Before You Come
 

About Myanmar	Getting to Myanmar	Visa Information
Traditions	Currency	Electricity
Health & Insurance	Vaccination	Public Holidays
Airline Routes	International Flights	Domestic Flights
Train Schedules	Boat Schedules	What to Bring
What to Wear	Myanmar Embassies Abroad	Mobile Phone

VISA INFORMATION

Myanmar requires a visa for all foreigners visiting the country. It is valid for 28 days starting from the day you enter the country, three months from the date of issue. You can obtain a visa from Myanmar Embassies in the various countries. The international points of entry and exit Myanmar are Yangon International Airport and Mandalay International Airport. Show your passport with valid entry visa, disembarkation card on arrival to the Immigration officer at the International Airport (Yangon or Mandalay). Foreign Independent Travellers (FITs) are required to exchange 200 US$ for Foreign Exchange Certificate (F.E.C) on arrival at the counter of Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB).

Passport

A valid passport with Entry visa is required for all tourists & businessmen, applicable at Myanmar Embassies and Consulate General Offices abroad. For further details of the embassies click : Myanmar Embassies and Consulate abroad.  More about Entry Visas to Myanmar >>

You can also visit http://www.mofa.gov.mm the official web site of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Types of Visa

A Tourist Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible for an additional 14 days.
A Business Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible up to 12 months on a case by case basis.
Visa on Arrival is granted to both FTSs and Package Tourists on prior arrangement with the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism.

For further visa information visit http://www.myanmarvisa.com

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CUSTOMS

Foreign currencies in excess of U.S $2,000, jewelry, camera, video camera and electronic goods should be declared at the customs' counter at the airport on arrival. 2 litres of liquor, 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 500 millilitres of perfume are allowed to be brought into Myanmar by travellers.

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HEALTH AND INSURANCE

Health officials require certification of immunization against cholera, and against yellow fever if you have arrived within nine days after leaving or transiting an affected area. Proof of smallpox vaccination is no longer required. There are several hospitals and clinics in Yangon, some of which are under the Ministry of Health and some are privately owned. There is a wide range of variety in quality, expertise, expenses and services offered. The Pun Hlaing International Hospital is the first international hospital in Myanmar.

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CURRENCY

Foreign Currency

Foreigners are recommended to bring US Dollars into Myanmar because they are easily exchangeable for Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC) at authorised money changers, who can also exchange directly into Kyat. Euros may also be exchanged into FEC at authorised money changer. Please be warned that torn, dirty and stained notes might not be able to accepted.

Credit Cards

Only a few restaurants and hotels accept Credit cards, and the service charges may vary from 20 to 40 percent. 

Myanmar Currency

Myanmar currency is known as " Kyat " which comprises 100 pyas.

Denomination

Notes : Kyat 1000, Kyat 500, Kyat 200, Kyat 100, Kyat 90, Kyat 50, Kyat 45, Kyat 20, Kyat 15, Kyat 10, Kyat 5, Kyat 1. Coins : Kyat 100, Kyat 50, Kyat 10, Kyat 5, Kyat 1, Pya 50, Pya 25, Pya 10, Pya 5, Pya 1.

Visitors can change their dollars into FEC (Foreign Exchange Certificate which is equal to US Dollars), and then can change their FEC legally into Kyat at the real market rate at licensed money changer shops.

Travellers checks are NOT normally accepted and are difficult to transact. Travellers are advised to bring US Dollars in cash (small denomination notes). British Pounds, French Frances, German Deutsh Marks and other currencies are difficult to change. Bring US Dollars cash.

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ELECTRICITY

When you plan to bring some electronic devices, make sure that these work with our Domestic power A.C 220 - 250V 50Hz. The Power Line is 440V.

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MOBILE PHONE

Please be noted that Mobile Phones from other countries will not work in Myanmar.

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VACCINATION

Most traveler will need vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and polio, as well as medications for malaria prophylaxis and travelers’ diarrhea. Other immunizations may be necessary depending upon the circumstances of the trip and the medical history of the traveler. Insect repellents are recommended, in conjunction with other measures to prevent mosquito bites. All travelers should visit their personal physician 4-8 weeks before your trip. The sun can be remarkably hot and a hat and high-factor block cream is advisable.

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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (2009)

Date	Description
4 January	Independence Day
8 January	Kayin New Year
12 February	Union Day
2 March	Peasants Day
21 March	Full Moon Day of Tabaung
27 March	Armed Forces Day
11 April - 20 April	New Year Holidays
12 April - 16 April	Thingyan Water Festival
17 April	Myanmar New Year Day
1 May	May Day
19 May	Full Moon Day of Kason
17 July	Full Moon Day of Waso
19 July	Martyr's Day
14 October	Full Moon Day of Thadingyut
12 November	Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone
22 November	National Day
25 December	Christmas Day
27 December	Kayin New Year Day

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WHAT TO WEAR

• Light, casual cotton wear because of hot weather

• A cardigan or light jerkin, when visiting northern Myanmar in the cold season

• An umbrella during the rainy season

• Sandals or slippers

• Quick drying clothes are recommended if you visit during the rainy season or Thingyan

• The dress code for pagodas and monasteries prescribe decent apparel, no footwear is allowed when visiting pagodas and monasteries.

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WHAT TO BRING

• Insect repellent

• Sun block, sunglasses, hat, umbrella

• Personal medical kit

Note : Most of the necessary goods are available at supermarkets and nearby stores.