Area: 676,578 km²
Residents: 54,040,110 (11/2018)
Population density: 80 E / km²
Form of Government: Republic
System of Government: parliamentary democracy with parliament- bound executive power
Neighboring countries: Thailand, Laos, China, India, Bangladesh
Capital: Naypyidaw National
language: Burmese, English
religions:
87.9% Buddhists
6.2% Christians
4.3% Islam
0.5% Hinduism
0.008% Jehovah’s Witnesses
Currency: Kyat (MMK)
1 MMK = 100 pyas
Exchange rates:
1 EUR = 1,690.98 MMK
10,000 MMK = 5.76 EUR
1 CHF = 1,534.16 MMK
10,000 MMK = 6.35 CHF
(rate from 25.02.2021)
Telephone area code: +95
Time zone: UTC +6: 30

In 2020, 28 Germans officially emigrated to Myanmar and 68 came back to their homeland. Within the 10 years from 2010 to 2019, 441 Germans officially emigrated to Myanmar and 346 moved back to Germany. Myanmar landed in 19th place on the satisfaction list of all emigration destinations.

The warm people and their honest hospitality speak for Myanmar above all; the originality of the land; picturesque landscapes, sunsets as well as fantastic beaches and imposing monuments. It should also be mentioned that tourists can move around safely in the freely accessible areas. This also applies to women traveling alone.

The people in Myanmar are always friendly, respectful and very courteous towards foreigners. Another positive side of Myanmar is that theft is very rare. The population is basically very honest. Nevertheless, one should observe the usual precautionary measures and avoid showing valuable jewelry and money visibly.

Myanmar also attracts travelers with its unique pagodas, snow-capped peaks, tropical rainforests and evergreen landscapes. In the north, for example, on the Myanmar-India-China border, lies the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, the 5,881 meter high Hkakabo Razi. The Mergui Archipelago seduces its visitors with around 800 mostly untouched islands.

One of the sights of Myanmar is Bangan with its around 2,000 pagodas, temples, ordination halls and libraries. Another attraction is the Golden Rock, which towers around 1,200 meters above sea level. However, you need a good physical condition for a 6 hour hike to see it up close, or you can go on an adventurous journey in a truck.

Other destinations are Yangon (Rangoon), Monywa, Mawlamyine, the temple of Mrauk U and Pyin Oo Lwin. Despite all of the sights that are open to tourists, keep in mind that much of the country is closed to tourists.

Much more interesting information about Myanmar as well as recommended offers such as round trips, day trips, trekking and river cruises can be found on Myanmar trips.

According to allcitycodes, Myanmar only has three seasons. The rainy season, which lasts from late May to mid-October, the cool season (late November to late February) and the hot season (March to May).

Travel and Visa

Changed travel regulations during and after the corona pandemic

Entry for foreigners to Myanmar is currently only possible in exceptional cases after a decision by the Myanmar authorities on a case-by-case basis. Entry visas will only be issued in urgent exceptional cases until further notice. The responsible Myanmar diplomatic mission abroad provides more information. Upon entry, a negative PCR test, which must not be older than 72 hours, must be presented and a quarantine of at least 14 days must be completed.

Source: Federal Foreign Office on June 26, 2021

General provisions for travel and residence (until the corona pandemic)

Everyone needs an appropriate visa to enter Myanmar. This must be applied for in advance at the Embassy of Myanmar. Every traveler also needs a passport, provisional passport or children’s passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip.

The following visas are available:

• Tourist Visa (for 28 days)
• Social visa (entry must take place within one month from the date of issue; the stay is limited to one month from the date of entry; can be extended)
• Business visa (70 days stay in the country possible, with single entry or multiple entries within 3, 6 or 12 months; can be extended)
• Employment visa (70 days stay in the country possible; for a work visa, a letter of invitation or a letter of appointment from the employer and the work permit from the Ministry of Labor; can be extended)
• International organizations visa
• Education visa (for 90 days with single entry or multiple entries within one year; can be extended)
• Workshop / seminar visa (for long-term stay; approval from the relevant authorities is required; visa can be extended)
• Transit visa (for 24 hours)

The following documents are required to apply for a visa:

• 2 current passport photos 4 × 6 cm, biometric
• original passport with several pages still free, which is valid for at least 6 months upon entry
• all documents must be written in English
• Fee (in cash, as a personal check or bank transfer with receipt)
• If you apply by post, you must enclose a stamped, registered letter envelope

Depending on the visa, additional documents, documents or letters of recommendation may be requested.

Visa extension address:
Department of Immigration and National Registration,
Division of Immigration and Naturalization
Stay Extension Sectio, No. (122), Ground Floor,
Pansodan Street,
Kyauktada Township,
Yangon Regional Division

Tourist visa

The visa for tourist purposes must be applied for at the embassy of Myanmar in your country or by e-visa via the internet before traveling. The tourist visa is valid for 3 months and entitles you to a stay of up to 28 days. It costs 40 USD. When entering the country, you should check the entry stamp with the confirmed length of stay.

The tourist visa is not renewable. The authorities tolerate an overstay of up to 89 days beyond the length of the visa period. In this case, you will have to pay a fine of 3 USD at the immigration desk at the airport or at the relevant immigration authority on the day of departure for every day that you have been in the country for a longer period.

In the event of an overstay, you may have difficulties booking trips and / or hotels, as not everyone in the country knows about the possibility of tolerated overstays. Problems can arise from the 90th day of the overstay. There is also a penalty fee of USD 5 per day.

You can only enter Myanmar via the official borders of Thailand, India and China if the visa has been stamped on the passport by the embassy. With the e-Visa you can only enter by plane at the international airports of Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay.

Social visa

To apply for a social visa, the embassy also needs an application letter with information about the arrival in Myanmar and the purpose of the stay with an obligation to enter for exclusively social matters. For this visa you have to fill out some additional forms that you can get at the embassy.

Business visa

You need a letter of reference in English from the sending company, stating the exact purpose of the trip, the length of stay and a declaration of cost coverage. For a multiple-entry business visa, information about the company in the home country, the company in Myanmar and the business relationships between the two companies must also be available. The necessity of a multiple stay in Myanmar must be clearly stated in a letter. It is also advisable to submit an invitation letter from your business partner in Myanmar. You can also apply for a business visa using the e-visa procedure.