Myanmar (Burma)
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Myanmar’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Myanmar set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Myanmar Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Myanmar, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to enter Myanmar. If you must apply for and receive your visa before travelling. You cannot obtain a visa on arrival.
If you have any queries about visas or entry requirements, check with your nearest Myanmar embassy.
Applying for a visa
You can apply for a tourist e-visa online.
To apply for a business e-visa you need to be sponsored by a registered Myanmar company or a registered Chamber of Commerce association. Submit the proof of the invitation with your visa application in the form of a letter personally addressed to you, along with a copy of the company’s registration certificate. The letter must state the purpose and timeframe of your visit.
Non-governmental organisations are not eligible to sponsor visas.
If you overstay your visa, you will be liable to pay a fine and could face detention.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Myanmar, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Myanmar guide.
Health screening
Mpox
Travellers will be expected to complete a short health declaration in relation to the mpox virus on arrival.
Read more about mpox from TravelHealthPro.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Myanmar. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking money into Myanmar
Myanmar is largely a cash-based society. Expect to rely on cash for most of your stay. There is significant disruption to banking services. Many ATMs do not accept UK or international bank cards and some banks have limits on daily withdrawals. Electronic payments and transfers are mostly working, but many commercial outlets will only accept cash. Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard.
If you plan to bring more than 10,000 US dollars-worth of any foreign currency, you must declare this to customs on arrival or risk imprisonment.
If you have to pay a visa overstay fine or pay for excess baggage on departure, you will need to pay in US dollars.
Once you’re in Myanmar it is possible to change US dollars into Kyat, including at banks . However, some money exchanges have closed due to pressure from the authorities. Check your US dollars are in good condition, with no pen marks, folds or tears. Exchange counters prefer high-denomination bills and they typically inspect all notes carefully.
Due to concerns over counterfeit money, exchange counters may refuse dollars with the letters AB and CB at the start of the serial number (top left-hand corner of the note).
If you want to pay for hotels or restaurants with a credit or debit card, phone ahead to check this will be possible.
You cannot import gold or gold bullion into Myanmar for trading and risk arrest for doing so. On arrival, you must declare any valuable articles including gold, gems and jewellery with customs.