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Is the Kawthoung - Ranong border crossing now open for foreigners with passports?
Kawthoung border crossingRanong border crossingMyanmar border regulationsInternational travelCOVID-19 travel requirementsThai-Myanmar immigrationPhu Nam Ron border crossing
Mar 15, 2023
3 years ago
Stuart *********
ORIGINAL POSTERPress reports seem to indicate that the Kawthoung (Myanmar) - Ranong border crossing is now open for foreigners using passports.
For a while it’s been open for those holding temporary border passes but not for those using passports.
The Andaman Club crossing remains closed.
If anyone is up that way and would care to confirm that would be appreciated.
For a while it’s been open for those holding temporary border passes but not for those using passports.
The Andaman Club crossing remains closed.
If anyone is up that way and would care to confirm that would be appreciated.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Recent reports confirm that the Kawthoung (Myanmar) - Ranong border crossing is now open for foreigners traveling with passports. Previously, it was only accessible to those holding temporary border passes. A user also confirmed that vaccination proof is required or alternatively, visitors can pay for a COVID-19 test at the crossing. There are inquiries regarding whether entry to Myanmar is permitted if one holds a Burmese visa.
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Jordan *********
I did the crossing yesterday, it’s open as it was before. You need to have proof of vaccination or pay 200 baht for a covid test which you do on the crossing
Sascha **********
@Jordan ********
hi Jordan, I sent you a PM with some questions, it’s probably in your message request folder. I’d be grateful if you would have a look 🙏🏼🙏🏼Paul *******
I'm sure you can show proof of a Covid test, not do it at the time of crossing.
Anyway, does this mean you can enter Myanmar via Kawthoung if you hold a Burmese visa?
Anyway, does this mean you can enter Myanmar via Kawthoung if you hold a Burmese visa?
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Vernon *********
The press report also mentions Myanmar has given permission for the Phu Nam Ron border crossing to open. Does anybody have any news regarding this?
Nigel *********
A Liveaboard entered Myanmar through Ranong a week and a half ago. Toured the Mergui Archipelago and returned. All guests were Thai or Malaysian though.
Paul *******
If there were Malaysians that means 3rd country foreigners are permitted across.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Richard *********
open for entry to Burma OR only stamp in and out?
Paul *******
@Stuart ********
the majority of westerners and to some extent, other nationalities especially Laotians, Cambodians and Vietnamese who use the Burmese borders are there to do an in/out (except at Mae Sot, where Vietnamese aren't allowed to do this without a Burmese visa).Paul *******
@Richard ********
yes correct. However, over the years there have been some tweaks in the rules. I remember the last few years before Covid, the border pass was extended to 14 days and it also included several islands such as Bruer and Nyaung Oo Phee.Paul *******
@Stuart ********
Of course it was. It's one of the 4 Thai-Myanmar international crossings and a well known entry point into the country. Mostly used by border bouncers who might sometimes spend a night or two in Kawthoung and those wishing to visit the islands off the tip of Southern Myanmar.Richard *********
@Paul ******
also an airport there for travel northBEFORE if u did not posses a visa for Burma u were allowed up to 48 hours but restricted to no more than 10 or so kms inside Burma<if you paid the $10 fee
But if you had a visa, ( as i did the one time i used this border to enter Burma ) ur allowed to go wherever you desire
Stuart *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
Used it numerous times over the years. Never seen a single person not doing a bounce. Hence I wasn’t sure. I do recall a sign in the immigration office over there showing that you were only allowed x number of KM from the entry point. Can’t recall what x was.Paul *******
Pre-Covid, any Burmese land border that permitted entry to foreigners (since August 28, 2013 there have been only 4 official ones: 1) Mae Sai-Tachilek 2) Mae Sot-Myawaddy 3) Phu Nam Ron-Htee Khee and 4) Ranong-Kawthoung Operated on a dual system.
This meant that without a visa obtained in advance, you were subjected to the local rules applying to that border crossing, which were different for each one.
Tachilek was the most generous, with its 14 day border pass allowing travel to Kengtung and sometimes even the Chinese border town of Mengla (sin city).
The most restrictive was Myawaddy, which only allowed a one day pass for travel up to the trade zone, 12km from the border. Thais were later granted weekly passes, but not sure whether this was only for residents of Mae Sot or Tak. General Thai citizens were only being granted day passes and in any case, vehicles could only ever be brought across for the day.
Phu Nam Ron-Htee Khee apparently allowed Thailand based expats to buy a 14 day pass on arrival permitting travel as far as Dawei, but not sure if anyone has ever made use of this.
None of the border crossings forced you to come straight back to Thailand after getting a stamp. Most border bouncers did this, because they weren't interested in exploring Myanmar or even stopping for a cup of tea on the other side, but the fact is, you always could.
Currently, due to the precarious security situation, this is reality at Myawaddy. They won't let you enter the town. Its border bounce only. Once Phu Nam Ron reopens it might be the same.
This meant that without a visa obtained in advance, you were subjected to the local rules applying to that border crossing, which were different for each one.
Tachilek was the most generous, with its 14 day border pass allowing travel to Kengtung and sometimes even the Chinese border town of Mengla (sin city).
The most restrictive was Myawaddy, which only allowed a one day pass for travel up to the trade zone, 12km from the border. Thais were later granted weekly passes, but not sure whether this was only for residents of Mae Sot or Tak. General Thai citizens were only being granted day passes and in any case, vehicles could only ever be brought across for the day.
Phu Nam Ron-Htee Khee apparently allowed Thailand based expats to buy a 14 day pass on arrival permitting travel as far as Dawei, but not sure if anyone has ever made use of this.
None of the border crossings forced you to come straight back to Thailand after getting a stamp. Most border bouncers did this, because they weren't interested in exploring Myanmar or even stopping for a cup of tea on the other side, but the fact is, you always could.
Currently, due to the precarious security situation, this is reality at Myawaddy. They won't let you enter the town. Its border bounce only. Once Phu Nam Ron reopens it might be the same.
Paul *******
@Stuart ********
24 miles was the limit that i recall, but with a visa this doesn't apply. I'm not sure whether any of the Burmese land borders are now allowing entry with a visa again, which was the case pre Covid. All I know is that Mae Sai-Tachilek allows travel to Kengtung on a border pass (obtainable on arrival) and requires a guide (both for Thais and 3rd country foreigners like most of us).
The other border crossings currently allow only a bounce or maybe, limited travel from the border.
Since they're asking for Covid documentation (whereas Myawaddy is not) I assume that spending the night on the Burmese side is now permitted at Kawthoung but you can't travel too far from the city. I can't imagine them asking for Covid documentation on the Burmese side just for a bounce, which is why Myawaddy isn't, because you can't enter the city there, only do a bounce (even though if you were permitted it would be day return only, same as what Thais are allowed).
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
I've been told it's only stamp in/out but best to show up, be flexible and ask. Don't make any accommodation bookings in advance.
Stuart *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Richard ********
I don’t believe that cross point was ever a place you could enter Myanmar from (except doing a bounce back to Thailand). Could be wrong.Richard *********
@Stuart ********
sure it was<did it once heading into Burma and once coming outStuart *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Richard ********
Oh ok. Only ever known it as the closest bounce point to Phuket.Reply to
Stuart *********
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