Myanmar has decided to grant tourist Visas on Arrival for Chinese and Indian citizens as a one-year pilot program in a bid to lure foreign tourists.
According to a recent statement issued by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, Indian travelers can now apply for visas online or visit the Myanmar embassy for their visas on arrival. This new option is set to be implemented as a one-year trial, VisaGuide.World reports.
In addition, tourists can explore all the country’s attractions, except for some restricted areas.
As the Ministry explains, the passport of Chinese and Indian travelers upon arrival in Myanmar must have at least six months remaining validity from the date of entry into this country. However, if the passport has less than six months validity, entry will not be allowed, and the person may face deportation via the airline they arrived on.
The same authority also added that travelers applying for a visa on arrival would usually be granted a stay of up to 30 days in Myanmar.
Given the ongoing fight to suppress resistance against the infamous 2021 coup, several countries, including the United States and Australia, issued advisories warning against travel to Myanmar. In contrast, countries such as India and China, which share borders with Myanmar, have continued to engage with the isolated military leadership since the coup.
Myanmar’s Ministry of Tourism also aims to attract visitors from Russia, another important ally. The country intends to use its chance to attract Russian travelers at a time when due to the war in Ukraine, they face sanctions when travelling in the majority of Europe.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a culturally rich and diverse Southeast Asian nation with many tourist attractions. Among the most prominent attractions in Myanmar are Bagan, Inle Lake, Shwedagon Pagoda and Mandalay
As for Bagan, it is known for thousands of ancient temples and shrines. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Inle Lake is also famous for its floating gardens, laid-back villages and unique walking fishermen. At the same time, Shwedagon Pagoda is one of Myanmar’s most sacred religious places. Furthermore, Mandalay, the former royal capital of Myanmar, is home to several historical and cultural sites, including the Mandalay Palace and the Ubei Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge.