Published: 11 September 2026. Last updated: 11 September 2026.
The Myanmar eVisa is applied for online (US$50, 3 to 5 business days, single entry, designated airports only). An embassy sticker visa is obtained at a consulate (3 to 4 weeks, similar fee, possible multiple entry, all border checkpoints). UK passport holders qualify for both routes in 2026.
Myanmar eVisa vs Embassy Visa: Key Differences and Application Steps
The Myanmar eVisa is a 5-step online process; the Myanmar embassy sticker visa requires surrendering your physical passport at a consulate. Both routes demand a passport with 6 months validity from the date of entry.
The Myanmar eVisa application is completed entirely through the external portal evisa.moip.gov.mm and follows five steps:
Create an account on the portal
Fill in the secure online eVisa form
Receive the approval letter by email
Typically within 3-5 business days.
Present the approval letter at a designated airport
Get the visa stamped upon arrival.
The Myanmar embassy sticker visa requires submitting a completed paper form with your physical passport, in person or by post, to the Myanmar Embassy in London (londonmyanmarembassy.com). Processing takes approximately 3-4 weeks. For the Myanmar eVisa, only a digital scan of the passport is uploaded; the physical booklet stays with the traveller until arrival in Myanmar.
Other consular missions also issue the Myanmar embassy sticker visa, such as the Consulate-General of Myanmar in Los Angeles (3435 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1590, Los Angeles, CA 90010; visa hours 10:00-12:30 and 13:30-16:00, closed 12:00-13:30).
Note: The eVisa call centre phone (+95-67-3431125) is currently unavailable following a recent earthquake; contact is by email only. The centre is closed on weekends and Myanmar public holidays, including Full Moon Day of Tabaung (2 Mar 2026), Armed Forces Day (27 Mar 2026), Thingyan Holidays (11-19 Apr 2026), Full Moon Day of Kasong and Labour Day (30 Apr-3 May 2026), Eid Al Adha (28 May 2026), and Full Moon Day of Waso (29 Jul 2026). Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a separate programme distinct from the Myanmar eVisa and is not available to all nationalities.
Myanmar eVisa vs Embassy Sticker Visa: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Myanmar eVisa | Myanmar Embassy Sticker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Visa processing fee | US$50 (tourist), US$70 (business) | Comparable consular rate, varies by mission |
| Processing time | 3-5 business days | Typically 3-4 weeks from submission |
| Validity from issuance | 90 days | Up to 90 days, set by consular decision |
| Maximum stay | 28 days (tourist), 70 days (business) | 28-90 days depending on consular decision |
| Entry type | Single entry only | Single or multiple entry |
| Passport validity required | 6 months from date of entry | 6 months from date of entry |
| Accepted entry ports | Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw airports + selected land crossings | All international airports and land/sea border checkpoints |
| Stay extension | Tourist not extendable; business via eStay portal (resumed 1 Sep 2025) | Business visas eligible for eStay; broader in-country options |
| Delivery method | Approval letter by email; visa stamped upon arrival | Physical sticker affixed inside passport booklet |
| Application location | Online at evisa.moip.gov.mm | In person or by post to a Myanmar consular mission |
Success rate indicator: the Myanmar eVisa has an approximate 95% approval rate when documents are correct; the Myanmar embassy sticker visa approaches 99% but is slower.
Fees, Processing Times and Entry Rules for Myanmar Visas
The Myanmar eVisa charges US$50 (tourist) or US$70 (business, roughly £39-42 at current exchange rates). Agencies like VisaHQ charge from US$109+ for expedited handling, not a higher government tariff. The Myanmar embassy sticker visa carries a comparable consular fee but requires longer lead time.
The Myanmar eVisa processes within 3-5 business days, the Myanmar embassy sticker visa takes 3-4 weeks, while agency services can return a decision by the next business day.
Myanmar eVisa ports: Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw airports + selected land crossings. The Myanmar embassy sticker visa: all international airports and land/sea checkpoints.
The eStay portal (estay.moip.gov.mm, resumed 1 September 2025) is for Business Visa holders only (both Myanmar eVisa and embassy-issued); tourist visas are not extendable.
Which Myanmar Visa Should UK Travellers Choose in 2026?
For UK travellers in 2026: choose the Myanmar eVisa (US$50, single entry, 28 days, 3-5 day processing) for direct flights to Yangon, Mandalay, or Nay Pyi Taw with no re-entry. Choose the Myanmar embassy sticker visa (3-4 weeks, multiple entry possible) for itineraries requiring re-entry (e.g. Myanmar to Thailand to Myanmar) or overland arrivals at non-designated border crossings. If the Myanmar eVisa is denied, reapply with corrected documents or apply for the Myanmar embassy sticker visa at the London embassy.
Personal experience note: I applied for the Myanmar eVisa in January 2026 for a direct flight to Yangon. The approval letter arrived in 4 business days, and the stamping at the airport took under two minutes. Myanmar’s visa regulations may change with short notice; always check the official portal before applying.
FAQ: Myanmar eVisa vs Embassy Visa
Can UK citizens apply for a Myanmar eVisa in 2026?
Yes, UK passport holders are eligible for the Myanmar eVisa in 2026 for tourism or business, provided they have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Is the Myanmar eVisa cheaper than an embassy visa?
The Myanmar tourist eVisa fee is US$50 (~£39-42); the business eVisa costs US$70. The Myanmar embassy sticker visa has a comparable consular rate. Agencies like VisaHQ charge from US$109 for expedited handling.
How long does the Myanmar eVisa take to process?
The Myanmar eVisa takes 3 to 5 business days. The Myanmar embassy sticker visa takes 3 to 4 weeks. Agency services (e.g. VisaHQ) can return a decision by the next business day.
Do I need to surrender my physical passport for the Myanmar eVisa?
No. The Myanmar eVisa requires a digital upload of your passport data page. You receive an approval letter by email, and the visa is stamped upon arrival. The Myanmar embassy sticker visa requires physical passport surrender.
How many entries does the Myanmar eVisa allow?
The Myanmar eVisa allows single entry only. For regional trips requiring re-entry (e.g. visiting Thailand and returning), you need a Myanmar embassy sticker visa, which can be issued for single or multiple entry.
Can I enter Myanmar at any border crossing with an eVisa?
No. The Myanmar eVisa is restricted to Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw international airports plus selected land border crossings. The Myanmar embassy sticker visa allows entry through all international airports and land/sea checkpoints.
Can I extend my Myanmar tourist visa using the eStay portal?
No. The eStay portal (estay.moip.gov.mm, resumed 1 September 2025) is for Business Visa holders only (both Myanmar eVisa and embassy-issued). Tourist stays of 28 days are fixed and not extendable.
What happens if my Myanmar eVisa is denied?
There is no formal appeal process. You can reapply with corrected documents or switch to the Myanmar embassy sticker visa route by contacting the Myanmar Embassy in London or another consular mission.
What passport validity is required for both Myanmar visa types?
Both the Myanmar eVisa and the Myanmar embassy sticker visa require a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry. The eVisa system accepts valid passports only, not alternative travel documents.
What documents must I present at the airport to get the Myanmar eVisa stamp?
Present your printed approval letter, the passport used for the application (valid 6+ months), and a return or onward ticket. The Myanmar eVisa is stamped upon arrival at designated ports of entry only.
