In an effort to boost Asian tourism into the nation, Myanmar will begin granting visa-free entry to Japanese and South Korean tourists. 

Colliers International Myanmar suggests the move comes as a means to promote easy access into the country with an increase of visitors from Japan, Korea and China. 

Beginning in October, the government will also be granting Chinese nationals from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau visas-on-arrival (VOA) at Yangon International Airport, Mandalay International Airport and May Pyi Taw International Airport. 

The application fee for VOA will be USD50 and will facilitate a length of stay spanning a maximum of 30 days for tourism purposes. 

Previously, Chinese travellers had to apply for visas in advance. 

In addition to the USD50 fee, Chinese tourists must also present USD1000 to be eligible for the VOA. 

The scheme will be implemented as a one-year trial. 

In 2017, Asian travellers into Myanmar accounted for almost 70% of all visitors into the nation, according to Myanmar Tourism Market (MTM) statistics as distributed by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. The figures show that from that 70%, China, Japan and Korea makeup three of the top five Asian source markets at 15.6%, 7.45% and 4.83% respectively.

The MTM lists Thailand and Singapore as the other two Asian source nations with 20.1% and 4.54% of entrance figures respectively. 

Between 2016 and 2017 Colliers observed a sustained entry of Asian tourists into Myanmar for both business and leisure purposes.  

Sources: Colliers International Myanmar, Myanmar Tourism Statistic's 2017 HVS, South China Morning Post

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