Can foreigners currently cross into Myanmar from Thailand and how long can they stay?

May 2, 2023
2 years ago
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Myanmar land entry - can someone who's been to Ranong, Mae Sot or Kanchanaburi recently provide some insight into whether farang (or basically any foreigner that isn't a Thai citizen) can cross into Myanmar and spend the day or stay overnight? We already know that Mae Sai/Tachilek is open for stays of up to 2 weeks on the Burmese side and there has been a trip report on that already here, so need to mention that border.

I'm interested in traveling to Myanmar, in particular, using the Mae Sot/Myawaddy crossing that I'm very familiar with or Ranong/Kawthoung due to the many nice islands in the area.

However, there is simply no up to date information available, even from official Thai immigration sources, about the rules for foreigners crossing into Myanmar. If you call them (as I have) you'll be given conflicting information or some outdated entry rules for Thailand. Of course, we can't necessarily expect Thai immigration to know Burmese immigration rules, but calling Burmese immigration isn't likely to be successful.

I know border bounces are permitted at Mae Sot and while it seems that 99% of people in this forum have zero interest in spending even a minute longer than necessary outside of Thailand (hence don't care about anything other than being allowed to get a stamp to come straight back), I am actually interested in travel and don't need to do border bounces. I realize that the region outside of Myawaddy is dangerous and don't expect to be allowed to leave the city, but would have expected foreigners be allowed the same privileges as Thais in this regard, which is to be permitted to roam around the town during the bridge opening hours.

Anyone been to a Thai-Myanmar border crossing and knows the current situation? Would appreciate any updates. Doesn't matter if you didn't actually cross over or only did a border bounce. It's what immigration told you that matters.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the ability of foreign nationals to cross from Thailand into Myanmar using border points such as Mae Sot/Myawaddy and Ranong/Kawthoung. Recent reports indicate that foreigners can stay in Kawthoung for up to two weeks, provided they remain within a 20km radius unless they obtain a visa for further travel. There are updates on the acceptance of e-visas at certain border checkpoints, though onward travel from Kawthoung may be limited due to ongoing conflicts in the region.
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just checked the e-visa website, which has finally been updated. They now officially allow entry with an e-visa (or embassy issued visa for that matter) via Tachilek and Kawthoung land border checkpoints again.

I suspect however that onward travel from Kawthoung is restricted and you may have to fly. As usual, travel from Tachilek is restricted to Kengtung from where you'd have to fly to reach the interior of the country.

******************************************
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sascha *********
Probably means you have to go by boat from Kawthoung to reach the archipelago (most of which, despite the name is closer to Kawthoung than Myeik/Mergui) and for onward travel north, it does sound like you need to fly.
Sascha **********
@Paul ******
I was told you can reach the Mergui archipelago from Kawthaung but there’s also fighting ongoing about 60km from Kawthaung so caution is advised
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Appreciate the replies! Great to know visas are being recognized for land based entry too, though I do wonder whether it is actually possible to travel overland or if you need to fly from Kawthoung to Dawei or Yangon to continue your overland travels.
Richard *********
Up to 2 weeks in Kwathong, ( Ranong) but limited to less than 20 kms from town without visa, ($10 pass)

enough to see an do for 2 full days
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ********
Yep, I'd probably just spend 2 days in Kawthoung. Do you know whether it's possible to travel overland with a visa from Kawthoung given the present security situation? I have a Burmese friend further north living in a town just north of Myeik, which is along the main highway and he tells me there are plenty of checkpoints set up. He isn't able to tell me whether foreigners can pass but doesn't recommend it.
Bonnie *******
I thought I saw another post about this. Something about being able to stay in the area
Sascha **********
I did a border bounce from Ranong last Sunday. The immigration officer on the Burmese side told me I could spend up to two weeks in Kawthaung, but I had to stay within a 20km radius of the town. If I wanted to travel further into the country (including the nearby islands) I would need a visa (to be obtained online or at a consulate), but it is possible
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sascha *********
Covid documentation still required?
Sascha **********
@Paul ******
they didn’t ask for it, but I think officially you still need to be vaccinated (not 100% sure though)
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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