What is the current process for crossing the Mae Sai/Myanmar border for a multi-entry visa?

Mae Sai Border Myanmar Visa Thai Immigration Border Crossing Process COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Chiang Khong Border Golden Triangle Border Crossing Visa Requirements

Mar 4, 2023

2 years ago

Gorgon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Any new info on Mae Sai/Myanmar border??

The last info I read had it that it is a more complicated process than it used to be..in that one also has to collect and pay for transit permissions on Thai side even before exit , then as used to be..enter briefly , pay for Myanmar visa then cross back to thai side.. 

BTW...this is for an already initiated multi entrance visa..and will go to Chiang Khong/Huaixai as I had before if there are complications on Mai Sai route. 

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The border crossing process at Mae Sai to Myanmar is reportedly more complicated now than before. Travelers must collect and pay for transit permissions on the Thai side prior to exit. As of now, Thai immigration verifies eligibility for re-entry before allowing exit. The Myanmar side permits exploration of Tachilek but the option for overnight stays is unclear. Currently, travel to Kengtung is restricted but may resume soon, and COVID documentation remains mandatory until March 21. If issues arise at Mae Sai, travelers may consider the Golden Triangle crossing as an alternative.

Brandon ************

No reports from anyone in this group having actually completed a border bounce here. I haven't heard of a single person from other sources either.

2 years ago

Gorgon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanx

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Gorgon ****

beware that the covid requirements are specifically paper only. No digital proofs allowed. Myanmar will not accept

2 years ago

Gorgon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanx....and will post if there are any changes re Chiang Khong (for my situation , at least). I've only heard about the the COVID stuff (np in my case)..AND the need to get transit papers before Thai exit (ones Thais get to cross) , and for non thais ..supposedly a charge .....used to be my normal exit bounce pre COVID so I think I shall stick with Chiang Khong/Huaixai , since it went smoothly 2 months ago.

2 years ago

Reply to

Gorgon *****

Paul *******

For a quick border bounce, in case Mae Sai proves problematic, why not try the nearby Golden Triangle border crossing? You catch a boat to the Lao side pay for the visa, get your passport stamped in/out then catch a boat back. Only 33km from Mae Sai. Much closer than Chiang Khong

2 years ago

Paul *******

Sob Ruak, the town that's on the Thai side of the Golden Triangle is just as amazing. Great views and some fantastic hotels there too (better than anything you'll find in Chiang Khong actually).

2 years ago

Gorgon *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good suggestion...but having done the Chiang Khong trip last time, and rather like the trip itself (live in Chiang Rai, and hire a car) ..going up one way and come down another (following the River Kok, with many great riverside stops to eat) ..last trip was on a Sunday, and at least that particular time , afforded a very fast and friendly border experience...

Thanks in any case...

2 years ago

Reply to

Gorgon *****

Paul *******

I'm pretty sure the entry process is the same as pre Covid with a couple of caveats:

Firstly, Thai immigration needs to check you're eligible to come back before letting you out.

The Myanmar side will allow you to roam around Tachilek, just like Thais are permitted to do. What is unclear is whether any foreigners, whether Thais or third country nationals, are permitted to stay the night in Tachilek at present.

What is clear is that for now, permission to travel to Chiang Tung aka Kengtung, is not yet granted. Rumors are this will be allowed starting later this month.

Covid documentation is also required for Myanmar at least until March 21.

2 years ago

Reply to

Paul *******

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Is the Mae Sai border to Tachilek currently open for foreigners?

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