Foreign Entry Requirements: Macau to Myanmar

Macau SAR A passport valid for 30 days beyond the intended period of stay in Macau is required. A visa is not required for tourist visits of up to 30 days. >Because many neighboring areas require six months validity remaining on the passport, U.S. citizens planning travel beyond Macau should ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months from the date of their proposed entry into such areas.

Holders of a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card or a Hong Kong Re-entry Permit may use either document to enter Macau for a maximum stay of up to one year. All visitors must present their passport or other valid travel document upon arrival. Visit the Macau Government Tourist Office web site for the most current visa information.

U.S. citizens should obtain all required visas prior to departing the United States. Specifically, U.S. citizens wishing to travel to the PRC from Macau require a PRC visa and should apply at the PRC embassy or consulate where they reside. Visas to the PRC can in some cases be obtained at the PRC Visa Office in Macau; however, there are limitations depending on the visa category, and if issued, they are often of a shorter length of stay and fewer entries than are those obtained in the United States. Parents whose children hold U.S. passports should be aware that the PRC Visa Office may require original birth certificates or other documentation for these children. Persons applying in Macau for PRC visas for U.S.-born children have been unable to obtain PRC visas without the certified U.S. birth certificate. Parents should consider bringing their children’s birth certificates if applying for a PRC visa in Macau. Further information on travel to and around the PRC is available in the China Consular Information Sheet.

Macedonia Short trips for business or tourism: A valid passport is required for travel to Macedonia. A visa is not required for U.S. passport holders for tourist and business trips up to 90 days during a six-month period. Macedonia requires that all foreign citizens entering the country provide proof of health insurance at the port of entry. Entry stamps are issued at airports or land border crossing points, which grant permission to remain 90 days. All foreign citizens must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival. Those staying in private accommodations or renting an apartment should register in person at the police station nearest his/her place of residence, and should be accompanied to the station by the owner or landlord of the apartment. Hotels are responsible for the registration of foreign guests. Travelers who change addresses in Macedonia should notify the police station where they initially registered and re-register with the police station closest to the new place of residence.

An unaccompanied U.S. citizen minor who enters Macedonia should be in possession of a notarized statement of consent from a parent or guardian to enter and stay in the country. The statement of consent must be certified by a competent authority of the country from which s/he arrives or by a diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Macedonia abroad

NOTE: A U.S. citizen who possesses more than one passport is required to leave the country with the travel document used for entry into the country.
Temporary residence: Individuals intending to work, study, or remain longer then 90 days in Macedonia must obtain an entry visa prior to their arrival in Macedonia. The practice of switching from tourist status to long-term status when already in Macedonia is no longer allowed. Those wanting to do so must leave Macedonia and apply for a long-term visa at a Macedonian Embassy or Consulate.

American citizens resident in the United States may apply at the Macedonian Embassy in Washington D.C., located at 2129 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel.: (202) 667-0501; fax: (202) 667-2131; or visit the Embassy of Macedonia's website for more information.
The passport should be valid for at least three months longer than the validity of the visa. For additional information about the conditions and procedures for visa issuance, the applicant may visit Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for a list of Macedonian Embassies and Consulates. Travelers should be aware that all border areas apart from designated border crossings are restricted zones. Presence in these zones is forbidden without prior official permission.

Madagascar A passport and Madagascar visa are required. Visas are available at all airports servicing international flights, but travelers who opt to obtain a visa at an airport should expect delays upon arrival. Visas obtained at the airport cannot be extended. Avoid delays by obtaining your Madagascar visa before departing. All Americans must have at least one blank page and 6 months validity in their passport to gain admittance to Madagascar. Visa fees can be paid in US dollars, Euros or Madagascar Ariary. Credit cards are not accepted. Most international flights arrive in Antananarivo, but there are some limited international flights to/from the nearby islands of Comoros, Mayotte and Reunion from airports in Mahajanga, Toamasina (Tamatave), Nosy Be, Tolagnaro (Ft. Dauphin) and Antsiranana (Diego Suarez). There are also direct flights between Italy and Nosy Be. Evidence of yellow fever immunization is required for all travelers who have been in an infected zone within 6 months of their arrival in Madagascar.

