The system will see tourists get their authorisations to enter Myanmar within five days of submitting their online applications. The letters are valid for three months from date of issue. Once the authorisation letter has been redeemed for a visa upon arrival in Myanmar, visitors can stay for 28 days. The application for each visa costs US$50 and any reputable debit or credit card can be used to pay for it.
The number of tourists opting to visit Myanmar has increased significantly over the past two years. Figures released by tourism officials in the country, and reported in Travel Daily, show that the number of tourist arrivals was 40 per cent higher for the first half of 2014 than for the corresponding period in 2013.
The figures show that 1.6 million international tourists visited the Southeast Asian nation between January and the end of July. Researchers say that looking at the upward trend, the number of tourist arrivals could top 7 million a year by 2020. The country’s tourism ministry says it hopes the introduction of e-visas will encourage people to come and try Myanmar’s delightful attractions.
Myanmar e-visa application system goes live
News in Asia
Following successful trials, Myanmar launched its long awaited online visa application service on 1 September. The new e-visa system will enable tourists to get acceptance letters that they can use at recognised gateways to the country to collect their visas.