Back in mid-September, Myanmar’s Ministry of Culture, Hotels and Tourism rolled out some good news for travelers: the tourist visa-on-arrival scheme for Chinese and Indian visitors arriving by air has been extended for another year. This is the third time the policy has been renewed, pushing the expiration date out to the end of August 2027.
Locals say the open-door policy is all about making things smoother for visitors from those two countries while giving the country’s sluggish tourism sector a much-needed shot in the arm. Guesthouse and restaurant owners hearing the news are probably wiping down their tables with a little extra pep in their step.
To be fair, it is a solid policy, but just how many fresh faces actually show up on the streets will depend heavily on flight schedules and the security situation on the ground. Sitting here in a Phnom Penh tea stall sipping iced tea and reading the headlines, you just hope that anyone heading out there stays safe, has a great time, and spends some money along the way.
