Myanmar is adding another six countries for visa-on-arrival access to help boost tourist arrival numbers.
From October 1, nationals of Italy, Spain, Germany, Russia, Switzerland and Australia will be offered visa-on-arrival via the three international airports of Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, as well as designated border crossings.
The visa fee is $50.
After a big decline in arrivals in 2016, tourist arrivals have been steadily growing due to relaxed visa requirements, notably for Chinese travellers.
As well as China, Myanmar granted visa exemption for citizens of Japan and South Korea.
According to the tourism ministry’s data, Myanmar welcomed 1.1 million visitors in the first quarter of 2019, which is up 22% on 2018.
However the number of arrivals from Europe has dipped slightly, which has spurred the government into action with the expanded visa on arrival policy.
Last Myanmar welcomed 3.55 million arrivals and expects to easily surpass that in 2019.
