United States entry requirements for Myanmar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
Entry not permitted
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Myanmar passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. There is no visa waiver or visa-on-arrival option for Myanmar citizens. Plan ahead — the visa application process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / Entry PermissionYou must get a U.S. visa stamped in your passport before you fly – there is no way to get one at the border. No admission without prior authorization | Myanmar passport holders are not admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. You must obtain a valid U.S. visa (e.g., B-1/B-2) from a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Myanmar citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – if it's too close, renew it before applying for a visa. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Myanmar passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page in your passport for the visa sticker. At least 1 blank page for the visa | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the U.S. visa to be affixed. It is recommended to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues at immigration. | Required |
| Return / onward ticketHaving a return flight booked helps show you plan to leave – keep a copy of your itinerary. May be requested at entry | Although not always required, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may ask for proof of onward travel. It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket to demonstrate your intention to leave the U.S. before your authorized stay ends. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry recent bank statements or a credit card to prove you can pay for your trip. May be requested at entry | You may be asked to show evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in the United States. The amount is not fixed, but you should be able to show bank statements, credit cards, or cash to support your visit. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special form before landing – just the standard customs form. Not required | There is no separate arrival declaration form required for entry into the United States. However, you will complete a Customs Declaration (CBP Form 6059B) during your flight or at the airport. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationThere is no online visa application – you must go to a U.S. embassy or consulate for an interview. Not available | The United States does not offer an e-visa for Myanmar citizens. You must apply for a visa in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate (e.g., in Yangon or Bangkok). | Not required |
No visa waiver for Myanmar citizens
Myanmar passport holders cannot use the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA. You must apply for a full visa at the US Embassy in Yangon before traveling.
Visa interview wait times vary
During peak seasons (summer, holidays), interview appointments can be booked 4–6 weeks out. Apply as early as possible — ideally 3 months before your planned travel.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload a compliant photo, and print the confirmation page with the barcode.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at a designated bank in Myanmar (usually KBZ or AYA Bank) or via the embassy's online payment system. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the US Visa Appointment Service website, create an account, and book an appointment at the US Embassy in Yangon. Wait times can be 2–6 weeks depending on the season.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy on your appointment date with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip, ties to Myanmar, and plans.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa issuance. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. You'll receive instructions to collect your passport or have it couriered.
6
Enter the US
At the US port of entry (airport or land border), present your passport with visa and your return ticket. The CBP officer may ask about your stay. They'll stamp your passport with an admission period (usually up to 6 months).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Myanmar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityUsually 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost$185
For business or tourism; not for employment
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of status (plus 60-day grace period)
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$185
Requires I-20 from a U.S. school; may work on campus with restrictions
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Max stayDuration of program (varies)
ValidityProgram-specific
Cost$185
For exchange programs, including au pairs and interns; subject to two-year home residency requirement in some cases
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 6 years (in 3-year increments)
ValidityUp to 3 years, extendable
Cost$205 (base) + additional fees
Requires employer sponsorship and approved petition; subject to annual cap
L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa
Max stayUp to 7 years (L-1A) or 5 years (L-1B)
ValidityUp to 3 years, extendable
Cost$205 (base) + additional fees
For employees transferring from a foreign office to a U.S. office
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable in 1-year increments
ValidityUp to 3 years
Cost$205 (base) + additional fees
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, extendable
ValidityIndefinite as long as investment continues
Cost$315
Requires substantial investment in a U.S. business; Myanmar is not a treaty country, so not available to Myanmar citizens
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace period
$185 USD (185 USD) + SEVIS fee ($350 USD)
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Requires I-20 from school and proof of funds. Allows part-time on-campus work.
Apply work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$460 USD (460 USD) + legal fees
For professionals in specialty fields (e.g., IT, engineering). Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection. Dual intent allowed.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment
For investors who create at least 10 jobs in the US. Requires significant capital and business plan. Leads to citizenship after 5 years.
Apply exchange visitor
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (up to 2 years typical)
$220 USD (220 USD) + program fees
For cultural exchange, internships, or research programs. Requires sponsor organization. May have two-year home residency requirement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee)Standard fee for most non-petition-based visas (B1/B2, F, J, M, etc.) | $185 |
| Petition-based visa application fee (H, L, O, P, Q, R)For petition-based work visas; additional fees may apply | $205 |
| E (Treaty Trader/Investor) visa application feeFor E-1/E-2 visas | $315 |
| K (Fiancé(e) or Spouse) visa application feeFor K-1/K-3 visas | $265 |
| V (Spouse of LPR) visa application feeFor V-1/V-2/V-3 visas | $265 |
| Visa issuance fee (reciprocity fee)Myanmar citizens may be subject to a reciprocity fee; check with the U.S. embassy | Varies |
| ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)Myanmar citizens are not eligible for ESTA | Not applicable |
| Visa on arrivalNo visa on arrival for Myanmar citizens | Not available |
| Extension of stay (I-539)For extending certain nonimmigrant visas; filing fee plus biometrics if applicable | $370 |
| Change of status (I-539)For changing to another nonimmigrant status | $370 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Myanmar citizens transiting through the United States generally require a C-1 transit visa or a valid B-1/B-2 visa. There is no visa-free transit for Myanmar passport holders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid U.S. permanent resident card (Green Card)
- Holders of a valid nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B, F, J, H) may transit under the terms of that visa
- Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, but Myanmar is not included
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; use repellent and check for ticks.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Occasional outbreaks in summer; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
General food safety is high; risk from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; appointments required.
Practical information for MM travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to visa in hand — typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Interview wait times at the Yangon embassy vary; check the current calendar on the appointment website. Processing after approval is usually 3–5 business days.
No. Myanmar passport holders must attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Yangon. There is no drop-box or interview waiver option for most applicants.
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, one recent photo (5x5 cm, white background), and any supporting documents: bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of ties to Myanmar (e.g., property deeds, family certificates).
The non-refundable MRV fee is $185 for most visitor visas (B1/B2). There are no additional fees for the interview or visa sticker. If your visa is denied, the fee is not refunded.
Yes, but you must apply to USCIS for an extension before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and can take months to process. Overstaying can lead to bans.
The consular officer will give you a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (most common reason: insufficient ties to Myanmar). You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for denial. There is no appeal process.
Yes. Even for a layover or connecting flight, you need a valid US visa (or ESTA if you qualify, but Myanmar citizens do not qualify for ESTA). There is no transit without a visa for Myanmar passport holders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.