Travelers may obtain the latest information and details on entry requirements from the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar, 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-5525/6; or the Malagasy Consulate in New York City, (212) 986-9491. Honorary consuls of Madagascar are located in Philadelphia, and San Diego. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Malagasy embassy or consulate. Visit the Embassy of Madagascar’s web site for the most current visa information.

Malawi A passport, return ticket, and adequate funds are required for entry into Malawi. U.S. citizens traveling to Malawi for tourism, transit or business for 30-days or less can obtain a Malawi visa before departing or at the airports or border points of entry. The 30-day visa may be extended up to an additional 30 days prior to visa expiration. Currently, the Malawi Immigration Department is charging for all visa extensions as follows:

a) A 30-day visa (or less) is granted at any port of entry and is Free
b) Application for a visa extension for an additional 30-days (or less) is MK 5,000.00
c) Application for a second visa extension for an additional 30-days (or less) is MK 5,000.00

A visa extension application must be submitted prior to the visa’s expiration date. There is no guarantee the request will be granted.

Americans wishing to volunteer, study, conduct research or business for more than 90 days in Malawi are responsible for requesting the correct type of visa from the Malawian Embassy or Consulate, prior to traveling to Malawi. There is no guarantee requests for changing one's immigration category (e.g., from tourist to Temporary Employment Permit) will be granted. Foreign citizens whose primary purpose of travel is to participate in religious activities (voluntary or paid) should obtain a Temporary Employment Visa (TEP) rather than a tourist visa through their sponsoring organization or business.

Malawian immigration authorities have fined, arrested, and deported American citizens who entered Malawi with a tourist visa and proceeded to conduct other activities inconsistent with their tourist status (e.g. business or volunteer services).

Occasionally, some airlines have required travelers to have a Malawian visa before boarding connecting flights in European airports. Malawian Authorities confirm that there is no requirement for obtaining a tourist visa for short stays (30-days or less) prior to arrival in Malawi.

American citizens are reminded that they are subject to Malawi’s laws. Individuals that overstay on their visa, even unknowingly, have been fined, arrested and deported.

Malawi charges all non-Malawians an airport departure tax which is payable only in U.S. Dollars.

Malaysia American citizens are required to have a passport valid for at least six months to enter Malaysia, but Americans do not need to obtain a Malaysia visa in advance for a pleasure or business trip if their stay in Malaysia is 90 days or less. Immigration officials will then place an entry stamp in their passport. While in Malaysia, Americans should carry their passports with them at all times.

Travelers are required to carry their passports for travel from peninsular Malaysia to eastern Malaysia (on the island of Borneo) and between the provinces of Sabah and Sarawak, both of which are on Borneo. Social visit passes (visas) issued at immigration points such as KLIA airport, Johor Bahru, and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) for entry into peninsular Malaysia are not valid for entry into the state of Sarawak and usually have three months’ validity. New social visit passes must be obtained upon arrival at Kuching or Miri airports in Sarawak. In most cases, social visit passes issued by Sarawak immigration officials are valid for any part of Malaysia and usually have one month’s validity.

The Malaysian Passport is not valid for travel to the State of Israel. However, travelers with Israeli entry or exit stamps in their American passports do not encounter difficulty at Malaysian Immigration.

For more information on the latest entry procedures and requirements, contact the Embassy of Malaysia, 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone: (202) 572-9700; the Malaysian consulates located in New York, telephone: (212) 490-2722; or Los Angeles, telephone: (213) 892-1238; or visit the Malaysian government’s web site, which has information on Malaysian embassies and consulates abroad.

Maldives A valid passport, along with an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds, is required for entry. A no-cost visitor Maldives visa valid for thirty days is issued upon arrival. The Department of Immigration and Emigration routinely approves requests for extension of stays up to ninety days for travelers who present evidence of sufficient funds and who stay in a resort or hotel or present a letter from a local sponsor. Anyone staying over sixty days without proper authorization faces heavy fines and deportation. All visitors departing the Republic of Maldives (except diplomats and certain exempted travelers) must pay an airport departure tax, which is usually included in the price of an airline ticket. Travelers need a yellow fever immunization if they are arriving from an infected area.

