How to Apply for a Myanmar Visa in Detroit : visasupply.com

The Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar is once again open for Detroit area residents after reopening its borders following the pandemic. Myanmar was largely closed to the outside world until the government began encouraging tourism in 1992. The nation quickly became an appealing destination for tourists seeking cultural experiences, spiritual awakenings, unspoiled beaches, and spectacular natural beauty. While the tourism infrastructure is more established in neighboring countries such as Thailand and Malaysia, Myanmar today reflects the natural environments of those countries before decades of Western-style development made their mark.

Formerly known as Burma, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar gains its independence from British rule in 1948. After periods of democracy and military rule, a new civilian government took charge in 2011 that began actively encouraging visitors and building tourist infrastructure. Millions of tourists followed as the decade progressed. However, the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and another military coup d’état in early 2021 devastated tourism. While political repression and instability continue, travelers have begun returning to Myanmar since the country reopened in mid-2022.

The country’s population of more than 55 million includes 135 ethnic groups. The Bamar comprise around 70% of the population and Buddhists rank as the dominant religious group. The main language families are Sino-Tibetan, Tai–Kadai, Austro-Asiatic, and Indo-European. The primary influences on Myanmar’s culture are Buddhist and Bamar, although the era of British colonial rule is still reflected in the architecture of larger cities and in the education system. Despite the lengthy flight time from North America to Southeast Asia, citizens of the United States rank among the top 10 nationalities visiting Myanmar.

Nay Pyi Taw (Burmese for “Abode of Kings”) is the capital of and third-largest city in Myanmar. The only planned city in Myanmar, Nay Pyi Taw is known for such attractions as Uppatasanti Pagoda, the National Museum, and Naypyidaw Safari Park. The largest city is the former British capital of Yangon (then known as Rangoon), home to the largest number of colonial-period buildings in Southeast Asia. Popular tourist destinations in or near Yangon include the parks around Shwedagon Pagoda, Inya Lake Park, Hlawga National Park, and Allied War Memorial. Mandalay, the second-largest city and another former Burmese capital, features such well-known sites as Atumashi Monastery, Mandalay Palace, and Mahamuni Buddha Temple. Climb world-famous Mandalay Hill for a stunning panoramic view of the city as you work your way past two massive carved lion statues, a giant statue of the Buddha, and Sutaungpyei Pagoda.

Cultural, religious and heritage sites are major draws outside the major cities. UNESCO has designated two World Heritage Sites in Myanmar: Pyu Ancient, which contains the remains of three cities that anchored the Pyu Kingdom; and the 300+ temples of the Bagan Archaeological Area and Monuments. Proposed UNESCO sites include the Badah-Lin caves and their ancient cave paintings; more than 200 Buddhist monuments at Mrauk-U Archaeological Area; Inle Lake, home of the traditional leg-rowed fishing boats; and mountainous Natma Taung National Park.

Vast tropical beaches are another major attraction for Detroit area tourists. Myanmar has just begun developing its coastline along the Andaman Sea (formerly the Burma Sea). Bordered by the Malayan Peninsula and Thailand, Myanmar’s colorful Andaman beaches are quickly emerging as a top Southeast Asian destination that aims to match the Thai section. The Myeik Archipelago, another proposed UNESCO site, includes Lampi Island Marine National Park and two shark-protected areas. Currently the only tourist developments are found at Maungmagan Beach, which offers a government-built resort and the Coconut Guesthouse. However, several developers are working to add more hotels and resorts throughout the area. In the meantime, traditional accommodations are plentiful at Dawei (site of a planned deep-sea port), plus other towns and villages. Adventurous visitors who arrive by boat or plane can rent motorbikes to tour the Andaman coast and explore lush jungles, fishing villages, local Buddhist festivals, and beaches where fisherman are often the only people present.

Requirements for Obtaining a Myanmar Visa

Myanmar tourism had risen steadily since the government reopened its borders and revised its COVID-19 restrictions in 2022. However, the U.S. State Department noted, “As a result of the recent military coup d’état in Burma, COVID-19 restrictions and policies may change without notice.” In October 2022, the State Department noted, fully-vaccinated passengers must provide a certificate of vaccination dated at least 14 days before arrival, as well as a negative RDT test taken within 48 hours of arrival. Unvaccinated passengers or those who are not fully vaccinated with a government-approved vaccine must obtain a negative COVID-19 RDT-PCR test issued no more than 48 hours of arrival in Myanmar (https://mm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information). Children under 12 traveling with a parent are exempt.

