Visas
Most nationalities require an e-visa, applied for online at the official Myanmar Immigration portal (evisa.moip.gov.mm). The tourist e-visa costs $50 and allows a stay of up to 28 days. Processing takes around 3 working days. Print or save your approval letter — you must present it at immigration on arrival.
Chinese and Indian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival. Other nationalities cannot.
The $50 visa fee goes directly to the military government. There is no way around this if you want to enter legally.
Money
Bring US dollars in clean, crisp, unfolded bills — any tear, fold, or pen mark can get a note rejected. Exchange to kyat at your hotel or at licensed money changers; rates are similar and the official process is straightforward now that the parallel black market has largely collapsed.
ATMs exist in Yangon and major towns but are frequently out of cash or offline. Do not rely on them. Credit cards are accepted at a small number of upmarket hotels in Yangon; essentially useless everywhere else.
The kyat exchange rate is highly volatile. As of 2025, expect roughly 2,000–3,000 kyat to the US dollar, but verify this before you go.
Safety
The main tourist areas — Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake — are relatively calm. Street crime against tourists is uncommon; Burmese people are consistently described as hospitable and honest.
The real danger is armed conflict. Large parts of the country — Rakhine, Shan, Kachin, Kayah, Sagaing, Magway, Chin — have active fighting. Do not travel to these regions. Check your government's travel advisory before you go, and check again before any onward travel within Myanmar.
Do not photograph military personnel, vehicles, checkpoints, or anything related to the security apparatus. This is not a matter of politeness; it can result in detention.
Be careful discussing politics. Locals may want to talk — and many do — but read the situation. They face consequences you don't.
Multiple Western governments (US, UK, Canada, Australia) currently advise against all travel to Myanmar. The ability of embassies to provide assistance outside Yangon is extremely limited. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation.
Internet and communication
Facebook and most social media are blocked. Use a VPN — install it before you arrive, as the VPN app stores are also restricted. Internet is slow and monitored by the state. Be thoughtful about what you communicate through local SIM cards or networks.
Local SIM cards are available at the airport and in cities. Ooredoo and Mytel (military-owned) are the main providers. Many travellers opt for Ooredoo for ethical reasons.
Health
Yangon has reasonable private hospital facilities; outside the capital, medical care is very limited. Bring a well-stocked first aid kit if travelling beyond the main cities. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for rural areas. Dengue fever is present. Drink bottled water only.
Entry requirements
Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining. Minimum two blank pages. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from a country with transmission risk. Proof of accommodation must be shown on arrival.
Dual nationals
Myanmar does not recognise dual nationality. If you hold Myanmar citizenship in addition to another nationality, you may be subject to all obligations of Myanmar citizens, including military conscription. Enter on a foreign passport only if you are a dual national who is not also a Myanmar citizen.