Arrival by private boat: Travelers arriving by private yacht or boat are granted no-cost visas, usually valid until the expected date of departure. Vessels anchoring in atolls other than Male must have prior clearance through agents in Male. Maldivian customs, police and/or representatives of Maldivian immigration will meet all vessels, regardless of where they anchor. Vessels arriving with a dog on board will be permitted anchorage, but the dog will not be allowed off the vessel. Any firearms or ammunition on board will be held for bond until the vessel’s departure.

With the exception of the capital, Male, tourists are generally prohibited from visiting non-resort islands without the express permission of the Government of Maldives.

Specific inquiries should be addressed to Maldives High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka at No. 25, Melbourne Avenue, Colombo 4, telephone (94) (11) 2587824 / 5516302 / 5516303, or the Maldives Mission to the U.N. in New York, telephone (212) 599-6195.

Visit the web site of the Maldives Permanent Mission to the United Nations for the most current visa information.

Mali A passport and Mali visa are required. All travelers must have international vaccination cards with a current yellow fever immunization. Travelers should obtain the latest visa information and entry requirements from the Republic of Mali Embassy at 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 332-2249. Inquiries can be made at the nearest Malian embassy or consulate. Visit the Embassy of Mali website for the most current visa information.

Malta Republic Malta is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Malta for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen Fact sheet . For further information concerning entry requirements for Malta, travelers should contact the Embassy of Malta at 2017 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008, tel.: (202) 462-3611, or the Maltese Consulate in New York City, tel.: (212) 725-2345.

Marshall Islands Marshall Islands Visa are not required for U.S. citizens; U.S. citizens have liberal travel rights under the Compact of Free Association. There is a departure fee; diplomats are exempt. A health certificate is required for travelers arriving from an area that is currently experiencing an epidemic. For visits of over 30 days, an AIDS test may be required. For further information on entry requirements for the Marshall Islands, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, at 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008. The telephone number is (202) 234-5414.

Martinique Passports are required of U.S. citizens entering the French West Indies. Martinique Visas are generally not required for visitors planning to remain for 90 days or less. For further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of France at 4101 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington, DC 20007; telephone 1 202 944-6000; or the nearest French consulate in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Orleans or San Francisco. Visit the web site for the Embassy of France at http://www.info-france-usa.org for the most current visa information.

Mauritania A passport and a Maritania visa are required, as is evidence of a yellow fever vaccination. For the most current visa information, email the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. (202) 232-5700, or the Mauritanian Permanent Mission to the UN, 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 2000, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 986-7963 or 8189. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Mauritanian embassy or consulate.

Mauritius A valid passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are required. Immigration authorities require the validity of the entrant’s passport to be greater than six months upon both arrival and departure. Travelers must also provide a local address where they will be staying in Mauritius. Visas are issued at the point of entry. A tourist entry fee and the airport departure tax are included in the price of a plane ticket. Travelers coming from yellow fever-infected areas may be asked to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of Mauritius, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 441, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-1491/2, or the Honorary Consulate in Los Angeles, telephone (310) 557-2009. Overseas, inquiries may be at the nearest Mauritian embassy or consulate. Visit the web site of the Embassy of Mauritius for the most current visa information.

Micronesia, Federated States of U.S. citizens require a U.S. passport, a completed FSM Immigration Arrival and Departure Record (FSM Form 5004), and a completed FSM Customs Form to enter the Federated States of Micronesia. The passport must be valid for at least 120 days beyond the date of entry into the FSM. Air carriers distribute the FSM Immigration Arrival and Departure Record and Customs Form prior to passengers’ arrival at the point of entry. There is no limit to the length of time U.S. citizens and nationals may remain in the FSM. All states except Yap levy a departure fee. A health certificate may be required if the traveler is arriving from an area experiencing an epidemic.

Visit the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia web site for the most current entry requirements. For more information about FSM entry requirements, travelers may consult the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia at 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20038, tel: (202) 223-4383 or the Embassy’s web site at http://www.visit-fsm.org/visitors/entry.html. The Federated States of Micronesia also has Consulates in Honolulu and Guam.

