Myanmar, often referred to as the Golden Land, sits at the top of many travel bucket lists. For Canadians, the allure of ancient pagodas in Bagan, the floating gardens of Inle Lake, and the bustling streets of Yangon is undeniable. However, before you can sip tea in a local tea house or marvel at the Shwedagon Pagoda, there is one administrative bridge you must cross obtaining the right travel documentation. Navigating entry requirements can often feel overwhelming. If you are a Canadian passport holder planning a trip to this Southeast Asian gem, you might have questions about the paperwork. Fortunately, the electronic visa system has streamlined what used to be a complex ordeal. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Myanmar Visa for Canada citizens, ensuring your pre-trip preparation is as smooth as your flight.
What types of Myanmar eVisas are available for Canadian citizens
Canadians primarily have access to two main categories of electronic entry permits. Choosing the right one depends entirely on your reason for visiting.
Tourist eVisa This is the most frequently requested option for travelers. It is designed for those visiting purely for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and relatives.
- Validity The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
- Stay Duration It allows for a stay of up to 28 days inside the country.
- Entry Type It is a Single Entry visa. If you leave Myanmar, you cannot re-enter on the same document.
Business eVisa For Canadians traveling for work, meetings, or corporate events, the Business eVisa is the correct choice.
- Validity Similar to the tourist version, it is valid for 90 days from issuance.
- Stay Duration It allows for a longer stay, up to 70 days.
- Entry Type This is also a Single Entry permit.
As shown in the image above, selecting your visa type is the very first action you take. You will see options like “Tourist eVisa – 90 days , Single entry” or “Business eVisa – 90 days , Single entry” in the dropdown menu. Ensure you click the one that matches your travel intent to avoid issues at the border.
What documents are required for Canadians when applying for the Myanmar eVisa
The requirements are relatively standard for international travel, but they must adhere to specific formats.
- Valid Passport Your passport is your primary identification. It must be valid for a of six months beyond your intended date of arrival in Myanmar. You will need a color scan of the biographical page (the page with your photo and personal details). Ensure all text is legible and no corners are cut off in the image.
- Applicant Photo You need to upload a recent color photograph.
- It should be taken within the last three months.
- The background must be white.
- Your face should be clearly visible without glasses or headgear (unless for religious reasons).
- The expression should be neutral.
- Return Ticket Authorities want to know that you intend to leave. You must provide proof of a return flight or an onward ticket to another destination. This ticket should clearly show your name, flight number, and departure date.
- Hotel Booking You are required to provide proof of accommodation. This must be a registered hotel, motel, inn, guest house, or resort. Myanmar requires tourists to stay in registered accommodations rather than private homes. Your booking confirmation should show the hotel name and the dates of your stay.
- Business Documents (For Business Visa only) If you are applying for the Business eVisa, you will need extra paperwork
- A Letter of Invitation from the registered company in Myanmar.
- The Company Registration of the inviting entity (Certificate of Incorporation).
The interface for uploading these documents is user-friendly, as seen in the image above. You will see distinct sections for “Passport Bio Page”, “Applicant Photo”, “Return Ticket”, and “Hotel Booking”. Each section has a clear “Select file to upload” button. Note the red text in the image reminding you that “All submitted documents must be in English.” This is a crucial detail that many travelers overlook.
How can Canadian citizens apply for a Myanmar eVisa online
The process for obtaining a Myanmar eVisa from Canada is entirely digital; you do not need to send mail or visit a consulate.
The Form Filling You will begin by entering your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. This includes your full name, nationality, date of birth, and passport number. Any discrepancy here, even a single misspelled letter, can render the visa invalid. You will also select your “Port of Entry.” This is important because you can only enter Myanmar through specific international airports (Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw) and certain land border checkpoints.
Document Upload This is where you attach the files we discussed earlier. The system allows you to upload them one by one. As the image suggests, verify that the images are clear before hitting the “Save & Continue” button.
Payment After reviewing your information, you will proceed to the payment section. Credit and debit cards are accepted. Once payment is confirmed, the processing period begins.
Receipt of the Approval Letter Once approved, the eVisa Approval Letter is sent directly to your email. You must print this document out. It is mandatory to present a physical copy to the immigration officer upon arrival, along with your passport.
