Since September 2014, it has been possible to apply for an e-Visa or electronic visa to travel to Myanmar, formerly Burma. How do you apply? How do you get the precious sesame quickly?
Applying online: how does it work?
To apply for an e-Visa for Myanmar, you need to visit the official government website. You must first scan a passport photo and don't forget to save it on your computer. On the official website, click on "Apply e-visa". Make sure you select the type of visa you wish to obtain, please specify your nationality and point of arrival (usually Yangon International Airport). You will also need to fill in all your personal details, passport details, etc. and then save the photo you have scanned beforehand.
Payment for e-Visa is also made onlineYou can do this using a simple bank card. Once your application has been validated, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. A few days later (4 on average), you will receive another e-mail with your letter of approval attached. You should print it out and take it with you, as you will be asked for it when you arrive in Burma (and sometimes also when you leave, so keep it!).
When you arrive in Yangon, you can go straight to passport control like all the other passengers. By presenting your letter of approval, the police officer in charge will issue your visa and give you back the document, which you should absolutely keep.
e-Visa: prices and conditions
To obtain an e-Visa, you must pay the sum of 47 € (excluding service charges), payable directly online. The e-Visa is valid for 3 months from date of issue and can help you a maximum stay of 28 days in Myanmar.
Please note that regardless of the type of visa you are applying for, your passport must also be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country and also include three blank pages.
Using a specialist agency
There are specialised agencies to help you apply for an e-Visa for Myanmar. There are several advantages to going through an agency. As the form on the official website is in English, you may find it difficult to fill it in correctly. The agency's experienced team will take care of this for you. Thanks to them, your application is often approved quickly and you can receive your approval letter within 24 hours. This fee-paying service means you can submit your application a few days before your stay.