Myanmar Updates Passport Laws and Biometric Requirements
Myanmar's junta has introduced a new law mandating e-passports and establishing a new issuing body with the power to deny or revoke travel documents. While primarily targeting citizens, the increased surveillance and biometric data collection may impact long-term residents and immigration processing for foreigners.
Myanmar Updates Passport Laws and Biometric Requirements
Myanmar's military regime enacted a new Passport Law on March 17, 2026, establishing a centralized body with broad powers to oversee travel documents. The law mandates a transition from machine-readable passports to e-passports equipped with microchips containing expanded biometric data. While the 10-member Myanmar Passport Issuing Body now has the immediate authority to deny or revoke documents, a full rollout date for the new e-passports has not yet been set.
The primary focus of these changes is Myanmar nationals, particularly those involved in political dissent, the Civil Disobedience Movement, or those attempting to avoid military conscription. Citizens are now required to obtain a Unique Identification Number (UID) via in-country registration to apply for or renew travel documents. The regime has also begun canceling passports for citizens who attempted to renew their documents "illegally" at overseas embassies.
Who is affected
Digital nomads and expats currently in Myanmar face minimal direct impact from the new biometric requirements, as these rules apply specifically to Myanmar-issued passports. However, travelers should expect heightened immigration scrutiny and potential delays in visa extensions or residency permits. The junta’s increased focus on centralized surveillance and data collection means that processing times at immigration offices are likely to increase.
What to do
If you are planning a trip or currently staying in the country, keep these points in mind:
- Foreigners continue to use the standard eVisa system for entry.
- Tourist visas remain $50 for a 28-day stay, while business visas are $70 for 70 days.
- No new biometric data is required for foreign passport holders at this stage.
- Monitor visa updates frequently, as border policies can shift without notice.
While the tourist eVisa process remains functional, the centralized control over movement suggests a more restrictive environment for long-term stays. Travelers should ensure all registration paperwork is filed correctly to avoid complications during this transition.
Read our full Myanmar guide for the complete picture.