Almost all travellers need a visa if they want to stay in Myanmar. This also applies to business travellers. Myanmar offers a special business visa which can be applied for online. This so-called eBusiness visa is valid for a stay of up to 70 days in Myanmar.
Apply for a Myanmar visa online or at the embassy
You can apply for the business visa for Myanmar online or at the embassy. If you want to submit your application at the embassy, you must fill in the required forms and submit the documents several weeks before your departure. You have to submit these documents at the embassy personally or by post. It is easier for most people to apply for the visa online. In that case, you do not need to submit any physical documents, but you can complete the application online. The visa that is available online, is also known as the e-visa or eBusiness visa. Besides the online business visa, there is also an e-visa for tourists
Permitted activities on a business visa
A business visa allows you to do business in Myanmar for a period of up to 70 days. You have to submit an invitation letter from a company that is based in Myanmar, which means that the visa is meant primarily for business visits. You may also participate in other events or meetings that are organised by a company in Myanmar. However, the business visa is not suited to participate in a workshop or a seminar, or to do research. If you want to engage in these activities, you must apply for a specific visa at the embassy of Myanmar.
Required documents and details for the business visa
Both the application at the embassy and the online application require you to submit almost the same documents and details. First, you must fill in a short form, where you are asked a few personal questions and a few questions about your trip. Additionally, you need the following:
- A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the day you arrive in Myanmar
- A recent digital passport photo (for the online application) or 2 printed recent passport photos (for an application at the embassy)
- An invitation letter from the company you will visit
- Proof that the company you will visit is registered in Myanmar
- An extract from the trade register with details of the company you will visit
Cost and processing time
The business visa for Myanmar costs USD 70 if you apply for it online. If you apply for it at the embassy, you only pay GBP 45. In the latter case, you may be charged additional costs if you want the documents to be sent by post, however. The processing time for both the e-visa and the physical visa at the embassy is at least 3 business days. The embassy recommends submitting the application at least 3 or 4 weeks before departure. In general, visa applications that are submitted online are processed slightly faster.
The business visa is valid for 90 days from the moment that the visa is issued. This means that you have to travel to Myanmar within 90 days after the visa is issued. Then you are allowed to stay in the country for up to 70 days.
Check the travel advice for Myanmar
Travelling to Myanmar may confront you with risks and unsafe situations. The FCDO still advises against travelling to certain parts of Myanmar in 2024. Therefore, you are advised to check the travel advice for Myanmar well before departure to avoid unnecessary risks.