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What is the current status of Myanmar border crossings for foreigners from Thailand?
Myanmar borderThai visa rulesforeigner entryMae Sot borderCovid-19 entry requirementsPhu Nam Ron bordervisa runsimmigration updates
Jan 12, 2023
3 years ago
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJust heard literally from the horses mouth( immigration officer) that Myanmar borders are open again,.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Recent discussions indicate that Myanmar's borders, particularly the Mae Sot-Myawaddy crossing, have reopened, but primarily for Thai and Myanmar citizens. The exact rules for foreign nationals remain unclear, with a possibility of day trips being permitted but restrictions likely in place for longer stays or visa runs. Concerns about safety and specific entry requirements, including potential Covid documentation, are also prevalent in the community discussions.
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Frank **********
I wouldn't even go there, too much civil unrest.
Paul *******
The Burmese authorities will only let you go where they consider it to be safe anyway. For now the border is only open for day trips to Myawaddy.
Reply to
Paul *******
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Paul *******
I can now confirm that Mae Sot is only open for day return trips to Myawaddy. Still no clear cut information on whether foreign nationals can cross to explore Myawaddy or do a border run. I hope I'll find out this week.
Myo **********
Mae Sot border opens today but better not to enter as a foreigner. There are several fights near by.
Paul *******
Yes many illegal Chinese border crossers were arrested and sent back to China during the border closure. The problem was particularly acute during the first couple of months of the closures in 2020, then started to die down as things became more quiet. Now I'd imagine things are heating up again with even the Chinese border reopening.
Anyway, I have the feeling that Myanmar immigration, if foreigners are allowed across (MCOT says "tourists" are allowed to cross between Thailand and Myanmar but doesn't specify whether third country foreigners are eligible) will likely only permit day return travel within Myawaddy township.
This is the way it used to be before 2013, when overland access to Yangon was prohibited.
Anyway, I have the feeling that Myanmar immigration, if foreigners are allowed across (MCOT says "tourists" are allowed to cross between Thailand and Myanmar but doesn't specify whether third country foreigners are eligible) will likely only permit day return travel within Myawaddy township.
This is the way it used to be before 2013, when overland access to Yangon was prohibited.
Myo **********
@Paul ******
Mae Sot - Myawaddy is mainly used for border trade and other things like returning home for us than other borders because of smooth and easy to reach the mainland. Also there might be some unknown reason for opening. The rumors I heard is some political parts concerned. That's why it is opened even though unsafe.Paul *******
@Myo *********
Before Covid and the coup, Mae Sot-Myawaddy was the main border crossing for overland travel between Thailand and Myanmar. It was very popular not just with visa runners, but also backpackers and western/Japanese/Korean tourists. It also became popular with Chinese "businessmen" operating out of Shwe Koko, just to the north of town, but only since late 2018 or so. Prior to that, you hardly saw any Chinese in the area.Myo **********
@Paul ******
That's true. It is now full of Chinese in and out because of Shwe Kohko even the time of the border closed. Myawaddy is OK for the border bounce if it is allowed. It is dangerous to out from Myawaddy for now. For tourism purposes and visit, it is safe by air only and the foreigners are already allowed.Reply to
Myo **********
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Paul *******
Well the better question is, are foreigners allowed to cross yet? Are they checking Covid documents? Are they allowing visa holders to cross or only day return trips? Do you know?
Myo **********
@Paul ******
These are still unknown. We don't even know the border would be opened today. They just open as they want without any announcement.As far as I know we are now passing the border with temporary border pass that allow to stay in Mae Sot up to 7 days. Maybe it is opened for border trade and for us to return home. I think it is not for tourism and border bounce because it is still not safe around Myawaddy and they may not let the foreigners to enter.
Paul *******
@Myo *********
They have been talking about reopening for about a month now, so I've been aware of it since this time last month. However, it was only confirmed around 6 days that it would open today.If you can find out whether foreigners can pass (I suspect it's only permitted for day trips to Myawaddy and not outside of town) that would be much appreciated.
Myo **********
@Paul ******
They have been discussing to open for several times and prepared to open several times too. But the opening never happed. That's why the opening was mystery this time too. Only confirm whe we see it is open. 😅OK, I will find out for the entering of the foreigners and will update again here.
Paul *******
@Myo *********
Yes, I remember that. The first few times the reopening was disrupted by bomb blasts right next to the bridge. It was only last month that they became serious about it due to the "deep cleaning" that occurred on both sides on December 22, but I figured it could still take some weeks to months before the border actually reopened.Surprised to find this border being the first one to reopen when the others (such as Phu Nam Ron/Htee Khee, Ranong/Kawthoung and Mae Sai/Tachilek) are considered to be "safer", especially Kawthoung, yet they're not open yet. Ranong does allow Thais to visit one or two islands on the Burmese side but not yet foreigners (for some reason) even though that area is considered safe.
