Myanmar received 530,973 international visitors during the first half of 2026, as the government expanded visa facilitation and targeted 1.8 million foreign arrivals for the year.
Myanmar tourism arrivals increased during the first six months of 2026, with the country receiving 530,973 international visitors. The figures, released by the Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture, indicate a gradual improvement in inbound tourism activity.
The total exceeded the 500,125 foreign arrivals recorded during the corresponding period of 2025. According to a ministry representative, Thailand, China and South Korea were the leading source markets during the first half of the year.
Myanmar targets 1.8 million foreign visitors
The government has intensified efforts to support the recovery of the tourism industry, which remains an important sector of the national economy. Authorities have set a target of attracting 1.8 million international tourists during 2026.
The annual target is almost double the 973,263 foreign visitors recorded throughout 2025. Myanmar tourism arrivals had already exceeded 448,000 during the first five months of 2026, indicating continued growth ahead of the second half of the year.
Visa measures support regional demand
Myanmar is focusing primarily on neighbouring and regional markets while easing entry requirements for selected nationalities. Visa-on-arrival access is now available to citizens of China, India, Japan and South Korea.
Meanwhile, visa-free entry applies to travellers from Russia and most Southeast Asian countries covered by regional visa exemption arrangements. The measures form part of broader efforts to improve accessibility and encourage additional international travel.
Tourism authorities are also promoting established destinations to rebuild traveller confidence. These include Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake and the Golden Rock Pagoda.
Hotels report improving demand
Despite international travel advisories issued by several Western governments following the events of 2021, industry stakeholders have reported a gradual return of interest. Enquiries have increased from markets including Europe, the United States and India.
Hotels in Yangon have also recorded improving occupancy levels. Demand has been supported mainly by business travel, religious tourism and visits by investors.
However, limited international air connectivity continues to affect the pace of recovery. Myanmar tourism arrivals are also expected to remain considerably below the levels recorded before the pandemic and the period of political instability.
Before those disruptions, Myanmar welcomed approximately 4.7 million international tourists annually. Although officials have expressed measured optimism about current trends, the 2026 target would still represent less than half of the country’s previous peak arrival levels.