Visa is required

(1) A regular TOURIST VISA is obtained by the traveller applying directly to an overseas Myanmar embassy. It may take a few days or longer depending on the particular embassy.
(2) VISA ON ARRIVAL – Pre-arranged ‘visa on arrival’ can also be arranged. Travellers need to send their relevant passport and personal data information to Explore-Myanmar about 3 weeks before arrival in Myanmar. Clients need to bring 2 passport photos (b/w or color) with them and two immigration forms (we will provide). There is a fee of US$ 20 that the clients pay to Immigration Services at the airport.

Overseas Myanmar Embassies

Arrival Procedures

After your passport is checked at the immigration desk, you will proceed directly to the baggage area. After collecting your checked luggage and clearing the customs inspection, you will go out to the arrival area where you will be met by your tour guide (if you are on an escorted tour). *Do not change money at the “Authorized Money Changer” in the arrival lounge they are giving less than half the real rate.

Customs Procedures

Officially, all valuable items such as computers, cameras, jewelry etc., should be declared. However in practice, most tourists do not do so, and the customs staff do not expect it for such normal items. All foreign currency in excess of $2,000 is supposed to be declared also though many may carry a bit more without declaring. In fact tourist luggage is rarely checked and body searches are not done.

Money Matters * CREDIT CARD & TRAVELERS CHECK ALERT!!

As a result of the US sanctions, credit cards and travelers checks are not accepted in Myanmar at most hotels or at any banks. A few deluxe hotels have found a way to accept credit cards primarily for expenses. Therefore travellers should bring enough CASH for all expected expenses (US$ or Euros are the easiest- larger bills get slightly better rate). Please also note there are no ATM machines.

Local Time

Myanmar Time is GMT + 6.5 (and is 30 minutes behind Bangkok time)

Language & Religion

Myanmar people speak Burmese although quite a few can also speak English. The vast majority of Myanmar people (about 88%) are Buddhist with a minority of Christian, Muslim and Hindu.

Climate and Weather

Myanmar has three "seasons": Hot Season - March to mid-May with average temperatures 25-38 C Rainy Season - mid-May to September with average temperatures 23-33 C. "Winter" Season - October to February with average temperatures 18-24 C. The main tourist season is during the Winter season, but it doesn't rain much up-country and the travel season is now virtually all year long. In fact many prefer the rainy season for its lack of crowds and the cool weather.

What to Wear

Warm weather clothing is quite adequate for Yangon and most tourist spots although up-country around the Inle Lake area and other higher elevations the temperature may reach near freezing at night during the 'winter' season. Travelers should bring appropriate cold weather clothing if traveling there. Additionally, suggestive or revealing clothing is never a good idea in this conservative and largely Buddhist culture. When visiting religious shrines and temples, modest dress is required and easily removable footwear is recommended since such sacred grounds must be visited only in barefeet (no socks either). Hats and sunglasses are usually appreciated, as is an umbrella for the rainy season.

Health Issues

While no immunizations are formally required, malaria prophylaxis is often recommended by traveler's personal physicians. Occasionally, typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations are also recommended. Drink only bottled or boiled water and it is suggested that food not be purchased from sidewalk vendors. Insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites is recommended, especially up-country and in wooded areas. Some previous news articles mentioned a general increase in Dengue fever risk in SE. Asian countries.

Gratuities & Tipping

No one should feel obligated, but it is common to tip drivers, guides, waiters at local restaurants and also usually hotel porters for good service.

Tipping

Airport Departure Tax

There is a departure tax of $US 10 payable on international flights. There are no taxes for domestic flights.

Domestic Airlines in Myanmar

The quickest and most comfortable mode of domestic travel is by flying. Modern ATR aircraft are used by Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and Air Bagan (which also uses Fokker 100 jets). There is a 20 kg luggage limitation. When traveling up country excess baggage can be left until returning to Yangon.

Domestic Airlines

Voltage

The voltage throughout Myanmar is 220-230 Volts AC. Because the voltage may be inconsistent, valuable or sensitive equipment like stereos and computers should have appropriate electronic protection. Most common sockets are two pronged, usually able to take round or blade style plugs though sometimes you need a 3 prong adaptor. The most convenient solution is a universal adapter able to fit any of these configurations.

Photography

Cameras, (still, video and digital) are permitted in Myanmar. Some good quality film is available in Yangon and Mandalay at the better hotels. However for professional quality film it is best to bring your own. Since digital photography is becoming the norm now for most travelers the issue of print film is not so relevant. Restrictions on photography include military facilities and any structure considered strategic (including bridges and train stations).

Communications

If you show your mobile phone coming through Customs they may ask you to register your name though you can keep the phone. In general it is easiest to simply not show the phone. Your mobile may or may not work in Myanmar, as of the last year they have increased coverage and some travelers have found they can connect. Previously, outside mobiles did not work at all. In hotels travellers should always check the rates before using IDD lines as the cost can be quite high. In Yangon and Mandalay overseas communication is fairly easy but in Bagan and especially Inle Lake, it can be difficult although deluxe hotels at Bagan and Inle Lake may be able to provide email service. There are some Internet Cafes in Yangon and Mandalay but not elsewhere. Major hotels will have internet and email as well though access to hotmail, gmail, and yahoo accounts is generally not possible.

Insurance (medical)

Hospitals with the standard of care most tourists are used to do not yet exist in Myanmar. If a traveler were to become seriously ill or injured, they may need to be medically evacuated (med-evac) to the nearest major medical facility, most likely in Singapore or Bangkok. It is strongly recommended that travelers purchase insurance which will provide medical-evacuation coverage should they require it.

Rules of the Road

In Myanmar cars, trucks, and buses rank first on the roads with pedestrians a distant second. Since Myanmar drivers assume that pedestrians will make way for them, travelers should be alert when crossing streets, especially in busy downtown Yangon.

*ALERT* - * New Airport Security measures from June 1, 2007 *

Effective from June 1, 2007 and in line with new global security guidelines issued by International Civil Aviation Organization, all passengers departing on international flights from Yangon International Airport will be subjected to restrictions on the carriage of certain items in their hand baggage. New security screening measures at Yangon International Airport mean all liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols must be placed in re-sealable transparent plastic bags of certain dimensions.
(1). All Liquids, Gels, pastes and aerosols in containers (e.g.; tubes, bottles, cans and jars) must each not exceed 100ml. Liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols in excess of 100ml will not be accepted, even if their containers are part-filled.
(2). These items must be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding 1 liter. These must fit comfortably within the transparent plastic bag, which must be completely closed.
(3). The size of the plastic bag must not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches).
(4). The plastic bag must be presented for visual examination at the airport security screening point. Only one transparent plastic bag per passenger will be permitted to be carried.
(5). Exemptions will be made for medication, for which prescriptions / medical certificates are required. Baby milk / food and special dietary foods are also exempt.