Reply to
Paul *******
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Frank **********
Make sure your life insurance policy is up to date.
Leon ********
Fake news
Myo **********
@Leon *******
Not fake. Mae Sot border opens today. I have no idea about foreigners to enter.Reply to
Myo **********
Reply
Paul *******
@Steve *******
well that's a very useful commentSteve ********
@Paul ******
It's the horse's mouth.Robert ************
@Steve *******
Yup, and info. from OP about as valuable. lol. 😂Paul *******
@Robert ***********
Yep. He gave no information on what province this immigration office is in, whether foreigners are allowed to enter Myanmar by land (through Mae Sot, since the others remain closed), whether Covid documents or insurance is required or whether one can travel beyond the border town.Reply to
Paul *******
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Vernon *********
I need to know if Phu Nam Ron border crossing near Kanchanaburi is open for visa runs.
Vernon *********
@Paul ******
If your ever near Nongkhaem your welcome to visit my Thai wife and I. We just moved back to Bangkok last year since selling our Thai takeaway in Southampton, UK.Paul *******
Yes
Vernon *********
Do we need Cambodian visa to enter Cambodia?
Paul *******
@Vernon ********
Yes, but you can buy it at the border. It is not essential to get it in advance. An e-visa is also available, but this can only be used at airports, Bavet (main border crossing with Vietnam), Poipet and Koh Kong (both with Thailand).It saves you a page in your passport but does cost US$6 more than the visa on arrival.
Do be aware most immigration officers selling you a visa on arrival will try to charge you more than US$30. Politely but firmly insist it should be US$30 and don't pay more. Usually, they'll give in quite quickly.
Vernon *********
@Paul ******
So if the borders open to Myanmar do we need a visa to visit Myanmar?Paul *******
@Vernon ********
For a day trip, no. You do need to purchase a "day pass" or "2 week pass", either in THB or USD though. Each border has different rules but the price is generally always 500 Baht or USD 10.Technically (pre-Covid, when the border was open), expats have been permitted to travel to Dawei, on the Andaman coast without a visa if using the Phu Nam Ron crossing for a stay not exceeding 2 weeks upon payment of a 500 Baht or USD 10 fee. Very few took advantage of this, as most arrived with a visa, which would allow you to travel around the country (except for restricted areas).
The Mae Sai/Tachilek border also allows visa-free visits for up to 14 days as far north as Kengtung, 160km north or occasionally even the Chinese border town of Mongla, 68km further on. However, Tachilek immigration retains your passport and you'd be required to come back the same way.
The Ranong/Kawthoung border allowed a 14 day stay, whereby you could visit several of the nearby islands in addition to Kawthoung and surrounding areas.
Mae Sot/Myawaddy only ever allowed a one day stay. For overnight stays, a visa or e-visa would be required.
E-visas, valid for entry at 3 out of the 4 checkpoints and exits at any of the 4, was an alternative to getting an embassy issued visa.
Vernon *********
@Paul ******
A minefield of information, cheers Paul.Paul *******
@Vernon ********
Thanks for your praise though. I try to stay on top of things.Vernon *********
@Paul ******
Do you live in Thailand with your Thai wife?Paul *******
@Vernon ********
Haha! Well, that's because Myanmar makes things complicated.Did you know that those with cars can only travel to Myawaddy, across the border from Mae Sot for 1 day? Even Thais with 7-day border passes can't use their vehicles on the Myanmar side if they intend to stay overnight there. Such permission is granted only during the day. Why? I don't know. It's another bizarre quirk of what is a fascinating, though strange and now very dangerous country.
Reply to
Paul *******
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Vernon *********
Looks like if Phu Nam Ron does not open before April I will just go to the Chaengwattana Immigration office as will work out cheaper.
Paul *******
@Vernon ********
Or, if you can get a one year extension just by crossing a border, Cambodia. Aranyaprathet-Poipet, or Ban Laem or Pong Nam Ron. The latter two are pretty close to one another, doesn't matter which one you choose.Reply to
Paul *******
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Vernon *********
Hi Paul, my wife phoned Kanchanaburi Immigration on Friday and they said Phu Nam Ron is not open for Foreigners yet. I used Poipet once in 2007, I caught the train from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet. I obtained a Cambodian visa from the embassy in Bangkok, I spent 3 days in a hotel in Poipet then came back no problems, I had a multiple entry 3 month non O visa. Do you think I could use Poipet again just to do a border bounce straight in and out?
