The Passport Office of Myanmar announced on August 28 that the cost of a Myanmar passport will be increased from 40,000 kyats to 45,000 kyats, effective September 1.
Previously, the fee had been raised from 35,000 kyats to 40,000 kyats for both new passport applications and renewals.
Along with the latest increase, the office also stated that online appointment bookings can be made several days in advance.
However, brokers who act as intermediaries in the application process are being prioritised over individual applicants, according to people familiar with the situation.
They warned that the higher fee could open the way for brokers to raise their service charges further.
Currently, broker fees vary widely, ranging from around 150,000 kyats upward, depending on the broker and the type of passport requested.
“Most people go through brokers. One broker charges 120,000 kyats, another asks for 150,000 kyats. Additionally, there are PV or PJ fees and other taxes, depending on the destination country. Since the government fee is only 40,000, even if it rises by 5,000 kyats, it’s not really an issue—the concern is that brokers may increase their charges further,” a passport service provider in Mudon Township said.
Although an online booking system was introduced in 2024 to reduce overcharging by brokers, many still submit applications, upload documents, and make bookings on behalf of applicants.
Applicants continue to rely on brokers because they help bypass unnecessary checks by passport office officials, save time, and can easily correct mistakes in the process, the Mudon-based provider said.
“Just to upload the OR code, it costs around 60,000 kyats. No matter how much you pay, you need a passport to travel abroad. Brokers make the process easier, and if something goes wrong, they know how to fix it,” he added.
Passport applications must be made through the online appointment system, and applicants can pay the 45,000-kyat fee for new passports or renewals through various online payment methods.
Since the military coup, demand for passports in Mawlamyine has surged, leading to long queues outside the office. Despite this, only about 130 applicants are processed each day.
