MOIP Allows Business Travellers to Apply Visas Online

Business travellers to Myanmar from now will be able to apply for e-Visa online, according to the Ministry of Immigration and Population (MOIP).

Myanmar government introduced an online visa (e-Visa) system last September in a bid to boost tourism as part of its $500-million Tourism Master Plan. However, only tourists were allowed to apply for e-Visa prior to the new move.

"We have introduced this system to make it more convenient for businesspeople and investors to come into our country. We hope this move will attract more investors and eventually boost the country’s FDI," a deputy director at the Immigration and National Registration Department under MOIP told Myanmar Business Today.

To apply for a business e-Visa, an applicant will need a valid passport, and upload one colour photo (4.8cmX3.8cm), Myanmar company registration (Certificate of Incorporation) and a letter of invitation.

The visa costs $70 and can be paid via Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB credit cards. Myanmar also gives business visas on arrival and it costs only $50.

Bashneft and Nobel Oil are determined to win a share of the Myanmar market. The two Russian companies have already submitted applications to develop several oil fields in the country. Faced with stiff competition for the right to develop Russia's own oil and gas resources, as well as the dominance of state-owned giants in the sector, privately owned Russian oil companies are looking for opportunities farther afield. Zarubezhneft and Itera have already tried their luck in Myanmar, and failed - but now the Russian oil business is once again showing interest in the country.

The validity of e-Visa approval letter will be 90 days from the issue date. If it is expired, entry will be denied. Length of stay for an e-Visa will be 70 days from the date of arrival in Myanmar.

The MOIP said that an applicant will receive an email acknowledgement within one hour after successful payment. The processing time is up to three working days.

An e-Visa will be valid for a single entry and re-entry will require a new visa. However, with relevant Ministry recommendation letter, a traveller may extend the business visa, MOIP said.

Passengers with e-Visa will be permitted to enter only through the international airports in Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyitaw.

The business e-Visa is now available for citizens of 50 countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Spain, Thailand, the US and the UK.

Digital Kaway is a one of fast growing Digital Marketing Agency in Myanmar and we offer digital works such as social media marketing, search engine optimization, content marketing, email marketing.