What is the current status of Myanmar border crossings for foreigners from Thailand?

@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.

@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.

@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.

@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.

@Steve *******

Yup, and info. from OP about as valuable. lol. 😂

@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.

@Paul ******

So if the borders open to Myanmar do we need a visa to visit Myanmar?

@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.

@Paul ******

A minefield of information, cheers Paul.

@Vernon ********

Thanks for your praise though. I try to stay on top of things.

@Paul ******

Do you live in Thailand with your Thai wife?

@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.

@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?

@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!

@Steve ******

Aha yes. That's a separate matter to the Covid insurance, which isn't necessary in his case.

@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.