Naypyidaw- In a bid to revitalize its tourism sector and attract foreign visitors, Myanmar’s ruling junta has announced a groundbreaking initiative. State media reports that Myanmar will soon implement a one-year trial scheme offering visas on arrival to Chinese and Indian tourists. The exact start date for this enticing endeavor is expected to be disclosed shortly, as confirmed by the Global New Light of Myanmar, citing the junta’s immigration ministry.
Under this progressive visa program, travelers holding these visas will be granted access to explore all of Myanmar’s attractions, with the exception of restricted areas due to security concerns, according to the report published in Thursday’s newspaper.
Previously, citizens from both China and India had to navigate the cumbersome process of applying for tourist visas either online or at a Myanmar embassy, deterring many potential visitors. This new development aims to streamline the entry process, making Myanmar a more accessible destination for these two major Asian nations.
Myanmar’s military junta has been grappling with persistent opposition following the 2021 coup, resulting in areas of the country remaining outside their complete control. Some countries, including the United States and Australia, have issued travel advisories against visiting Myanmar due to ongoing conflicts.
Notably, China and India, both of which share extensive and porous borders with Myanmar, have maintained diplomatic ties with the isolated junta since the coup took place. This latest move to facilitate tourism from these countries underscores Myanmar’s intent to bolster its economy and foster international engagement.
In addition to China and India, Myanmar’s tourism ministry is actively courting Russian travelers, another key ally and arms supplier. Recent initiatives include the commencement of direct flights to Russia’s Novosibirsk by Myanmar’s national carrier and the exploration of allowing the use of Russia’s Mir cards for seamless payments.
Myanmar’s tourism sector initially opened its doors to tourists in 2011 after decades of military rule. The nation quickly gained popularity among globetrotters. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent coup, followed by a brutal crackdown on dissent, have significantly deterred visitors.
These tumultuous events have left Myanmar’s economy in turmoil, leading to a sharp depreciation of the local kyat currency against the dollar. Furthermore, rolling power outages have disrupted major cities, where access to ATMs and foreign exchange counters remains inconsistent.
Myanmar’s decision to welcome Chinese, Indian, and potentially Russian tourists with visa on arrival reflects a determined effort to rebuild its tourism industry, fostering economic growth and international ties in the process.
By Agence France Presse
