Unanswered3 years ago

Can foreigners visit Myawaddy from Mae Sot now?

Mae Sot Myawaddy border crossing Burmese immigration foreigners policies Thailand

Paul *******

asked May 4, 2023

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Mae Sot-Myawaddy border crossing: a Burmese colleague has spoken with immigration, who is adamant foreigners can now spend the day in Myawaddy on the same terms as Thais. 

It's day return only, no overnight stays allowed. So for border bouncers, you now have the option to walk around town just as long as you deposit your passport with immigration, as per the usual system that existed pre-Covid.

For now, no travel outside Myawaddy is permitted nor are you able to travel to Myawaddy from the interior of Myanmar. Visas aren't recognized for entry. 

The bridge opening hours are shorter than previously: 6am-6pm Thai time, instead of 5am-8pm. 

To be confirmed, when I visit Mae Sot soon, so I'll update here.

Summary so far

Currently, foreigners can visit Myawaddy for a day trip from Mae Sot, but must deposit their passports with immigration and are not allowed overnight stays. Travel restrictions from other parts of Myanmar to Myawaddy are in place, and there is uncertainty about how long these conditions will last.

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Paul *******

As per my other post - foreigners not allowed to cross into Myawaddy at present. We were allowed to, for the first 3 months following the border reopening in January. Unfortunately, not anymore. No idea how long the blockade will last. Could be over in a month or it might last for the rest of the year. Is anyone's guess.

3 years ago

Arthur ********

It's like walking round a waste/scrap recycling dump.

3 years ago

Paul *******

@Arthur *******

I've been more than 50 times. Agree, staff is fantastic, though it wasn't always so. Back around 2013 or so, there were some gruffy officials stationed there but they're gone now.

Yes, Myawaddy is a grimy place. Nothing special. When the border and access to the rest of the country is open, it's best to head straight for Mawlamyine or Hpa-an. With the road upgrades now completed since 2021 (though not long ago, there was a report of a bombed out bridge) it only takes 2 hours to reach Hpa-an from Myawaddy and maybe 2h15m to reach Mawlamyine.

3 years ago

Paul *******

@Arthur *******

You mean Myawaddy? If so, yeah, it's hardly the cleanest city.

3 years ago

Arthur ********

@Paul ******

only did it once, over five years ago now. Very friendly staff on the border but a useless place, all I remember is piles of rubbish everywhere.

3 years ago