Thanks to the former ruling military junta who kept the country closed for decades, Myanmar has long been known as a tricky place for travelers.
Under existing rules, tourists can apply for a single-entry visa valid for 28 days. Not nearly enough time to explore a vast country of 51 million people, some would say.
But now, authorities are allowing foreign visitors to apply for multiple-entry visas valid for between three and 12 months, according to the Myanmar Times.
“We want to conform to international standards in terms of visa applications and fees, for the benefit of visitors applying at our embassies overseas,” said Kyaw Myint, deputy director of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population.
“We’ve already reached agreement with other ministries, and Myanmar embassies overseas are ready to release the multiple-entry visa. We’re awaiting final approval from the government for the proposed changes in fees and application forms.”
There are high hopes that Myanmar’s new government, led by state counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, will continue to ease immigration rules.
In July, the government removed hundreds of names from the notorious ‘blacklist’, which bars various people, including activists, from entering the country.
