Myanmar entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
South African passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling to Myanmar. There is no visa on arrival. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Myanmar eVisa at the official Ministry of Immigration portal at least 3 business days before departure. The eVisa costs $50 USD and is valid for 90 days from issue, allowing a single entry for up to 28 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw airports will stamp you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Myanmar. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight out of Myanmar. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Myanmar. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having a booking speeds up the process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $300 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but it helps to show you can cover your expenses. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
South African passport holders cannot enter Myanmar without an approved eVisa. There is no visa on arrival, no visa waiver, and no embassy-issued visa at the border. Apply online before you fly.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Myanmar, not from when you apply or depart. If your passport expires in less than 6 months, renew it first.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, return ticket, and hotel booking as PDFs on your phone. Also keep a printed copy of your eVisa in your carry-on. This covers you if your phone dies or you lose internet access.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official Myanmar eVisa website (evisa.moip.gov.mm). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (US$50 for tourism, US$70 for business) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 working days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa letter. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before you leave, gather: passport with 6+ months validity, printed eVisa, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance details. Keep them all in one folder.
4
Arrive at Yangon or Mandalay International Airport
Most international flights arrive at Yangon (RGN) or Mandalay (MDL). Follow signs to 'Immigration'. Present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 5–10 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. Fill out a customs declaration form if you have items to declare. Otherwise, walk through the green channel.
Download Myanmar Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay28 days, extendable 14 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
Standard eVisa for tourism; apply online before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay28 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$70 USD
For frequent visitors; must show travel history.
Business Visa
Max stay70 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$70 USD
Requires invitation letter from Myanmar company.
Social Visit Visa
Max stay28 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD
For visiting friends/family; requires sponsor letter.
business visa
Business Visa (Multiple Entry)
70 days per entry, renewable up to 1 year
$70 USD initial, renewal ~$50 USD
For those employed by a Myanmar company or with business ties. Requires company sponsorship and work permit for stays over 90 days.
student visa
Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
$50 USD initial, renewal ~$30 USD
For enrolled students at recognized Myanmar educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Stay Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
$100–200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a valid job offer and work permit. Requires company registration and Ministry of Labour approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist Single Entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders applying online. | $50 USD |
| eVisa (Tourist Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $70 USD |
| Overstay FineCharged upon departure; no official cap but may be negotiable. | $3 USD per day (approx.) |
| Stay Extension (if applicable)Rarely granted for eVisa; apply at immigration office. | $30–50 USD (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%
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 Myanmar
No transit visa needed
South African passport holders transiting through Myanmar airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Myanmar may transit without additional visa.
- Transit through Yangon International Airport only; other airports may have different rules.
Transit hubsYangon International Airport (RGN) · Mandalay International Airport (MDL) · Naypyidaw International Airport (NYT)
Health & vaccines for Myanmar
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-DiphtheriaEssential
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially rainy season.
MalariaHigh risk
Present in rural areas, especially forested regions; prophylaxis recommended.
TyphoidModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in rural areas, especially in forested and border regions. Prophylaxis recommended for travellers visiting these areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Yangon
Yangon Immigration Office
No. 1, Thiri Mingalar Lane, Kamayut Township
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mandalay
Mandalay Immigration Office
Corner of 26th and 73rd Streets, Chanayethazan Township
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30
Handles extensions for central Myanmar visitors.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalNaypyidaw
LanguageBurmese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMyanmar kyat (MMK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,098.27 MMK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+6:30
vs New York+11h30m
vs Los Angeles+14h30m
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,F,GTypes C, D, F, and G are used, with Type G being common in some hotels.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival for Myanmar. You must apply for an eVisa online before you travel. The eVisa is valid for tourism (28 days) or business (70 days).
Typically 3–5 working days, but it can take up to 7 days during busy periods. Apply at least two weeks before your flight to be safe. The official portal is evisa.moip.gov.mm.
The tourism eVisa costs US$50 (about R900 as of 2026). The business eVisa costs US$70. Payment is by credit card only on the official website.
Yes. Print a physical copy to show at check-in and immigration. Also save a PDF on your phone as backup. Some airlines won't let you board without seeing the eVisa.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-apply, or apply for a different visa type at a Myanmar embassy before you travel.
You will be denied entry. Immigration strictly enforces the 6-month rule. Count from the day you land, not your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, immigration officers may ask to see proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. It's a standard requirement for all tourists.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.