers when the ship arrives? What are the possible means?

Ans: The best way is to obtain pre-arranged visa-on-arrival with the ground operator. Normally, all travel agents are entitled to apply for visa-on-arrival, which usually takes about 3 working days.

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WEATHER

1-Q I heard that Myanmar has its monsoon season during the middle of the year. When is the exact period of the monsoon season? What other seasons exist in Myanmar and when are they occurring during the year? What is the best time to travel within Myanmar ?

Ans: The monsoon season is between May and September. In October there are a few rainy days with a temperature that can reach up to 40°C in Yangon . By the end of November to February the weather becomes cooler and this would be the best time to visit Myanmar . March and April are the hottest month, very sunny, but humid with temperatures sometimes way over 40°C.

2-Q I would like to visit Myanmar between July and September. What is the weather like during this period? Is this a good time to travel within the country? Which of these months is best to travel: July, August, or September?

Ans: It is a monsoon period and is raining everyday around the southern part of country (Yangon area). However, if you travel to upper Myanmar where most of the famous tourist sights are situated, the rain is not so bad.

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CURRENCIES, EXCHANGE RATES & CREDIT CARDS

1-Q What currency do you use in Myanmar ? What is the current exchange rate for that currency against the US Dollar?

Ans: The local currency used is called Kyat (pronounced “chat”, abbreviated as Ks). The currency exchange rate is Ks 450 against the US Dollar at the official exchange counter located in airport and downtown area.

2-Q I understand that I have to exchange US$200 into FEC (Foreign Exchange Currency) upon arrival in Myanmar. Does this requirement still exist? I was also told that the FEC is worth about 25% less than the US Dollar when changed into Myanmar Kyat. Is this correct?

Ans: The requirement to exchange the above specified amount upon arrival no longer exists. There is no compulsory exchange in place. It is also not correct that the FEC is worth 25% less than the US Dollar. The FEC is officially equal to the US Dollar in value and so far has similar exchange rates (which sometimes slightly vary) to the local Kyat currency.

3-Q During travel in Myanmar, can we be able to use our credit cards? If so, what types of credits are commonly accepted? If not, what types of currencies should we bring?

Ans: Currently, credit cards are not accepted in Myanmar. We advise you to bring enough US Dollars for your travel, accommodation, shopping and dining expenses.

4-Q If the use of credit cards is not permitted in Myanmar, how much should I bring for within country travel, food and lodging, and shopping expenses?

Ans: The amount of US Dollars you should bring will depend on your length of stay and which part of country you will be traveling. We advise that you consult with you travel agent with regards to this.

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BEACH

1-Q I would like to visit Myanmar and am very interested in going to beach destinations there. When would be the best time of the year for me to visit your beach resorts? What and where are the beach destinations in Myanmar?

Ans: The best time for a visit to Myanmar beaches is between November and April, which outside of the monsoon season. The beaches with easy access are mainly on the west coast at the Bay of Bengal. Beach destinations from the south to north: New Saung, Chaungtha, Kanthaya, Ngapali Beach (most highly visited and beautiful). There are also a few other resorts opening soon in southern Myanmar , such as Maungmagan at the Andaman Sea . This area and the Myeik Archipelago are still not easily accessible, nevertheless, very pristine resort areas.

2-Q What is the weather like in the beach areas? Are there any local villages nearby the beach where I can visit?

Ans: The weather in the beach areas during the very dry and sunny season can reach up to 30°C and a bit above during the day. However, in the evening, the wind from the sea can be quite chilly, reaching as low as 15°C. There are always villages nearby the beach destinations which you can visit by foot.

3-Q When during the year is the peak and low seasons of the beach destinations in Myanmar ?

Ans: The peak season is normally during November until middle of January, while the low season starts around May until mid October.

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SPORTS

1-Q I am a travel writer specializing in golf courses. I write articles on golf courses in various Asian countries, such as Vietnam , Malaysia , Singapore , Indonesia , etc. I would like to visit Myanmar for the same purpose. Do you know of any fam trip available concerning golfing in Myanmar ?

Ans: Up to this time, FAM trips have only been available for sights and culture in Myanmar. However, we would be happy to assist and organize such a trip for golf touring purposes. Please find further information on FAM trips at: fam(at)luxurytravelvietnam.com

2-Q I am currently researching traditional sports across Asia. I have managed to source a number of games such as Bull Racing, Elephant Polo, Sepak Takraw, etc. We are interested in filming for our series a game of Chinlon that is played in Myanmar. Do you know of any promotional materials on the game?