Paul *******
@Vernon ********
Just for a border bounce, Ban Laem or Pong Nam Ron (Ban Pakkard) are fine as well. It's not necessary, especially in your case, to spend a night or two in Cambodia though if it were me, I would. One time in 2014, I did a day trip to Ban Laem from Bangkok for a border run. This was at a time I didn't have a visa and they only gave 15 day stamps at the land borders. I knew I could only get 4 of these per year at the time (since then, it's reduced down to 2 a year but you get 30 or now temporarily, 45 days) and a month later, went to Vientiane for a double entry tourist visa. This was before I got married by the way.
Anyway, I spent several hours checking out Pailin with a local guide and re-entered Thailand later that day without any issue.
With an OA visa I think you should be fine, but breaking up the journey by spending a night or two in Pailin may well be less stressful.
Vernon *********
@Paul ******
In *******
I had a multiple non O visa, my wife knew an immigration officer and he used to send my passport to Padang Besar to be stamped every 3 months. This cost me a bottle of whisky every time! What about catching the train to Padang Besar and doing a quick border bounce?Paul *******
@Vernon ********
On your visa it's fine to do that (also would have been fine on a non-O multi as well).Keep in mind the recent train track bombings along the Hat Yai-Padang Besar line last month and the recent sabotage (totalling 3 incidents in just one month) means that it's uncertain whether trains can travel beyond Hat Yai to Padang Besar.
I recently drove down to Kuala Lumpur via Sadao (returning via another border crossing) and everything went fine but it was a long trip!
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
@Vernon ********
OK. Yep, no surprises about Kanchanaburi not yet being open. Note that it's not yet open to normal Thai and Burmese travelers either, only for traders. I can now confirm Mae Sot is only open to day trippers but so far no word on whether foreigners can cross. I will call Mae Sot immigration in a few days to confirm, if I don't find out before that.As for Poipet - I'd recommend against it. Or put another way, exiting Thailand at Aranyaprathet then re-entering at another checkpoint after being away for say 3 days is fine. Aranyaprathet immigration is the one checkpoint to avoid upon returning unless you hold the same multiple entry 12 month non-O with a 3 month stay limitation on each entry, in which case it should be fine and the same for an OA visa. However, there are better borders to use and Poipet isn't a place I'd want to spend 3 days in - better to spend those 3 days in Siem Reap. Just don't come back through there with no visa.
You're better off heading to Pong Nam Ron or Ban Laem in Chanthaburi province and spending a couple of days in nearby Pailin, Cambodia then returning. It's not really much further from where you live compared with Aran/Poipet. This is assuming you're not interested in traveling all the way to Siem Reap.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
@Vernon ********
I have seen this number listed: 063 201 6624.Paul *******
@Vernon ********
I think so. Let me check and I'll get back to you.Paul *******
@Vernon ********
quite possibly. I suggest you ask them. I will call Mae Sot immigration next week to ascertain whether foreigners can cross yet if I don't receive any clarity by then. I might also call Kanchanaburi immigration myself in a month or two, to check on the latest if no news by then.Vernon *********
@Paul ******
Does the Immigration office at Phu Nam Ron have a direct phone number?Reply to
Vernon *********
Reply
Paul *******
@Vernon ********
oh wow! It's ridiculous they would have different closing times for Thais and foreigners. Those days are long gone though, now whatever the closing time is, applies to everyone. At Mae Sot, I'd often be the last person of any nationality crossing back at 820 or 825pm, just before the border closes at 830pm.As for Mae Sai/Tachilek, they initially extended the closing time to 6pm Thai time years ago (already 22 years ago, which was the first time I went across) to 9pm Thai time back around 2016. I expect that the border opening and closing times will be the same as pre-Covid, once these Burmese border crossings reopen.
The Phu Nam Ron crossing closes quite early, at 6pm Thai time. In the future, it's likely to be extended until 10pm but no word on that yet.
Vernon *********
@Paul ******
Will the Thai Immigration office in Kanchanaburi be able to give more details on this border opening?Reply to
Vernon *********
Reply
Vernon *********
I crossed the border at Mai Sai twice in 1994 in a minibus and we had a look around Tachileik, I was with my Thai wife and her family they purchased lots of silk. When we crossed back into to Thailand it was 4.30pm which was fine for Thai people but we missed the sign saying foreigners must cross before 4pm! Immigration would not give me my passport back unless I paid a fine, when I said I would want a receipt he just handed my passport to me.