Moldova Citizens of the United States, EU member states, Canada, Switzerland, and Japan do not require Moldova visas to enter Moldova. For more information on entry requirements, please contact the Moldovan Embassy, 2101 S Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone: (202) 667-1130, (202) 667-1131, or (202) 667-1137, fax: (202) 667-1204. Travelers may also wish to consult the Embassy of Moldova website for general information on Moldovan visas and for application forms.

U.S. citizens are exempt from Moldovan visa requirements. They are able to stay in Moldova for up to 90 days within a six-month period without registration. Residence and work permits are still required for stays over 90 days, which may prove problematic for some long-term American visitors. Immigration, residence, and work permits usually need to be extended annually, but may be issued for up to five years.

U.S. citizens are able to enter Moldova through Transnistria. However, because they will not have been registered at the border, travelers must register within three days of arrival in right-bank (western) Moldova at the Ministry of Information Development (MID) registration office on 49, Kogalniceanu str. in Chisinau.

HIV/AIDS restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Moldova. Short-term visitors (periods of less than 90 days) do not require HIV testing. Applicants for residence permits, however, are required to submit to a HIV test and demonstrate that they are HIV negative. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Moldova at before you travel.

Monaco France and Monocao party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Monaco for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a Monaco visa. A passport is required and should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. Anyone intending to stay more than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa issued by one of the French Consulates in the U.S., prior to departure for France. This also applies to anyone considering marriage in France. For further information about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet .
A passport is required to enter Monaco. A visa is not required for tourist/business stays up to 90 days in Monaco.
For further information concerning entry requirements for France, travelers may contact the Embassy of France at 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, tel. (202) 944-6000, or the French Consulates General in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco.

For further information on entry requirements to Monaco, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco. 2314 Wyoming Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008, Tel: 202-234-1530, or the Consulate General of Monaco, 565 Fifth Avenue – 23rd floor, New York, NY 10017, tel.: 212-286-0500. For more information, visit the Embassy of France web site at www.consulfrance-washington.org or the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco web site at http://www.monaco-usa.org for the most current visa information.

Mongolia A valid passport is required for American visitors. No visa is required for Americans visiting for fewer than 90 days; however, visitors planning to stay in Mongolia for more than 30 days are required to register with the Office of Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Citizens in Ulaanbaatar within the first seven days of arrival. American visitors who fail to register and who stay longer than 30 days, even for reasons beyond their control, will be stopped at departure, temporarily denied exit, and fined. It is recommended that visitors who will be in Mongolia beyond 30 days register with the Office of Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Citizens within the first seven days of their arrival.

Americans planning to work or study in Mongolia should apply for a visa at a Mongolian embassy or consulate outside of Mongolia. Failure to do so may result in authorities denying registration, levying a fine, and requiring that the visitor leave the country. Travelers arriving or departing Mongolia through China or Russia should be aware of Chinese and Russian visa regulations (transiting twice will require a double- or multiple-entry visa) and note that some land-entry points have varying days and hours of operation. Many small land border posts do not operate on a fixed schedule. Travelers need to check with immigration authorities to make certain the post they intend to use will be open when they want to enter. Travelers planning travel to Russia should get visas prior to arriving in Mongolia, because they are difficult to obtain at the Russian Embassy in Mongolia. For more information on these requirements, see the Country Specific Information for Russia and China.

Travelers without Mongolian visas are subject to an exit tax payable either in U.S. dollars or Mongolian Tugrugs upon departure. American citizen visitors to Mongolia do not require a visa if they stay less than 30 days and no fee is payable if they depart within the 30 day period. If they stay longer without having registered with immigration, a penalty fee will be assessed at time of departure. Travelers should inquire whether the exit tax is included with the price of the airline ticket at the time of purchase. In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

Visit the Embassy of Mongolia web site for the most current visa information. Travelers can also contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, telephone (202) 333-7117 for the most current visa information.

Montserrat A passport if arriving by air, and a passport or passport card if arriving by sea, is required for entry to Montserrat. You will also have to provide proof of an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds to cover the expected stay. There is a departure tax payable upon leaving Montserrat.

