Naypyidaw Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar (Burma), serves as the administrative center of the country. Travelers entering Myanmar through Naypyidaw must comply with the country's visa and immigration requirements. Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Myanmar, which can be obtained through traditional embassy applications or the eVisa system. Entry points to Naypyidaw include Naypyidaw International Airport, though it has limited international connections compared to Yangon or Mandalay. The immigration process in Myanmar follows standard international protocols, with document checks, visa verification, and customs declarations. Travelers should be prepared with all necessary documentation, including a valid passport with at least six months validity, appropriate visa, proof of onward travel, and accommodation details. Myanmar's visa policies have undergone changes in recent years, and the country has experienced periods of restricted travel, so it's essential to verify current entry requirements before planning your trip. Visitors should be aware that Myanmar has specific regulations regarding restricted areas, and travel to certain regions may require additional permits. The country also has strict customs regulations, particularly regarding currency, antiques, and religious artifacts. Understanding these requirements in advance will help ensure a smooth entry process into Naypyidaw and Myanmar.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Myanmar requires most foreign nationals to obtain a visa before entry. The country offers eVisa options for tourism and business purposes, though some nationalities must apply through traditional embassy channels. Visa-free entry is extremely limited.

Visa-Free Entry

14 days

Very limited visa-free access to Myanmar

Includes

Brunei Cambodia Indonesia Laos Philippines Thailand Vietnam (ASEAN member states under specific agreements)

Visa exemptions are limited and may be subject to reciprocal agreements. Singapore previously had visa-free access but this has been suspended. Always verify current status as policies change frequently.

Electronic Visa (eVisa)

28 days (single entry) for tourist visa; 70 days for business visa

Most nationalities can apply for Myanmar eVisa online for tourism or business purposes

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Most EU countries Japan South Korea China India and approximately 100+ other eligible countries

How to Apply: Apply online through the official Myanmar eVisa website (evisa.moip.gov.mm) at least 3 business days before travel. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Applicants must upload a passport photo and passport bio page. eVisa is valid for 90 days from issue date and must be used within that period.
Cost: USD $50 for tourist eVisa; USD $70 for business eVisa (prices subject to change)

eVisa is valid for entry through Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw international airports, as well as selected land border crossings. Print the eVisa approval letter and present it upon arrival. The eVisa system may be temporarily suspended during certain periods - check current availability.

Embassy Visa Required

Varies by visa type (typically 28 days for tourist visa)

Some nationalities must apply through Myanmar embassies or consulates, or are currently restricted from entry

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Myanmar embassy or consulate with completed application form, passport photos, passport with 6 months validity, and supporting documents (hotel bookings, flight itinerary, invitation letter for business visas). Processing time varies from 3-10 business days depending on location.

Certain nationalities face restrictions or require special approval. Journalists, researchers, and those in sensitive professions may require additional documentation. Some countries do not have Myanmar diplomatic representation, requiring applications through third countries. Due to the current political situation, visa policies are subject to frequent changes.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Naypyidaw International Airport or other entry points, travelers will proceed through immigration control, baggage claim, and customs inspection. The process is generally straightforward but can be time-consuming during peak hours.

Health Screening

Depending on current health protocols, travelers may undergo temperature screening or health declarations. Complete any required health forms before or upon arrival.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, visa (or eVisa approval letter), completed arrival card, and any supporting documents. Immigration officers will verify your documents, stamp your passport, and may ask questions about your visit.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel. Report any missing or damaged baggage to airline representatives immediately.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if carrying items that need to be declared. Proceed through the appropriate customs channel (red for goods to declare, green for nothing to declare).

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, exit to the public arrivals area where you can arrange transportation, exchange currency, or meet contacts.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Myanmar. Ensure you have blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Visa or eVisa Approval

Print copy of your eVisa approval letter or visa stamp in passport. Keep digital and physical copies accessible.

Arrival/Departure Card

Completed immigration card provided on the flight or at the airport. Fill out accurately with your accommodation address in Myanmar.

Proof of Onward Travel

Return or onward flight ticket. Immigration may request to see this to confirm you plan to leave within your visa validity.

Accommodation Details

Hotel booking confirmation or address where you'll be staying. Required for immigration and visa applications.

Customs Declaration Form

If carrying amounts exceeding limits for currency, valuable items, or restricted goods. Available at the airport.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print all documents including eVisa approval, hotel bookings, and flight confirmations. Internet access may be limited and digital copies may not be accepted.

Have your accommodation address written clearly in English. Immigration officers will need this information for the arrival card.

Carry sufficient USD cash in good condition (crisp, unmarked bills). Myanmar has limited ATM access and credit card acceptance, especially outside major cities.

Be patient and polite with immigration officers. Answer questions clearly and honestly. The process may take time, especially if arriving on international flights.

Keep your passport and visa documents secure and accessible throughout your journey. You'll need to show them at various checkpoints.

Check current travel advisories for Myanmar before your trip. The security situation can change, and some areas may be restricted or unsafe for travel.

Arrive at the airport with plenty of time for your departure as exit immigration can also be time-consuming.

Customs & Duty-Free

Myanmar Customs enforces regulations on items entering and leaving the country. Travelers must declare currency above specified amounts, and certain items are prohibited or restricted. Understanding these rules helps avoid penalties, confiscation, or legal issues.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol should be for personal consumption only.

Tobacco

400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco

Must be 18 years or older. For personal use only.

Currency

Amounts exceeding USD $10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared

Myanmar Kyat cannot be imported or exported. Foreign currency must be declared on arrival if exceeding the limit. Keep declaration forms for departure. Undeclared amounts may be confiscated.