Paul *******
While i would personally recommend you to head down to Dawei and spend say 2 or 3 nights checking out the beaches (which are some of the most amazing in all of SE Asia) if you didn't want to brave the rough road (though it's only a 4 hour drive to Dawei from the border) you could take a look around the dusty township of Htee Khee, but you'd quickly get bored. We're talking about a collection of tin roofed shacks selling trinkets, cheap alcohol and fake cigarettes. 45 minutes is plenty of time. There are now also at least 2 casinos in town too but they're quite dodgy.
You'd have much more fun exploring the temples of Myawaddy, Kawthoung or Tachilek if you ever went to one of those, though they're obviously all much further away from where you reside.
You'd have much more fun exploring the temples of Myawaddy, Kawthoung or Tachilek if you ever went to one of those, though they're obviously all much further away from where you reside.
Vernon *********
Thanks again Paul. I have sent an email to xploreasia.org who are based in Hua Hin, they used to organise visa runs from Hua Hin to Phu Nam Ron. I asked them if they have any details on the border opening.
Paul *******
@Vernon ********
in terms of the Phu Nam Ron border, I've only ever used it as a proper entry/exit point..so if I went that way, I'd go all over the country through there. To Dawei initially then north. In fact, my most recent trip to Myanmar in February 2020 took place this way. I spent a week in the country, entering and exiting at Phu Nam Ron.I have never used the 900 Baht border run option there.
I have done so at Mae Sai, Ranong and Mae Sot though. In such cases, I'd always spend a few hours going around town even if I had been there before. Out of these, Kawthoung is the only one I've only been to once. I've been to Myawaddy about 50 times and Tachileik maybe 5 times.
Vernon *********
@Paul ******
yes, that's what I meant, another years health insurance. When you went in the past did you go straight in and back out again or did you spend a few hours in Myanmar?Paul *******
@Vernon ********
passport only. Medical insurance only required for arrivals from India and China.Steve *******
@Paul ******
For another year using the OA visa he'll need health insuarance as well.Paul *******
@Steve ******
Aha yes. That's a separate matter to the Covid insurance, which isn't necessary in his case.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Vernon *********
@Paul ******
Do I just need to take my passport and medical insurance documents?Vernon *********
@Paul ******
I am using my first year of OA VISA, my visa ends on 8th April 2023. I live in Nongkhaem not far from Salaya train station, so easy to get to Kanchanaburi. Praying I can go to Myanmar before 8th April. Thanks for new info.Paul *******
It's not to the best of my knowledge. Ranong is open to Thais and Burmese only and reportedly only for travel to some islands off the coast not Kawthoung. So far we don't even know if Mae Sot is allowing foreigners across. Hopefully this will be clarified soon.
Vernon *********
@Paul ******
Thanks PaulPaul *******
@Vernon ********
For what it's worth, Phu Nam Ron is my favorite border crossing, mainly because of its scenic beauty and the adventure you'll have on the next 100km of unpaved road heading towards Dawei. The previous 4km of "no man's land" was an annoyance but whenever the border does reopen, note that the customs and immigration facilities have moved to the actual border, inside a new building just 150m from the borderline thus reducing the no man's land to just this short distance. These new buildings were already finished as far back as February 2020 when I was last there and had been slated to open in August 2020 were it not for Covid.
Now it's been nearly 3 years so, whenever Phu Nam Ron does reopen (very likely within the next 2-3 months) you will find yourself heading to this new building.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
Only the Mae Sot border is open again but we don't know whether foreigners can use it yet.
Even if we can, it's likely to be ONLY for visa runs and day trips, not if you hold a Burmese visa.
No word on Covid entry requirements for Myanmar, but likely waived for day trippers.
Even if we can, it's likely to be ONLY for visa runs and day trips, not if you hold a Burmese visa.
No word on Covid entry requirements for Myanmar, but likely waived for day trippers.
Paul *******
I know, it's weird. However, I suspect it's only day return travel in Myawaddy and its immediate surroundings that will be permitted. Last month there was fighting near Kawkareik, which is along the main highway heading towards Yangon. Wasn't the first time either. Can't see the Burmese government allowing foreigners to pass through that area anytime soon.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Brandon ************
Depends on what they mean.
The borders are open and have been open for Thais and Myanmar citizens. But they've been closed for foreigners for years. I'd be very surprised if they are reopened and wouldn't count on it.
The borders are open and have been open for Thais and Myanmar citizens. But they've been closed for foreigners for years. I'd be very surprised if they are reopened and wouldn't count on it.
Claus **************
Relly wow
Reply to
Claus **************
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