Malaysian tourists heading to Myanmar must obtain a visa before travelling out of the country as the policy of visas-on-arrival has been discontinued.
Speaking to FMT, a visa officer attached to the Myanmar embassy in Malaysia said Myanmar suspended the policy of visas-on-arrival for all tourists from all countries “a few months ago” and that the move had nothing to do with Malaysia’s stand on the Rohingya issue.
Malaysia has criticised the violence carried out reportedly by Myanmar’s security forces against the minority Rohingya that has resulted in the deaths of hundreds and the displacement of thousands.
The officer was responding to FMT’s queries on the matter of visas, following complaints from Malaysians who were denied a visa-on-arrival at Myanmar’s Yangon International Airport.
“A visa-on-arrival will only be issued to those travelling to Myanmar for business purposes,” said the officer.
“Even then, their application for a visa-on-arrival must be accompanied by supporting documents and a guarantor.”
The officer said the supporting documents included an invitation letter from the company in Myanmar registered with the Myanmar Foreign Investment Commission and a recommendation letter from the company the business traveller was employed with.
“Malaysian tourists planning to travel to Myanmar are encouraged to apply for a visa online at evisa.moip.gov.mm or visit the Myanmar embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Source: FMT
