Myanmar is set to launch a one-year trial program offering visa on arrival to Chinese and Indian tourists in a bid to attract more visitors and their spending. Currently, citizens of China and India must apply for tourist visas online or at Myanmar embassies. The move comes as the military junta, which seized power in Myanmar through a coup in 2021, faces ongoing challenges in controlling the country.
Several nations, including the United States and Australia, have advised against traveling to Myanmar due to the persisting conflict. Nevertheless, China and India have maintained diplomatic relations with the military junta, as they share extensive borders with Myanmar. The junta hopes that this new visa on arrival initiative will stimulate tourism in the country.