For further information, travelers may contact the British Embassy, 19 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 588-7800; or the nearest consulate of the United Kingdom in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Denver, Houston, Miami, Orlando, Seattle, or San Francisco. Visit the British Embassy's web site for the most current visa information.

Morocco Travelers to Morocco must have a valid passport. Visas are not required for American tourists traveling to Morocco for fewer than 90 days. For visits of more than 90 days, Americans are required to apply for an extension of stay (providing a reason for the extension). No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco. Travelers who plan to reside in Morocco must obtain a residence permit. A residence permit may be requested and obtained from immigration authorities (Service Etranger) at the central police station of the district of residence. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship is readily available.

Children born to a Moroccan father may experience difficulty in leaving Morocco without the father's permission. Under Moroccan law, these children are considered Moroccan citizens. Even if the children bear U.S. passports, immigration officials may require proof that the father has approved their departure before the children will be allowed to leave Morocco. Although women, regardless of their nationality, are normally granted custody of their children in divorces, the father must approve the children's departure from Morocco. American women married to Moroccans do not need their spouse's permission to leave Morocco.

For further information on entry/exit requirements for Morocco, please contact the Embassy of Morocco at 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, telephone (202) 462-7979 to 82, fax 202-462-7643, or the Moroccan Consulate General in New York at 10 E. 40th Street, New York, NY 10016, telephone (212) 758-2625, fax 212-779-7441. Visit the Embassy of Morocco web site for the most current visa information.

Mozambique A Mozambique visa is required for entry into the country. It is recommended that travelers acquire the appropriate Mozambique visa prior to departing for Mozambique, although a one-entry visa can be obtained at country points of entry, including airports. Foreigners in Mozambique without a valid visa can expect to pay a substantial fine (1000 meticais) for each day they are in Mozambique illegally. The fine can be assessed upon travelers’ departure or if travelers are caught by authorities while still in Mozambique. Please pay close attention to the period you are authorized to stay in Mozambique on your visa ("Autorizado a permaneçer pelo período de [number of days])." This is the maximum number of days you may stay before you must depart Mozambique. The passports of all travelers who wish to enter Mozambique must be valid for six months upon arrival and must contain at least three clean (unstamped) visa pages each time entry is sought. The Mozambican Embassy and Consulates in South Africa charge up to five times the amount charged in the U.S. or at border crossing points for a tourist visa to Mozambique. Visit the Embassy of Mozambique web site for the most current visa information.

In September 2007 the Mozambican Interior and Health Ministries decreed that all travelers entering Mozambique, having previously visited a country where yellow fever is present, must present a valid certification of vaccination against yellow fever. We recommend all travelers be vaccinated to avoid complications at the border. Any passenger who cannot present such a certificate at the port of entry will be vaccinated at a cost of $50 US dollars or the equivalent in metical. Additionally, all travelers entering Mozambique must carry their yellow vaccination book. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Mozambique.

Myanmar The Government of Burma (Myanmar) strictly controls travel to, from, and within Burma. Since October 1, 2006, Burmese authorities have often prohibited entry or exit at most land border crossings, unless the traveler is part of a package tour group that has received prior permission from the Burmese authorities. A passport and visa are required for entry into Burma. Travelers are required to show their passports with a valid Myanmar visa at all airports, train stations, and hotels. Security checkpoints are common outside of tourist areas.

Burmese authorities rarely issue Myanmar visas to persons with occupations they deem “sensitive,” including journalists. Many journalists and writers traveling to Burma on tourist visas have been denied entry. Journalists -- and tourists mistaken for journalists -- have been harassed. Some journalists have had film and notes confiscated upon leaving the country.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Information about entry requirements as well as other information may be obtained from the Burmese Embassy (Embassy of the Union of Myanmar) at http://www.mewashingtondc.com/, 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone 202-332-4350 or the Permanent Burma Mission (Mission of Myanmar) to the U.N. 10 East 77th St., New York, NY 10021, (212-535-1311) 212-744-1271, fax 212-744-1290.

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IMPORTANT: The foreign entry requirements listed here were obtained from foreign embassies or consulates. This information is subject to change. Verify the data with the consular officials of the countries you plan to visit well in advance. For further information, see our embassy list.