How long does the application process take for Canadians
The duration depends on the service level you choose during the application. It is always better to apply early, but if you are pressed for time, expedited options are available.
Normal Processing This is the standard option for travelers who have planned their trip well in advance.
- Timeframe 12 – 15 Working Days
Rush Processing If your departure date is approaching and you need the approval faster than the standard timeframe, this intermediate option moves your application up the queue.
- Timeframe 8 – 12 Working Days
Super Rush Processing This is designed for urgent situations where every hour counts. It is the fastest way to secure your document.
- Timeframe 6 – 9 Working Days
Please note that these are “Working Days,” meaning weekends and public holidays in Myanmar do not count toward this total. Plan accordingly.
How does evisa-myanmar.com differ from the Official Myanmar eVisa website in terms of application process
While you can utilize the primary state-run portal, many Canadians prefer using specialized platforms like evisa-myanmar.com for several reasons related to user experience and peace of mind.
Review and Verification The primary difference lies in the level of support. On the state portal, if you make a mistake such as uploading a blurry photo or entering a passport number incorrectly your application might simply be rejected, often without a refund. Specialized services include a review phase where experts check your documents before submission. If they notice an error, they will contact you to fix it, saving you the cost and hassle of a rejection.
User Interface As seen in the screenshots provided, platforms like evisa-myanmar.com often feature simplified interfaces designed for ease of use. The instructions are often clearer, and the flow is less clunky than administrative sites.
Customer Support Support on state-run portals can be limited or slow to respond. Private services offer 24/7 customer support to answer questions, check statuses, and assist with any technical glitches during the upload process.
Language and Accessibility While the state site is in English, specialized sites often offer better localization and simpler language to ensure you understand every requirement without confusion.
How much does the Myanmar eVisa cost for Canadian citizens
The total cost of your Myanmar eVisa Fees consists of two parts the immigration fee charged by the state authorities and the service fee charged by the processing platform.
The immigration fee is a fixed standard rate for all applicants. However, the service fee varies depending on the processing speed you select (Normal, Rush, or Super Rush).
- Standard travelers opting for Normal processing will pay the lowest total amount.
- Urgent travelers opting for Super Rush will pay a higher premium for the speed and priority handling.
While we are not listing specific dollar amounts here as they are subject to change, it is important to check the final breakdown on the payment page before confirming. The investment is reasonable compared to the experience of visiting such a unique destination.
Can Canadian expats apply for a business visa for Myanmar online
Yes, absolutely. Canadian citizenship is the determining factor, not your current country of residence. As a Canadian expat, you can apply for the Myanmar Business eVisa online from anywhere in the world.
The process remains the same. You will still need to upload your Canadian passport bio page and the required business documents (Invitation Letter and Company Registration) from the Myanmar entity. The only difference is that when you fill out the form, you will enter your current residential address, which might be outside of Canada. This does not negatively impact your application eligibility.
How do Canadians check the status of their Myanmar eVisa application
Transparency is a key feature of the online system. You do not need to call an office to know where your application stands.
Using the Order ID When you submit your application, you will receive a reference number or a “Temporary Order Id” as seen in the second image (e.g., ME8923752XVX). Keep this safe.
Online Tracking You can visit the “Check Status” section of the website where you applied. By entering your Order ID and passport number, you can see real-time updates. The statuses move from “Received” to “Processing” and finally to “Approved.”
Email Notifications In most cases, you will be notified via email the moment a decision is made. This is why it is vital to use an email address you check frequently and to ensure the emails do not land in your spam folder.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Myanmar offers a travel experience unlike any other. The blend of history, culture, and natural beauty creates memories that last a lifetime. While the concept of visa applications can feel daunting, the modern eVisa system has transformed it into a manageable task for Canadian citizens.
By understanding the types of visas available, preparing your documents according to the specifications shown in the images, and choosing the right processing time for your schedule, you can secure your entry with minimal stress. Remember to print your documents, check your passport validity, and respect the local regulations.
The Golden Land awaits. With your paperwork sorted, you are free to focus on what truly matters exploring the magnificent landscapes and warm hospitality of Myanmar. Safe travels!