Consultants, entrepreneurs, and business executives in South Africa will find a treasure trove in the emerging opportunities in Myanmar in mining, agriculture, and development of infrastructure. It is essential to have an Myanmar Business eVisa as a prerequisite whether you are flying between Johannesburg and Yangon to attend a corporate summit or explore manufacturing opportunities in Mandalay. The citizens of South Africa need to follow certain standards of documentation to succeed in the application even when the digital process has made travelling easy.
This guide provides everything you need to know about the Myanmar Business eVisa for South Africa.
Do South Africans Need a Visa for Business in Myanmar?
Yes, all South African citizens are required to purchase a visa to do business in Myanmar. The South African passport holders are required to always carry a valid eVisa whenever they are about to board their flight in spite of the fact that some of the neighboring countries have visa exemption.
What are the Mandatory Vaccines for South African Travelers?
This is a critical step for travelers from the African continent. Myanmar requires proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination for all travelers arriving from or having transitioned through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (which includes South Africa).
You must carry your original "Yellow Card" (International Certificate of Vaccination).
Ensure your Polio and Tetanus boosters are up to date.
While COVID-19 restrictions have largely eased, it is recommended to carry your vaccination certificate just in case of local policy shifts.
What Passport Type and Requirements are Necessary?
Myanmar accepts Ordinary Passports for the Myanmar Visa Application process. If you hold a Diplomatic or Service passport, different regulations apply, and you may need to coordinate through official government channels. For ordinary South African passport holders:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
It must have at least two blank pages for the entry and exit stamps.
Emergency Travel Documents are generally not accepted for the eVisa process.
How Fast is the Myanmar eVisa Processing Time?
We understand that business opportunities can be time-sensitive. To accommodate your schedule, we offer three processing speeds for South African applicants:
Normal Processing: For well-planned trips. Your visa is typically processed within 12 - 15 Working Days.
Rush Processing: A faster tier for urgent meetings, delivering your approval in 8 - 12 Working Days.
Super Rush Processing: Our fastest service for last-minute emergencies, ensuring your visa arrives within 6 - 9 Working Days.
What are the Best Currency Exchange Options in Myanmar?
The currency of the land is Myanmar Kyat (MMK). The South Africans should know the following:
Pristine Bill Rule: When you come with US Dollars to exchange, they need to be flawless, without any folds, any mark, creases, and they should be printed after 2013.
Exchange Locations: Exchange the money in the official exchange counters in the airport or authorized banks. Avoid street money changers.
ATMs: These can be found in big cities, and they are not always reliable. As a rule, it is better to carry more than enough cash on board with you.
How and Where Can I Buy a Local SIM Card?
Staying connected is vital for business. You can easily buy a physical SIM card at Yangon or Mandalay airports immediately after clearing customs.
Providers: MPT, Atom, and Ooredoo are the main networks.
Requirement: You will need to show your passport and your eVisa to register the SIM card.
Top-up: You can buy "top-up" cards at almost any small shop or use digital apps.
What are the Sustainable Travel Taxes and Regional Fees?
Myanmar has implemented various "Zone Fees" to support the preservation of cultural sites.
Bagan/Inle Lake: If your business takes you to these regions, you will be required to pay a sustainable travel tax (Zone Fee) upon entry to the area.
Payment: These are usually paid in local Kyat at checkpoints. Keep your receipt, as you may be asked to show it at your hotel or at specific heritage sites.
How Do I Navigate Taxis and Local Transport?
For South Africans used to Uber, the local equivalent in Myanmar is Grab.
Grab App: Download and set this up before you arrive. It provides transparent pricing and eliminates the need to negotiate with drivers.
Taxis: In Yangon, taxis do not use meters. Agree on a price before getting in if you aren't using an app.
Safety: Taxis are generally safe, but always use registered vehicles from the airport queue.
What Should I Know About Driving Rules in Myanmar?
We generally recommend hiring a driver rather than driving yourself. However, if you must drive:
International Driving Permit (IDP): You must have a valid IDP alongside your South African license.
Side of the Road: Myanmar drives on the right side of the road. Interestingly, many cars are still right-hand drive (like in SA), which makes overtaking challenging and dangerous for those unfamiliar with the terrain.
What Should I Do if I Lose My Passport or Documents?
If you lose your passport or travel documents, you must act quickly:
Police Report: Obtain a formal report from the local police station immediately.
Contact the South African Embassy: South Africa maintains an embassy in Yangon. They can assist with an Emergency Travel Certificate (ETC).
Notify Immigration: You will need to show your police report to immigration to explain why you don't have your entry stamp/eVisa.
Why Should You Choose evisa-myanmar.com as Your Agent?
Navigating foreign immigration laws can be daunting. Choosing a specialized agent ensures your application is handled with precision.
Simplicity at its Best: Experience a fast and straightforward application process.
Security You Can Trust: Your data is safeguarded through encryption and strict adherence to regulations.
Reliability You Deserve: Our immigration experts meticulously review all documentation, ensuring utmost accuracy.
Help at Your Fingertips: Enjoy round-the-clock customer support via Live Chat, WhatsApp, and Phone.
Can I Change My Arrival Airport After the eVisa is Approved?
Yes, generally you can. If your eVisa was approved for Yangon (RGN) but your business meeting was moved to Mandalay (MDL), you can still use the same eVisa. The approval is valid for any of the three major international airports: Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw. However, you cannot change from an airport entry to a land border entry without a new application.
