Myanmar to Introduce Visa-On-Arrival for Indian and Chinese Tourists

In a move aimed at rejuvenating its struggling tourism industry, Myanmar is set to offer visas on arrival to Chinese and Indian tourists, according to reports from state media.

The decision, which comes amidst ongoing political unrest and economic challenges in the country, is expected to help attract foreign visitors and their much-needed financial contributions.

Commencement of One-Year Trial Scheme to Be Announced Soon

The one-year trial scheme for visa-on-arrival will see a formal start date to be announced in the near future, as reported by the “Global New Light of Myanmar,” citing the junta’s immigration ministry.

This initiative marks a significant shift from the current process, where citizens of both China and India are required to apply for tourist visas either online or at a Myanmar embassy.

Visa Holders Granted Access to Most Tourist Sites

Visa recipients will be granted access to virtually all tourist sites, with the exception of restricted areas that are primarily off-limits for security reasons, as outlined in a report published in Thursday’s newspaper.

Challenges in the Wake of Political Unrest

Myanmar has been grappling with political turmoil since the military coup of 2021, with large portions of the country remaining beyond the junta’s full control. This instability has led countries like the United States and Australia to caution against travel to Myanmar due to ongoing conflicts.

China and India, sharing extensive and porous borders with Myanmar, have maintained diplomatic ties with the isolated military leadership since the coup, setting the stage for the recent visa policy change.

Expanding Tourism Alliances

In addition to China and India, the junta’s tourism ministry is actively working to court travellers from Russia, another significant ally and arms supplier. Recent developments include the launch of direct flights from Myanmar’s national carrier to Russia’s Novosibirsk earlier this month. Furthermore, efforts are underway to enable the use of Russia’s Mir cards for direct payments, a move that aims to facilitate smoother transactions for Russian tourists.

Myanmar’s Turbulent Path

Myanmar opened its doors to tourists in 2011, following decades of military rule, and has become a popular destination among travellers.

However, the country’s borders were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent coup, along with a violent crackdown on dissent, deterred visitors.

Conclusion

Myanmar’s decision to introduce visa-on-arrival for Chinese and Indian tourists is seen as a significant step in its efforts to recover from the economic and political turmoil that has plagued the nation in recent years.

The move is expected to encourage tourism and boost much-needed foreign currency inflows, offering a glimmer of hope for a country seeking stability and economic revival.