Myanmar to start accepting tourist e-visa applications; travel still not advised
May 15 dmanewsdesK: Myanmar will now allow tourists to apply for visas, after keeping its borders closed for two years. As such, the country will soon allow tourists to travel to Myanmar. However, with the military coup related violence still rife in Myanmar, governments across the world still advise their citizens against all but essential travel to the country. Also, activists are urging foreigners to stay away in light of the junta’s continuous trouble.
Referring to this, the Immigration and Population Ministry stated that their online e-visa service will resume with effect from May 15, 2022, for tourist visa applications.
Reports have it that the move came after the country resumed operations of international commercial flights on April 17, and reopened its borders to international travellers.
Activist groups are now warning against the military’s vested interests in the economy of the country, including banks, mines, agriculture, petroleum, and tourism, meaning tourist dollars will also likely end up in the junta’s coffers. Referring to this, activist group Justice for Myanmar stated that even if foreign visitors avoid hotels and transport owned by the Myanmar military and their associates, they will still fund the junta via visa fees, insurance and tax. They called on anyone planning a holiday in Myanmar to boycott.
Following decades of military rule, democracy was established in 2011, and opened up Myanmar to worldwide tourists, thereby gradually turning into a popular tourist destination for travellers across the world.
Reports also have it that the tourism sector suffered a hit due to the pandemic, whereas clashes between security forces and anti-coup fighters, following the military takeover, have further dented tourism business business, with many international firms pulling out of the nation.
