Myanmar Tourist Visa for Austria

Myanmar, often referred to as the "Golden Land," is a destination that captures the imagination with its glittering pagodas, untouched landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. For Austrian citizens looking to explore this Southeast Asian gem, the journey has never been more accessible thanks to the electronic visa system.

If you are holding an Austrian passport and dreaming of watching the sunrise over Bagan or rowing through the floating gardens of Inle Lake, this guide is for you. We have compiled a comprehensive guide about the Myanmar Tourist Visa for Austria.

Do Austrian Citizens Need a Visa for Myanmar?

Yes, Austrian citizens are required to have a valid visa to enter Myanmar. Austria is not on the list of visa-exempt countries for Myanmar. However, the good news is that you do not need to visit an embassy or endure long queues. As an Austrian passport holder, you are eligible to apply for the Myanmar eTourist Visa (eVisa) entirely online. This streamlined process allows you to secure your travel authorization from the comfort of your home in Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, or anywhere else in the world.

What documents are needed for an Austrian citizen to apply for a Myanmar e-visa?

To ensure a successful application, you must have the correct documentation ready. Based on the latest Myanmar e-Visa requirements, here is the checklist of documents you need to apply for the Myanmar Tourist Visa:

• Valid Passport: Your Austrian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of departure from Myanmar. It must also have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
• Passport Size Photographs: You need a recent color photograph (4.6 cm x 3.8 cm) taken within the last 3 months. It must have a white background and show your full face clearly without glasses or headgear (unless for religious reasons).
• Proof of Return Ticket: You must provide a copy of your return flight ticket or onward travel ticket to prove you intend to leave Myanmar before your visa expires.
• Proof of Accommodation: You need to upload proof of your stay, such as a hotel reservation. Note: You must stay in registered hotels, motels, inns, guest houses, or resorts during your stay in Myanmar.
• Email Address: A valid email address is crucial as your eVisa Approval Letter will be sent here.
• Payment Method: A valid Credit or Debit card (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, etc.) to process the visa fee.

What's the typical processing time for a Myanmar tourist e-Visa?

One of the most common questions Austrian travelers have is, "How long will it take?" The processing time depends on the service you choose:

1. Standard Processing: This is the most affordable option, ideal for travelers who plan well in advance. Your visa will be processed in 12 to 15 Working Days.
2. Rush Processing: A more expedited service for those with slightly tighter schedules. This option reduces the processing time to 8 to 12 Working Days.
3. Super Rush Processing: The fastest service available, perfect for last-minute trips or urgent travel requirements. With this option, your visa is processed in just 6 to 9 Working Days.

Tip: We always recommend applying at least a few weeks before your flight to account for any unexpected delays or public holidays.

How many days can I stay in Myanmar?

Once your eVisa is approved and you enter Myanmar, you are permitted to stay for a maximum of 28 days. This period is strictly enforced for tourists. It provides ample time to visit the major highlights of the country, such as the Shwedagon Pagoda, Bagan, and Mandalay.

It is important to distinguish between "validity" and "allowed stay."

• Visa Validity: The eVisa Approval Letter is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This means you must enter Myanmar within these 90 days.

If you do not enter the country within the 90-day window, the visa expires, and you will need to apply for a new one.

What are the common reasons for visa refusal for Myanmar?

Visa rejections can happen, but they are often avoidable. The most common reasons for rejection include:

1. Blurred Photos: Uploading a low-quality or blurry photo that doesn't meet the size requirements.
2. Passport Validity: Applying with a passport that expires in less than 6 months.
3. Typos: Mismatching information between the application form and the passport (e.g., wrong passport number or name spelling).
4. Wrong Visa Type: Applying for a tourist visa when the intent is business.
5. Invalid Documents: Uploading unclear or incorrect hotel bookings or return tickets.

How Does Having a Criminal Record Affect a Myanmar Visa Application?

The Myanmar government requires all visa applicants to be of "good character."

• Disclosure: You are generally required to disclose any criminal history on your visa application form.
• Severity Matters: While minor offenses may not automatically result in a rejection, serious crimes—particularly those involving drugs, violence, or human trafficking—are likely to lead to a visa denial.
• Honesty Policy: It is critical to be honest. If the authorities discover you have falsified your application to hide a criminal record, you will almost certainly be rejected and could be banned from future entry.

Can a Myanmar Visa Be Reapplied For After a Rejection?

Yes, a rejection is not necessarily permanent, but there are important conditions:

• No Appeal Process: There is typically no formal appeal process for a rejected eVisa. To try again, you must submit a new application.
• New Fee: You will have to pay the visa fee again; the fee for the rejected application is non-refundable.
• Correcting Errors: Before reapplying, ensure you know why you were rejected. If it was a simple error (like a blurry photo or a typo), correcting it and reapplying is usually successful. However, if the rejection was due to security concerns or eligibility (e.g., criminal record), reapplying without a change in circumstances is unlikely to change the outcome.

Are there restrictions on entry or exit with a Myanmar e-Visa?

Yes, there are specific designated ports where you must enter the country using an eVisa. However, exit points are more flexible.

• Allowed Entry Points: You can enter Myanmar with an eVisa only through these international checkpoints:

1. Airports: Yangon International Airport, Mandalay International Airport, Nay Pyi Taw International Airport.
2. Land Borders (Thailand-Myanmar): Tachileik, Myawaddy, Kawthaung.

• Exit Points: You may generally exit through any authorized international immigration checkpoint (airports or land borders), regardless of your entry point.

Crucial: You cannot currently enter via sea ports (cruises) with a standard eVisa.

How do the passport requirements differ for business vs. tourist e-Visas for Myanmar?

For both Tourist and Business e-Visas, the core passport requirement is the same:

• Validity: Your Austrian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Myanmar.
• Blank Pages: You generally need at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

The Key Difference: The difference lies in the supporting documents, not the passport itself.

• Tourist eVisa: Requires proof of hotel booking and return ticket.
• Business eVisa: Requires a Letter of Invitation from a registered company in Myanmar and the inviting company's Company Registration (Certificate of Incorporation). The stay duration for business is also longer (up to 70 days) compared to tourism (28 days).

Can Travel Agents Help You Get a Visa?

Navigating government portals can sometimes be confusing and time-consuming. While it is possible to apply directly, using a specialized visa agency offers significant advantages that ensure your trip starts smoothly:

• Simplicity at its Best: Agencies offer a fast and straightforward application process, often simplifying complex government forms into easy-to-understand questions.
• Security You Can Trust: Your personal data is precious. Reputable agencies use advanced encryption and strictly adhere to data protection regulations to keep your information safe.
• Reliability You Deserve: One of the biggest risks of self-application is making a small mistake that leads to rejection. Immigration experts meticulously review all your information and documentation to ensure utmost accuracy before submission.
• Help at Your Fingertips: Government offices often have limited support hours. Travel agencies typically provide round-the-clock customer support, 365 days a year, often available in multiple languages to assist you whenever you need it.

Myanmar offers an experience unlike any other in Southeast Asia. From the ancient temples of Bagan to the bustling streets of Yangon, it is a land of wonder waiting to be explored.