Visas, money and more: essential tips for tourists to Myanmar
It's taken a while, but Myanmar is opening up to foreign travelers, as internal political reforms are being reciprocated with the easing of international sanctions. Myanmar is still a bit of a hermit kingdom, though; the country is far, far from being a modern one.
As a first-time visitor to Myanmar, you'll find yourself in the middle of a country in the throes of catching up with the rest of the world.
Most men, even in the cities, still wear longyi, or long skirts; most women still wear the sandalwood cream on their faces called thanaka. Internet access is spotty, the roads outside the major cities are narrow and sometimes unpaved, and you'll find very few restaurants not serving traditional Myanmar food.
If you feel this is a small price to pay for access to Myanmar tourist destinations like Yangon, Mandalay, Inle Lake and Bagan, then by all means, proceed.
A more complete backgrounder on the country of Myanmar can be found in these articles:
You might also be asking - am I supposed to call this country Myanmar or Burma? If you want to resolve the question, read this article: Is it Burma or Myanmar? - - About.com World News.
Myanmar Visa and Other Entry Requirements
To enter Myanmar, you need a valid passport with at least six months' remaining validity, and a valid visa for Myanmar.
There is no "Visa on Arrival" (VOA) scheme in Myanmar for tourists; one was set up in 2010, then suspended the same year.
The VOA system in place only applies for business visa applicants only (source). Apply for a Myanmar visa at an embassy or consulate abroad before going to Myanmar, or secure an e-Visa.
More information on securing a Myanmar visa here: Myanmar Visa - Entry Requirements and How to Get Your Visa for Myanmar.
Myanmar now offers an "e-Visa" to tourists from the U.S. and 40 other countries. You can log onto their official site (evisa.moip.gov.mm) to apply for one; you need to pay $50 via credit card and upload a recent color ID image along with your passport and ticket details. Visit their official site for more information.
Customs. Visitors over 17 years of age may bring these items into Myanmar without paying customs duty:
- 1 liter of liquor;
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225 grams of raw tobacco;
- 0.5L of perfume or eau de cologne
Unlimited amounts of foreign currency may be brought in, provided they are declared upon arrival. You may be required to change your imported foreign currencies to the local currency within a month of your arrival, if your visa permits extended stays. The following visitors are required to exchange about $300 upon entry:
- Expatriates from Myanmar on social visits
- Foreign embassy personnel and U.N. staff
Children under 12 years of age and members of organized tours are exempt from this requirement.
Contraband. The authorities have not been forthcoming with a complete list of contraband items, but generally speaking, pornography, firearms, religious materials, gambling equipment like cards and chips, reading material critical of the Myanmar authorities, and antiques are prohibited from entry and may be seized at the airport. Some problems have been reported with electronics.
Souvenirs may be subject to export restrictions; generally only souvenirs and jewelry bought from hotel gift shops may be brought out, as long as a receipt is provided at the exit. Souvenirs purchased from street vendors or other unauthorized sources may be confiscated before your departure.
Health & Immunizations in Myanmar
Unlike the rest of Southeast Asia, Myanmar's medical infrastructure is weak and may not be able to meet any special needs. If you have any conditions that require medication, bring enough medicine to last you for the length of your stay in Myanmar. Secure health and medevac insurance if you believe emergency care may be needed during your stay. (Read this article for more: Travel Insurance 101.)
The government has not been helpful in providing exact figures on the prevalence of certain diseases, but the evidence suggests that malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and tropical infectious diseases are rife in Myanmar. HIV/AIDS is also prevalent in high-risk populations like prostitutes and illegal drug users. A brief avian flu flareup occurred in 2007.
More information on Myanmar-specific health issues are discussed in the country's World Health Organization country profile. Bird flu avoidance is discussed more fully in this article: H1N1 Prevention Tips for Southeast Asia Travelers.
Safety in Myanmar
Myanmar's most heavily trafficked areas are almost completely safe, but the government cannot guarantee your safety in areas riven with political unrest. It's up to you to exercise vigilance: avoid crowded places, any public gatherings, and areas that have a significant military presence. Read our insider guide to staying safe in Myanmar.
A significant majority of Myanma/Burmese are devout Buddhists, and while their faith can look easygoing, you'll find it runs deep, and does not abide insults. Among the dos and don'ts for travelers , please note that respect for the Buddha is the most important of all. Foreigners have been arrested and jailed for perceived disrespect for the Buddha. Find out more in this article: Respect the Buddha... or Else.
Contacting the U.S. Embassy in Myanmar. The local embassy will extend help to American citizens in case of crime or arrest; local authorities may not be able to respond to any such emergencies.
You can visit the U.S. Embassy in Myanmar at 110 University Ave., Kamayut Township, Rangoon. The Consular Section telephone number is +95 1 536-509, ext. 4240; email consularrangoon@state.gov. You can also check the official site at http://burma.usembassy.gov.
The Consular Section is open from 8am to 4:30pm, with non-emergency American Citizens Services from 2pm to 3:30pm from Monday to Friday except on U.S. and Burmese holidays. The Embassy's after-hours emergency number is 09-512-4330, or +95-1 536-509, ext. 4014.
Myanmar shares the draconian attitude to drugs common in Southeast Asia. For more information, read: Harsh Punishments for Drug Use in Southeast Asia.
Myanmar Money Matters
The official currency in Myanmar is the kyat (MMK). There are moneychangers and ATMs aplenty in Myanmar's major cities and towns, but credit cards are not very popular yet outside of the most touristy areas.
Bring enough cash to cover your expenses during your visit. You may exchange currency at authorized locations like airport moneychangers, government stores, and banks. U.S. dollars are used for hotel bills and train and airline tickets.
Climate in Myanmar
Because of its geography, the climate in Myanmar, while largely tropical, varies greatly from region to region. Consequently, the best times to visit may vary from place to place. Keep the local climate in mind when planning your trip.
Myanmar's tropical climate revolves through three distinct seasons - a hot season from March to May, a rainy season from June to October, and a and cool season from November to February (the best season to visit). The rainy season occurs during the southwest monsoon, and unloads about 35 inches of rain on Upper Myanmar and about 200 inches in Lower Myanmar. Bagan and Mandalay receive relatively little rainfall compared to the rest of the country.
Choose a location below for the weather conditions in its vicinity.
Links labeled "NOAA" go to current weather forecasts made by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under the auspices of the U.S. government.
Links labeled "WWIS" go to current weather forecasts made by the World Meteorological Organization's World Weather Information Service, under the auspices of the United Nations.
Recommended Clothing: You can wear loose cotton fabrics all year, but bring warmer clothing when going up to the highlands. Bring rainwear and an umbrella if you're in town during the monsoons.
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