Myanmar eVisa holders can enter through 3 international airports and 5 land border checkpoints. The eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allows single entry, and permits stays of up to 28 days (tourist) or 70 days (business). Entry through non-designated ports requires a traditional stamped visa.
Designated Entry Points for eVisa Holders
The Myanmar eVisa is only valid for entry through specifically designated ports. Arriving at any other port of entry, including by cruise ship, requires a traditional stamped Myanmar visa obtained from an embassy or consulate.
International Airports
| Airport | Location | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Yangon International Airport | Yangon | RGN |
| Mandalay International Airport | Mandalay | MDL |
| Nay Pyi Taw International Airport | Nay Pyi Taw (Capital) | NYT |
Land Border Checkpoints
| Checkpoint | Bordering Country | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tachileik | Thailand | Shan State |
| Myawaddy | Thailand | Kayin State |
| Kawthaung | Thailand | Tanintharyi Region |
| Tamu | India | Sagaing Region |
| Rih Khaw Dar | India | Chin State |
eVisa Validity Period
Understanding the validity period of your Myanmar eVisa is essential for proper travel planning:
Key Validity Terms
| Term | Tourist eVisa | Business eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity from issue | 90 days | 90 days |
| Maximum stay | 28 days | 70 days |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single entry |
| Entry window | Within 90 days of issue | Within 90 days of issue |
What This Means in Practice
- Validity period (90 days): You must enter Myanmar within 90 days of the eVisa issue date. If you do not enter within this window, the eVisa expires and you must apply for a new one.
- Maximum stay (28/70 days): Once you enter Myanmar, you can stay for up to 28 days (tourist) or 70 days (business) from the date of arrival, even if this extends beyond the original 90-day validity period.
- Single entry: Once you leave Myanmar, the eVisa is used. To return, you need a new eVisa.
Planning Your Entry
Airport Entry
Most eVisa holders enter through Yangon International Airport, Myanmar’s largest and busiest airport. Upon arrival:
- Proceed to the immigration area
- Look for the eVisa/visa counter (separate from visa on arrival)
- Present your printed approval letter and passport
- Receive your entry stamp
- Collect luggage and proceed through customs
Land Border Entry
Entering through land border checkpoints requires additional awareness:
- Operating hours: Land borders typically operate during specific hours (usually 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Arrive during operating hours.
- Crossing procedures: Some checkpoints may have additional local procedures or documentation requirements
- Transportation: Plan your onward transportation from the border crossing in advance
- Thai-Myanmar crossings: The most popular land border crossings are with Thailand (Tachileik, Myawaddy, Kawthaung)
Entry Points That Do NOT Accept eVisa
The following types of entry points require a traditional stamped visa from a Myanmar embassy:
- All sea ports (cruise ship arrivals)
- Any airport not listed as a designated eVisa port
- Land border crossings not listed above
- Domestic connections from international flights arriving at non-designated airports
Passport Validity at Entry
Regardless of your eVisa status, immigration officers will verify that your passport meets the minimum validity requirement:
- Minimum 6 months validity from your date of arrival in Myanmar
- Passport must be in good condition (no damage, missing pages, or illegible information)
- The passport number must match the one on your eVisa approval letter exactly
If your passport does not meet these requirements, you will be denied entry even with a valid eVisa.
What to Do If Plans Change
Arriving at a Different Port
If your travel plans change and you need to arrive at a different designated port than originally selected, the eVisa is generally still valid. The port of entry selection during application is for reference, and the eVisa works at any designated port. However, verify this with the eVisa support team before traveling.
Extending Your Stay
If you need to stay beyond your authorized period:
- Business visa holders: Apply for eStay extension at estay.moip.gov.mm before your visa expires
- Tourist visa holders: Visit a local immigration office to inquire about extension options
- Overstay penalties: Overstaying your visa is taken seriously in Myanmar and can result in fines, detention, and future entry bans
Leaving and Returning
Since the eVisa is single-entry, leaving Myanmar invalidates it. To return, you must apply for a new eVisa before re-entering. Plan accordingly if your itinerary includes side trips to neighboring countries.
Arriving by Air: What to Expect
Yangon International Airport (RGN) handles the majority of international arrivals and is the most popular entry point for eVisa holders. The airport has been modernized with improved immigration facilities, though processing times can vary depending on the number of arriving flights.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL) is the second-largest airport and serves travelers heading to upper Myanmar, including Bagan and Inle Lake. Nay Pyi Taw International Airport (NYT) serves the administrative capital and has the fewest international connections.
All three airports have designated eVisa counters separate from the visa on arrival area. Follow signs for “eVisa” or “Pre-arranged Visa” upon arrival. Airport facilities include currency exchange counters, ATMs, taxi services, and mobile phone shops where you can purchase local SIM cards.
Land Border Crossings: Practical Information
The five designated land border checkpoints offer different experiences depending on your travel plans:
- Myawaddy (Thailand): The busiest land crossing, connecting to Mae Sot in Thailand. This crossing has been modernized with the new Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. Regular bus services connect both sides.
- Tachileik (Thailand): Connects to Mae Sai in northern Thailand. Popular for travelers visiting the Golden Triangle region. This crossing is convenient for reaching Kengtung in Shan State.
- Kawthaung (Thailand): The southernmost crossing, connecting to Ranong, Thailand. Gateway to the Mergui Archipelago and southern Myanmar’s coastal areas.
- Tamu (India): Connects to Moreh in India’s Manipur state. This crossing is used by overland travelers between India and Myanmar.
- Rih Khaw Dar (India): Connects to Zokhawtar in India’s Mizoram state. A less-trafficked crossing used mainly by local residents and adventurous overland travelers.
What is the validity period of eVisa?
The Myanmar eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must enter Myanmar within this 90-day window. Once entered, you can stay for up to 28 days (tourist) or 70 days (business).
How many days can you stay in Myanmar with eVisa?
Tourist eVisa holders can stay up to 28 days. Business eVisa holders can stay up to 70 days. The count starts from the date of arrival in Myanmar.
Does an eVisa have an expiry date?
Yes, the eVisa expires 90 days after the date of issue. If you do not enter Myanmar within this period, the visa becomes invalid and you must apply for a new one.
Can I enter Myanmar through any airport with an eVisa?
No, the eVisa is only valid at designated entry points: Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw international airports, plus five land border checkpoints with Thailand and India.
Can I enter by cruise ship with an eVisa?
No, cruise ship arrivals are not covered by the eVisa. You would need a traditional stamped visa from a Myanmar embassy or consulate.
What happens if I overstay my eVisa?
Overstaying is a serious offense in Myanmar. Penalties include fines, detention, deportation, and potential bans on future entry. Always leave before your authorized stay expires or apply for an extension in advance.
