New visa rules for foreigners entering Myanmar

The number of visa categories has more than doubled and fees for some visas have been reduced under new regulations that took effect on January 11 which will also see some foreigners required to show they have paid tax, the Immigration Ministry has announced on its website.

The changes, which increase the number of visa categories to 12, include the introduction of visas for employment, attending workshops and visits for religious purposes.

The regulations enable seven types of visas to be extended without leaving the country.

The new employment visas also cost $36 and are valid for 70 days. They require a certificate of employment recommended by the relevant ministry, a registration certificate issued by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Welfare and receipts certifying the payment of “taxes imposed”. No clarification on the nature of taxes has been released by the Immigration Ministry. The requirement to prove that “taxes imposed” have been paid also applies to business visas.

The $36 religious visas are for foreigners visiting for activities such as meditation courses. They can be issued on arrival, are valid for 70 days and require a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Foreigners planning to attend meditation courses are required to show a letter of invitation from a recognised meditation institution and must promise not to undertake any employment. They also need a return ticket.