Also, if you arrive from a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to present proof of vaccination. Additional information on State Department travel advisories on Myanmar is available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Burma.html.

Citizens of the United States and 99 other nations are required to obtain a visa to visit Myanmar. The country offers single-entry tourist and business visas which allow you to stay up to 28 days in the country. Other types of visas include long-term meditation visas for those who plan to participate in mediation centers. Visa-on-arrival is not available to North American tourists, as these visas can only be issued to citizens of Australia, China, Germany India, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Russia. U.S. business travelers can also obtain visa-on-arrival under specific circumstances, including a written invitation from a Myanmar-based business or agency. Details about other visas are available at https://mewashingtondc.org/visa-and-permanent-residency/.

U.S.-based travelers can either obtain an electronic visa from an online government website or through the Myanmar embassy in Washington, D.C. The basic requirements to obtain either type of visa are:

Passport valid at least six months beyond your date of entry to Myanmar. (NOTE: Those with travel documents other than passports can only obtain a traditional tourist visa.)
A recent passport-size photograph.
Return air ticket.
Proof of hotel or private accommodation at government-approved lodging.
COVID-19 medical insurance purchased from Myanmar Insurance.
Work history (included in the application).
Payment of application and processing fees.

The turnaround times are typically a minimum of three business days for both types of visa. The visa must be used within 90 days of issuance and is only valid for 28 days; neither time period can be extended.

Obtaining a Myanmar Tourist Electronic Visa (E-visa) from Detroit

The quickest and easiest way for Detroit area residents to visit Myanmar is with the tourist electronic visa (E-visa). Forms and additional details about the E-visa are available at https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/.

You must have a valid email and a debit or credit card to apply online. The ETA process consists of four steps:

Complete the online application at the site listed above and upload a color photo.
Pay the $50 fee online (except for children under age 12) with a Visa, MasterCard, or JCB (Japan Credit Bureau) card.
Receive an approval letter by return email (typically within three days).
Print your confirmation email so you can present the email and your passport when you enter Myanmar to receive your visa stamp.

As of May 2025, the E-visa could only be used at three airports: Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw International Airport; and one land border: Kawthaung International Land Border Checkpoint. For current E-visa airports, visit https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/notice/port-of-entry.

Visitors to Myanmar should also know there are several restricted areas where foreigners are now allowed to visit. For more details please see item #6 on the following page: https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/notice/tourist.

Obtaining a Conventional Visa from the Myanmar Embassy

Visitors from Detroit can also obtain a tradition visit from the Myanmar embassy in Washington, D.C, either by appearing in-person or by mailing your application. The requirements are similar to the E-visa. You must provide:

A complete Myanmar application form (including the work history section) at https://mewashingtondc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Tourist-Visa-Forms.pdf.
Your passport or other travel document valid for at least six months.
Evidence of your trip, such as a copy of your airplane ticket, a confirmation from a package tour operator, or a hotel reservation.
A $40 cashier’s check or money order payable to Myanmar Embassy.
If submitting by mail, you must also enclose a pre-paid, self-addressed return envelope with a tracking number from FedEx, UPS, or USPS.

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

Visa Supply can help you complete your application for any of these visas and answer your questions about visiting Myanmar. We also provide courier service to deliver your application and pick up your visa from the embassy in Washington, D.C. Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Myanmar. Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans.

If you live in Detroit or anywhere in the state of Michigan and have difficulty applying for a Myanmar visa, or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company. We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Myanmar visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.

We provide the following Myanmar visa services for our customers in Detroit:

Myanmar Tourist Visa
Myanmar Business Visa
Myanmar Crew Visa
Myanmar Official Visa
Myanmar Diplomatic Visa
Myanmar Education Visa
Myanmar Employment Visa
Myanmar Journalist Visa
Myanmar Hotel Accommodations