Myanmar Halts Tourist Visa Issuance After Deadly Earthquake
Myanmar temporarily suspends tourist visa applications amid a 7.7-magnitude quake that killed over 3,600 and displaced millions, while business visas remain available.
The Ministry of Immigration and Population of Myanmar has announced the temporary suspension of tourist visa applications starting April 3, 2025, following a devastating earthquake that struck the country on March 28. This decision was confirmed by the Malaysian Embassy in Yangon via a Facebook post, with further updates to be provided once services resume.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake affected central Myanmar and parts of neighboring Thailand. The latest reports indicate a death toll of at least 3,645, with 5,017 injured and 148 people still missing.
While tourist visa applications are paused, business visa requests will continue to be processed normally. Additionally, authorities have barred foreign media from accessing affected zones, citing inadequate infrastructure to accommodate them.
In the wake of the disaster, search-and-rescue teams from 26 countries are collaborating with local aid groups. However, the military government requires any foreign intervention to be pre-approved and conducted in cooperation with local authorities. The United Nations reports that over 17.2 million people live in affected areas, including 9.1 million exposed to the strongest tremors, and urges urgent aid for food, clean water, and emergency shelter.
Amid the humanitarian crisis, the military regime has continued airstrikes and shelling on civilian targets in some of the hardest-hit regions, resulting in at least 68 civilian deaths since April 4.