Ans: The Ministry of Hotel and Tourism is involved in the promotion of Chinlon. Since we have no information material and are not aware of any special websites, we suggest to contact directly the MHT at 77/91 Sule Pagoda Road , Yangon ; email: mtt.mht@mptmail.net.mm

3-Q I am a certified diver and would like to experience diving in Myanmar . What are the destinations where I can go diving? How is the underwater condition (corals, fish, etc.) in the oceans of Myanmar ? On average, how much does one dive cost?

Ans: There are several good diving places in Myanmar. The premier diving destination in Myanmar is the Mergui Archipelago. It comprises eight hundred islands, of which many have plenty of good dive sites to choose from. Fish life and corals are both abundant and varied in the waters of Myanmar. There are good opportunities to see both small and large marine creatures whilst diving in the archipelago.

Diving in Myanmar is presently only available by liveaboard vessels, which are based out of Kawthoung in the south of the county. Day diving is not presently available in the country, as most of the best dive sites are too distant to travel to by local boats.

4-Q I would like to enter Mergui with my yacht. What are the requirements for my yacht to enter? Is cruising for recreational/tourist purposes allowed? If there is a fee to enter, how much does it cost?

Ans: It is possible to take your own private yacht in to the Mergui Archipelago for cruising. Permits can be arranged via one of the local tour operators, who have license to take yachts in to the islands. Permits can be organized for a 28 day stay in the islands. Permit cost's vary dependant on length of vessel. A Burmese government guide would be required to be onboard, as part of the license agreement.

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS

1-Q I am planning to travel to Myanmar for a business trip. Can I be able to use my GSM cellular phone in the country? If not, what kind of cellular phones can I use during my travel?

Ans: Since there are no roaming contracts between Myanmar and any other foreign countries, you will not be able to use your own cellular phone. According to Myanmar law, foreigners are not allowed to bring into the country their own cellular phone. If you carry your phone with you, you might have to register it upon arrival at the airport, where you can pick it up upon departure. At some hotels, such as the Traders Hotel in Yangon, cellular phones are available for rent. The rental fee is about US$ 50.00 per day or US$ 300.00 per week. The call charges need to be settled extra.

2-Q Can I access the Internet from anywhere in Myanmar? Can I access web-based emails from within the country?

Ans: You can access the Internet at some hotels or at internet cafes, but not from everywhere. Public free web-based emails such as yahoo or hotmail email accounts are not available within Myanmar.

3-Q Are there Internet cafes available throughout Myanmar?

Ans: A limited number of Internet cafes are available in Myanmar, but so far only in major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan.

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HEALTH & MEDICAL

1-Q I plan to visit Myanmar for three weeks and am seeking for good travel insurance during my travel. Do you have any recommendation which company I should use for travel insurance in Myanmar?

Ans: All registered inbound travel agencies can assist you with Travel Insurance for within Myanmar, however, such insurance usually has low coverage and limited services offered. The cost varies from US$10 to US$50 for two weeks depending on the insurance company. For better coverage and services, we encourage you to obtain travel insurance for overseas traveling from your home country.

2-Q I currently have an International SOS medical assistance plan and will be visiting Myanmar soon. Do you know where the International SOS clinics are located in Myanmar?

Ans: The International SOS clinic in Myanmar is located in Yangon at the following address:
Inya Lake Hotel - 37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone, Yangon. 24hr Hotline: 01-667877

3-Q I plan to visit Myanmar some time next year and am quite prone to cold and influenza, especially during travel times. What is your advice on how I should prepare for my journey to Myanmar? What should I bring for my travel in order to prevent getting sick during traveling?

Ans: We advise you to bring warms clothing (light jackets and sweaters) for cooler evening times in the various destinations. Medicine for cold relief can be found easily and to low costs in any of the many pharmacies within the country.

4-Q I will be visiting Yangon, Mandalay, Inle Lake and Bagan. Should I be concerned about malaria? Should I take anti-malaria tablets as a precaution for those areas?

Ans: In Asia there is always the risk of catching malaria, particularly in remote areas. To reduce this risk, we advise you to wear long light colored clothing (especially in the evening) and spray on mosquito repellent during your travel. Taking anti-malaria tablets are not necessary unless you are traveling to very remote areas within the country.

5-Q What kinds of diseases are most prevalent in Myanmar?

