Types of Entry Visas

For the normal tourist there are 2 types of entry visas. The FIT and the Package Tour visa.

1) The FIT VISA will be given to individuals or groups who apply directly to an overseas embassy/consulate without a letter from a Myanmar travel company (see below).

(*special note – since Aug 2003, visitors no longer need to change any USD to FEC.

2) The Package Tour Visa is obtained with the help of a letter from your local tour operator. It is sent to the individual client or tour operator to give to the embassy/consulate along with their passports at the time of application. The letter states that the applicant will be traveling on a group tour.

3) VISA ON ARRIVAL – Recent changes in policy mean that it now takes longer to process ‘visa on arrival’ so the following information should be sent to EPG Travel at least  3 weeks before arrival: (Most, but not all, of this will be on the passport page)

     1) Copy of client's passport with photo and personal details page

     2) Client's name

     3) Sex

     4) Nationality

     5) Ethnic origin of client (e.g., Chinese, Spanish etc)

     6) Religion

     7) Passport number

     8) Issue date of Passport

     9) Date of Birth

    10) Place of Birth

    11) Client's occupation

    12) Client's permanent address

    13) Arrival day to Yangon

    14) Arrival flight detail

The clients will need to bring 2 passport photos (b/w or color) with them and two immigration forms that we will provide them with. EPG Travel will inform the airline that the clients are having visa on arrival so that they will be allowed to board the flight to Yangon. There is a fee of USD 20 that the clients pay to Immigration Services after arrival. 

Getting to Myanmar

Direct flights to Yangon (Rangoon) are available from: Bangkok, Doha, Calcutta, Chiang  Mai, Dhaka,  Kuala Lumpur , Kunming, Singapore and Taipei.

Airlines currently operating to and from Yangon are: Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Air Mandalay, Qatar Airways, Mandarin Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Druk Air, Indian Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Myanmar Airways International, Silk Air, Thai Airways International, and Bangkok Airways.

Arrival Procedures
After your passport is checked at the immigration desk, you will proceed directly to the baggage area. Do not change money at the money changing counter at the airport. They normally give 50% of the normal rate and are not an official bank.

After collecting your checked luggage and clearing the customs inspection, you will go out to the arrival area where you will be met by your tour guide (if you are on an escorted tour).

Customs Procedures
As a basic rule-of-thumb, all valuable items brought into the country such as jewelry, cameras, electrical equipment, etc. must be declared upon arrival and subsequently brought out of the country upon departure.  All foreign currency in excess of $2,000 is supposed to be declared.

Money Matters * CREDIT CARD & TRAVELERS CHECK ALERT!!
As a result of the US sanctions CREDIT CARDS ANDTRAVELERS CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN MYANMAR at most hotels or at any banks. Only a very few deluxe hotels have found a way to accept credit cards and for expenses only. Therefore to be safe, travelers should bring CASH for all expected expenses (USD cash is the easiest).   Please also note there are no ATM machines.

Currency - The Myanmar currency is known as the 'kyat' (pronounced 'chaat'). The official rate is about 6 kyat to the dollar but the 'real' rate is much higher. Visitors may change their dollars into kyat at the local market rate. Major hotels and a few restaurants will charge in USD/FEC but most other expenses in Myanmar will be in kyats.

Climate and Weather
Myanmar has three "seasons": Hot Season - March to mid-May with average temperatures 25-38 C Rainy Season - mid-May to September with average temperatures 23-33 C. "Winter" Season - October to February with average temperatures 18-24 C. The main tourist season is during the Winter season, but it doesn't rain much up-country and the travel season is now virtually all year long. In fact many prefer the rainy season for its lack of crowds and the cool weather.

What to Wear
Warm weather clothing is quite adequate for Yangon and most tourist spots although up-country around the Inle Lake area and other higher elevations the temperature may reach near freezing at night during the 'winter' season. Travelers should bring appropriate cold weather clothing if traveling there.

Additionally, suggestive or revealing clothing is never a good idea in this conservative and largely Buddhist culture. When visiting religious shrines and temples, modest dress is required and easily removable footwear is recommended since such sacred grounds must be visited only in barefeet (no socks either). Hats and sunglasses are usually appreciated, as is an umbrella for the rainy season.

Health Issues
While no immunizations are formally required, malaria prophylaxis is often recommended by traveler's personal physicians. Occasionally, typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations are also recommended. Drink only bottled or boiled water and it is suggested that food not be purchased from sidewalk vendors. Insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites is recommended, especially up-country and in wooded areas. Recent news articles have mentioned a general increase in Dengue fever risk in SE. Asian countries.

Voltage
The voltage throughout Myanmar is 220-230 Volts AC. Because the voltage may be inconsistent, valuable or sensitive equipment like stereos and computers should have appropriate electronic protection. Most common sockets are two pronged, able to take round or blade style plugs though you do sometimes need a 3 prong adaptor.

Photography

Cameras, (still, video and digital) are permitted in Myanmar. Some good quality film is available in Yangon and Mandalay at the better hotels. However for professional quality film it is best to bring your own as the selection here is limited. Print film is generally available in all the main tourist areas. Restrictions on photography include military facilities and any structure considered strategic (including bridges and train stations).

Communications

Most mobile phones will not work in Myanmar (unless you have an iridium phone) and charges for overseas calls and faxes at hotels may be expensive. Travelers should always check the rates before using IDD lines. In Yangon and Mandalay overseas communication is fairly easy but in Bagan and especially Inle Lake, can be difficult although deluxe hotels at Bagan and Inle Lake may be able to provide email service. 

There are some Internet Cafes in Yangon and Mandalay but not elsewhere.

Major hotels will have internet and email as well. 

Insurance                                                                                                        
Hospitals with the standard of care most tourists are used to do not yet exist in Myanmar. There are a few private clinics at which reasonable emergency care can be obtained but if a traveler were to become seriously ill or injured, the only alternative would be to medically evacuate (med-evac) that person to the nearest major medical facility, most likely in Singapore or Bangkok. It is strongly recommended that travelers purchase insurance which will provide medical-evacuation coverage should they require it.

Airport Departure Tax
There is a departure tax of $US 10 payable on international flights. There are no taxes for domestic flights.

Travel in Myanmar

The quickest and most comfortable mode of domestic travel is by flying. Modern ATR aircraft are used by Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and the new private air carrier Air Bagan (which also uses Folker 100 jets).

Trains, ferry boats, cruise ships and coaches may also be utilized for tours.

*Passports should always be carried when traveling in Myanmar.

Rules of the Road