United States entry requirements for Myanmar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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 |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a valid US visa before travel. Apply at the US embassy or consulate in your country — the process includes an interview and takes several weeks. Start early, as wait times can be long.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the United States. No specific minimum validity beyond that is required by US law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they may deny entry without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your US host. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you're visiting for the first time. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. US officers rarely ask for this, but it helps if you're staying with friends or have no clear itinerary. | Recommended |
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 May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Standard visa for tourism or business visits; apply at US embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days
ValidityDuration of program
Cost$185 USD (185 USD) + SEVIS fee
For full-time academic study; requires I-20 from US institution.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable
ValidityUp to 6 years total
Cost$460 USD (460 USD) + fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
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 |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most visa types. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Myanmar passport holders. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (370 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to fines and future inadmissibility; no fixed daily rate. | Varies (up to $1,000 USD) |
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 passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions exist for holders of valid US visas or Green Cards.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid US Green Card may transit without a visa.
- Citizens of certain countries (not Myanmar) may qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
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 May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.