Ans: Diarrhea and influenza are the most common sicknesses which you may encounter during your travel. Nevertheless, we advise you to be current on your Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio vaccinations before traveling.

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LANGUAGE

1-Q I plan to visit Myanmar for a holiday and would like to learn the Burmese language during my stay. Do you know any schools or agencies that teach it and where they are located? How long would it take to study introductory Burmese and how much, on average, do they charge for the lessons?

Ans: Please find below a few institutions you may directly contact for Burmese language lessons. The length of period for learning Burmese really depends on each individual. Basic day-to-day conversation Burmese lesson can usually be done in a week. Since the grammar is not too difficult, much of the time spent would be on learning the vocabulary and pronunciations.

F.M.A
378, G/F, Maha Bandoola Street , Wd 5, Kyauktada Township , Yangon
Tel: +95-1-289055/571605

Grade Unit General Services
171, G/F, Thein Byu Road, Kan Daw Kalay South Ward, MingalaTaungNyunt Township , Yangon .
Ph: +95-1-273059/280790

The Best (Foreign Language Center )
136, 1st Floor, Seikkanthar Street , Kyauktada Township , Yangon
Tel: +95-1-250132

2-Q I would like to come to Myanmar and teach English there. Where can I go to find out teaching vacancies in Yangon?

Ans: There are a few international schools and international language centers available in Yangon and Mandalay areas. The following are a few of those schools and centers which you can contact directly:

International School Yangon (ISY)
20 Shwe Taung Kyat
Bahan Township, Yangon
Tel: +95-1-512793/512794/512795

Yangon International Educare Cantre (YIEC)
W22 Myakanthar Main Road
Myakanthar Housing 5th Quarter Hlaing, Yangon
Tel: +95-1-682231/682672

International Language & Business Centre
40 Komin Kochin Road
Bahan Township , Yangon
Tel: +95-1-244090/704828

Stamford -City Business Institute
5th Floor, FMI Centre
380 Bogyoke Aung San Street , Yangon
Tel: +95-1-240400 Ext. 1506
Fax: +95-1-246882

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LAND-BORDER CROSSING

1-Q We are a group of German, Swiss and Thai nationals and are currently in the South of Thailand. We plan to cross the border to Myanmar at the Victoria Point. Is this border open to the public? Can we enter Myanmar through this border? Do we need some kind of paperwork prepared beforehand? If so, what are they?

Ans: This border is open to cross in to Kawthong but you should contact Luxury Travel Company who will be able to apply the needed permit to enter at this point and exit from Yangon .

2-Q I am planning to travel from China overland to India through Myanmar and would like to spend some time in Myanmar to visit some beautiful sites. Can you tell me if the land-border crossing from Myanmar to India is open for foreigners to cross through? If it is, do I need some kind of paperwork prepared beforehand? If so, what are they?

Ans: The China-Myanmar border is open regularly and you may cross with a special permit in hand. Again this has to be dome through a local travel agent. However, for the crossing into India , it is not really possible. You need to secure two Indian entry permits as RAP (Restrict Area Permit) and PAP (Protected Area Permit).

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LODGING & ACCOMMODATION

1-Q My family and I are planning to visit Myanmar for two weeks. My wife and I have two children under the age of 12. We are seeking for places to stay where the children can have fun and enjoy themselves. Where would be the best place for us to stay in Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake where there is a good swimming pool and children’s activities?

Ans: Most of the International Standard Hotels are equipped with a pool facility. For specific entertainment and facilities for your children, please check with our travel agent.

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FESTIVALS

1-Q I am a travel writer and planning like to visit Myanmar for a few weeks. During my trip I am particularly interested in attending festivals and other cultural events. Where can we get a listing of festivals and events throughout the year and their locations? Are foreigners allowed to attend those festivals/events freely? Do you have any advice in this regard (appropriate manners, clothing, etc.)?

Ans: Myanmar has a lot of festivals. During the year, each month has its own festival in various areas and all 135 national races also have their own traditional festivals. To view a complete listing of festivals, please visit: www.myanmar-tourism.com/festival.htm

2-Q I heard that the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival is held sometime in October or November. When exactly and where is it usually held? Where can I get more information about other festivals in the country?

Ans: The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival is held based on the Myanmar "Lunar" calendar therefore the exact date varies slightly from year to year. The festival takes place for more than three weeks, usually around end of October. During this festival, the locals carry four Buddha statues through all the villages in Inle Lake with the royal barge drawn by the boats of Leg Rowers.

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