Perfume

Reasonable quantity for personal use (typically up to 150ml)

Should be in opened bottles to indicate personal use.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to USD $500 value

Items must be for personal use and not for commercial purposes. Expensive electronics may be recorded in passport for re-export.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - Severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking
Weapons and ammunition - Including replicas and parts without proper authorization
Pornographic materials - Including digital content on devices
Items depicting or insulting Buddha or Buddhist imagery in disrespectful manner
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Endangered species and products (ivory, certain animal skins, etc.) - Myanmar is a CITES signatory
Satellite phones and certain communication equipment - Require special permits
Drones and UAVs - Require special permission from authorities
Playing cards and gambling equipment - Generally prohibited
Subversive or politically sensitive materials

Restricted Items

Antiques and religious artifacts - Export requires special license from Department of Archaeology. Attempting to export without permission is a serious offense
Gems and jewelry - May require certification and documentation, especially jade and rubies. Keep receipts from authorized dealers
Prescription medications - Bring only necessary amounts with doctor's prescription and keep in original packaging. Some medications legal elsewhere may be restricted
Professional camera and video equipment - May be recorded in passport for re-export verification
Large quantities of electronics - May be questioned if appearing to be for commercial use
Cultural artifacts and Buddha images - Export restrictions apply; purchase only from licensed dealers with proper documentation

Health Requirements

Myanmar has specific health entry requirements depending on your travel history. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for travelers arriving from countries with disease risks, while others are recommended for general health protection.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travelers from endemic areas must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This is strictly enforced.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to food and water risks
Typhoid - Recommended, especially for travelers visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Japanese Encephalitis - Recommended for travelers spending extended time in rural areas, especially during transmission season
Rabies - Consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals
Routine vaccinations - Ensure up-to-date on MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, and annual flu vaccine

Health Insurance

Myanmar does not mandate health insurance for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, especially outside Yangon, and serious conditions may require medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Keep policy details and emergency contact numbers accessible. Medical care often requires cash payment upfront.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 and other health requirements before travel as these can change rapidly. Requirements may include vaccination certificates, negative test results, health declarations, or quarantine. Visit your country's travel health website and the Myanmar Ministry of Health website for updates. Consider malaria prophylaxis if traveling to endemic areas (consult a travel health clinic). Myanmar has risk areas for dengue fever, so take mosquito prevention measures.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Your Country's Embassy/Consulate

Contact your embassy in Yangon (Myanmar's embassies are primarily located in Yangon, not Naypyidaw) for consular assistance

Register with your embassy before travel. Check your government's travel advisory website for Myanmar (e.g., travel.state.gov for US citizens, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK citizens)

Myanmar Immigration

Ministry of Immigration and Population - Official eVisa site: evisa.moip.gov.mm

For visa inquiries, extensions, and official immigration information. Physical offices are in major cities including Naypyidaw.

Emergency Services

Police: 199, Ambulance: 192, Fire: 191

Emergency response capabilities are limited compared to developed countries. English may not be widely spoken. Contact your embassy for serious emergencies.

Myanmar Customs

Myanmar Customs Department for customs inquiries and regulations

Located at entry points and major cities. For questions about prohibited items or duty requirements.

Tourist Police

Tourist police available in major tourist areas

Can assist with tourist-specific issues, though presence in Naypyidaw may be limited compared to Yangon or Bagan.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and visa. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) authorizing travel. The letter should include parent contact information, travel dates, and accompanying adult details. If traveling with one parent, bring the child's birth certificate. For unaccompanied minors, check with airlines for specific policies and requirements. Some airlines may not allow unaccompanied minors on Myanmar routes.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets into Myanmar requires advance planning. Requirements include: valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), health certificate from licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel, import permit from Myanmar Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (apply in advance), and microchip identification. Pets must enter through designated ports with quarantine facilities. Quarantine periods may apply depending on origin country and documentation. Some breeds may be restricted. Contact Myanmar's Department of Livestock Breeding well in advance (at least 2-3 months) to arrange permits.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas can sometimes be extended once for up to 14 days through the Immigration Department in major cities (Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw). Extensions are not guaranteed and require valid reasons. Apply at least one week before visa expiry with passport, photos, hotel booking, and extension fee (approximately $36-50). For longer stays, consider business visa options or multiple-entry visas arranged through travel agencies. Overstaying your visa results in fines (approximately $3 per day) and potential deportation or entry bans. For work or long-term residence, appropriate visas must be obtained before arrival through Myanmar embassies.

Journalists and Media Workers

Journalists, photographers, and media professionals must obtain special permission and appropriate visas before entering Myanmar. Apply through Myanmar embassies with detailed information about your assignment. Working on tourist visas is illegal and can result in deportation. The current political situation makes journalism particularly sensitive. Exercise extreme caution and ensure proper accreditation.

Travel to Restricted Areas

Certain regions of Myanmar require special travel permits in addition to your visa. These include some areas of Chin, Kachin, Kayah, and Shan States, as well as border regions. Apply through Myanmar Travel & Tours or licensed travel agencies. Some areas may be completely off-limits to foreigners due to ongoing conflicts. Check current restrictions before planning travel outside major tourist areas. Traveling to restricted areas without permits can result in detention, fines, and deportation.

Business Travelers

Business visa holders must have an invitation letter from a Myanmar-registered company or organization. The letter should detail the purpose and duration of visit. Business visas allow 70 days stay and can be extended. Multiple-entry business visas are available for frequent travelers. Business activities on tourist visas are prohibited. For setting up business operations, consult with Myanmar Investment Commission and obtain appropriate work permits and business licenses.