What are the current regulations for foreigners crossing the Mae Sot border into Myanmar?

Jan 30, 2023
2 years ago
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Mae Sot border update: I was finally able to get Mae Sot immigration on the phone after trying to contact them unsuccessfully on a direct number for over a week. Finally, I was re-directed to a different number by someone who monitors the Tak immigration Facebook page, with an official answering right away.

The news is both positive and negative, depending on your circumstances.

Firstly, the bad news. Foreigners aren't allowed to cross the border to travel into the interior of Myanmar. Thais aren't allowed to either. Thais are allowed to travel to Myawaddy township only on a day return basis with or without their vehicles.

Foreigners like us are only permitted to cross the bridge for the purposes of a border run. We aren't allowed to visit Myawaddy even for the day, as was previously permitted.

So if anyone happens to be in the area and needs to do a border run (sometimes known as a visa run though strictly speaking that's something different) then that's the only thing permitted. You'll be required to wait in the office while your passport is stamped and then asked to return immediately to Thailand.

It's not known when the security situation improves to the point that foreigners are allowed to visit the town. I find it strange that Thais are allowed but not foreigners, but Myanmar has never been a country that made any sense (though it's a fascinating place), so that's it. Border runs = permitted, depending on your nationality. Visits to Myawaddy and travel into the interior of the country = prohibited at this time.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
As of now, foreigners are only allowed to cross the Mae Sot border for the purpose of a border run and are not permitted to visit Myawaddy or travel into Myanmar's interior. Thai nationals can travel to Myawaddy on a day return basis but face similar travel restrictions for foreigners. The current regulations require foreigners to wait at the immigration office for their passport stamping and return immediately to Thailand. The situation remains uncertain regarding future permissions for visiting Myawaddy.
Mike ********
Would it be possible to drive in my own car over the friendship bridge get stamped out and in etc, do U turn and back into thailand,. I would have my Thai g/f with me and she can drive car also,. Or should I just park it and walk over and back by myself ?
Graham ******
@Mike *******
You can only take a car out of Thailand (and return) if it has a "passport" availabe from your local Dept of Land & Transportation
Eddie *******
How much?

I would like to try mae sai.

Anyone know about a mae sai bounce?

Thanks
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Rumors are it will reopen soon but no firm dates given so far.

US$10 or 500 Baht is the fee for the Burmese stamp.
Incognia **********
So then no need myanmar stamp?If we dont have Cambodia visa in Poipet they dont let us back to Thailand.But this is good news for foreigners.
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes that's right. You'll be allowed to cross the bridge for the passport stamp. You just aren't allowed to travel around the city like you would have been before Covid.
Graham ******
@Stelar ******
Yes you need a Myanmar stamp (in and out) otherwise you lever left Thailand (the OP mentions sitting in the office for the passport stamp).
Wayne ******
Good to info thank you ...that's was my nearest place for exit and entry.
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wayne *****
you're welcome. If you only need to do a border run, then you should be able to do it. You'll have to be satisfied with a walk across the bridge and a 5-minute stay in Myanmar, because no further travel is allowed.
Wayne ******
@Paul ******
that's exactly what I have done for years before it closed . Thanks for your help.
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