Dreaming of watching the sunrise over the thousands of ancient pagodas in Bagan? Or perhaps exploring the tranquil waters of Inle Lake? Myanmar, the Golden Land, offers a unique and profound travel experience. For citizens of the People's Republic of China, including passport holders from Hong Kong and Macau, that dream trip is now incredibly accessible.
The old system of visiting an embassy is no longer the only way. The official Myanmar e-Visa system has digitized the entire process, allowing you to secure your travel authorization from the comfort of your home in Beijing, Shanghai, or anywhere with an internet connection.
This guide is designed specifically for Chinese travellers to cut through the confusion. We will cover the types of e-Visas available, the exact requirements, the step-by-step Myanmar Visa application, and the critical "real issues" you need to know before you fly.
Does a Chinese citizen need a visa to Myanmar?
Yes. Citizens of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, and Macau must have a valid visa to enter Myanmar for tourism or business.
While some ASEAN countries have visa-free arrangements, Chinese nationals must apply for a visa in advance. The e-Visa is, by far, the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient method available.
Which Myanmar E-Visa is Right for You? (Tourist vs. Business)
Myanmar offers two primary types of e-Visas for Chinese applicants. It is crucial you apply for the correct one.
1. Myanmar Tourist E-Visa
This is the most common option. It is strictly for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing or visiting friends and family. You are not permitted to conduct any business or work on this visa.
Length of Stay: Up to 28 days
Approval Letter Validity: 90 days from the date of issue (you must enter Myanmar within this window)
Entry Type: Single Entry
2. Myanmar e-Business Visa
This visa is for those attending meetings, conferences, or workshops. It requires additional documentation, specifically an invitation letter from a registered company in Myanmar.
Length of Stay: Up to 70 days
Approval Letter Validity: 90 days from the date of issue
Entry Type: Single Entry
Myanmar E-Visa Requirements for Chinese Citizens (Tourist)
The Myanmar e-Visa application for China Citizens is simple, but you must have your documents ready before you start. For a tourist e-Visa, you will need:
A Valid Chinese Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from your intended arrival date in Myanmar.
A Digital Photo: A recent, colour passport-style photo (4.6cm x 3.8cm) taken within the last 3 months.
A Scan of Your Passport: A clear, colour scan of your passport's main information page.
Proof of Accommodation: You must provide a hotel booking. A key rule for e-Visa holders is that you must stay in registered hotels, motels, or guesthouses.
Proof of Onward Travel: A copy of your confirmed return flight ticket out of Myanmar.
A Valid Credit/Debit Card: A Visa, Mastercard, or JCB card is required to pay the non-refundable application fee.
How to Apply for Myanmar eVisa from China?
Ready to apply? Here is the exact process.
Select Your Visa: Choose "Tourist Visa" or "Business Visa."
Fill in the Application Form: This is the most important step. You must enter your name, date of birth, and passport number exactly as they appear on your passport. A single typo can make your visa invalid.
Upload Your Documents: You will be prompted to upload your passport scan, digital photo, hotel booking, and return ticket.
Pay the Application Fee: Proceed to the secure payment gateway. Remember, this fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Receive Your Acknowledgement: You will receive an email confirming your application was submitted.
Receive Your Approval Letter: Once approved, your e-Visa Approval Letter will be sent to your email as a PDF.
How many days does Myanmar eVisa processing take?
The processing duration for a Myanmar eVisa depends on how quickly you need your visa approved:
Normal Processing: Typically completed within 12 – 15 working days.
Rush Processing: Ideal for urgent plans — usually takes 8 – 12 working days.
Super Rush Processing: Fastest option, with approval in just 6 – 9 working days.
It’s best to apply early to avoid delays, especially during peak travel seasons.
My Myanmar E-Visa is Approved! What Now?
Receiving the email is not the final step. Follow these instructions carefully.
Check for Typos (Critically Important): Open the PDF Approval Letter immediately. Check that your name, passport number, and date of birth are 100% correct. If there is a mistake, you must apply for a new e-Visa.
PRINT A PHYSICAL COPY: This is not optional. You must present a printed, physical copy of your e-Visa Approval Letter to the airline at check-in and to the immigration officer upon arrival in Myanmar.
Save a Digital Copy: As a backup, save the PDF to your phone or a cloud drive.
Troubleshooting at the Border: Real Issues at Myanmar Immigration
This is what many travellers worry about. Here are the genuine issues you might face, even with an Approval Letter.
"Where Can I Enter with an E-Visa?"
This is a major restriction. Your e-Visa is not valid at all ports of entry. For tourists, it is primarily valid at the three main international airports:
Yangon International Airport (RGN)
Mandalay International Airport (MDL)
Nay Pyi Taw International Airport (NYT)
While some land borders (like Kawthaung) may be listed for business or special cases, Chinese tourists should plan to fly into one of these three airports to guarantee a smooth entry. Do not try to enter from China via a land border with a tourist e-Visa unless you have confirmed its validity at that specific checkpoint.
"Understanding the 'Approval Letter is Not a Confirmed Visa'"
You will see this notice on the official website. It means that the final decision to let you enter Myanmar rests with the immigration officer at the airport. An e-Visa makes you eligible to travel, but if you seem to be violating the rules (e.g., admitting you plan to work on a tourist visa), they have the right to deny entry.
"What Other Documents Should I Carry?"
The immigration officer may ask for the same documents you used to apply. Always travel with a printed folder containing:
Your e-Visa Approval Letter (mandatory).
Your hotel booking confirmations.
Your confirmed return flight ticket.
Critical Rules for Your Stay in Myanmar
Your responsibilities do not end at immigration.
Stay in Registered Accommodation: You cannot stay in private residences. You must stay in government-approved hotels, motels, or guesthouses.
Do Not Travel to Restricted Areas: Myanmar has restricted areas where foreign travel is not permitted without a special permit. Your e-Visa does not grant this permit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chinese Travellers
Q: Can I get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) in Myanmar?
No. The e-Visa system has largely replaced the VoA for eligible countries like China. You must get your visa before you travel, either as an e-Visa or from a Myanmar embassy.
Q: Do children need a separate Myanmar e-Visa?
If your child (under 7 years old) is on your passport, you can add them to your application. If your child has their own passport, they must apply for their own separate e-Visa.
Q: I am from Hong Kong or Macau. Can I use Myanmar e-Visa?
Yes. The official e-Visa website confirms that passport holders from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) are eligible to apply for the e-Visa just like mainland Chinese passport holders.
Q: What if my Myanmar e-Visa application is rejected?
This is rare if all your information is correct and your documents are in order. If it happens, the fee is not refunded. You would need to contact the nearest Myanmar embassy for a traditional visa.
Your Myanmar Adventure Begins Now
Securing your e-Visa for Myanmar is a clear and simple process. Apply for Myanmar eVisa, double-checking your details, and printing your Approval Letter, you are setting yourself up for a smooth and stress-free arrival.
Prepare your documents, apply with confidence, and get ready to discover the incredible beauty and hospitality of the Golden Land.
