Myanmar extends visa-free entry for visitors with diplomatic, special passports from 4 more countries

YANGON, Sep 22: Myanmar has extended its visa-free entry for visitors with diplomatic and special passports from four more countries, the state-run newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Thursday.

The additional four countries that are now eligible for visa exemptions include Belarus, Morocco, Nepal, and Japan, the report said.

The move is aimed to foster stronger diplomatic ties and encourage tourism between Myanmar and these nations, it said.

The decision came as part of a reciprocal visa agreement between Myanmar and these nations, allowing diplomats and special passport holders to enjoy stays in the country ranging from 30 to 90 days, it said.

Apart from the four newly added countries, nations that are eligible for visa exemption from Myanmar include Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Colombia, India, South Korea, North Korea, Mongolia, Russia, Serbia, Sri Lanka, and member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

U Hla Myint, deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, said that the moves, including visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival, will help increase the arrivals of tourists in the country.

According to the tourism ministry, Myanmar attracted a total of 751,216 international tourists in the first eight months of 2023.