Traveling to Myanmar from Thailand
Traveling from Thailand to Myanmar is simple, with several options for crossing the border. Whether you’re planning a short visit, sorting out visa matters, or staying longer, knowing the requirements and travel routes will help you avoid any issues.
In this post, you can learn about the travel options, visa requirements, and everything you need to prepare for traveling to Myanmar.
How to Get to Myanmar from Thailand
With a shared border, Thailand and Myanmar offer multiple convenient travel options, both by air and land.
Flying to Myanmar from Thailand
Flying is the fastest way to travel to Myanmar. Airports in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offer direct flights to cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw. Flights are short, typically taking just over an hour from Bangkok to Yangon.
Budget airlines such as Nok Air and AirAsia provide affordable options, and early booking often means better prices. If time matters most, flying is the way to go.
Traveling to Myanmar from Thailand by Land
Traveling overland offers a budget-friendly and scenic way to enter Myanmar. The Mae Sot–Myawaddy and Mae Sai–Tachilek border crossings are popular choices. You can use buses, trains, or private vehicles to reach these checkpoints.
Border operating hours can vary, so double-check schedules before traveling. Rainy seasons may affect road conditions, so timing your trip well can prevent delays. Preparing all required documents in advance in both paper and digital form will make crossing smoother.
How to Get a Myanmar Tourist Visa
Travelers planning to visit Myanmar may need to arrange a visa based on their nationality. It’s important to review the requirements beforehand and select an application method that suits your plans.
Visa-Free Entry
Some nationalities don’t need a visa to enter Myanmar for a short stay. For example, Thai citizens can visit for up to 14 days without one. When entering under this rule, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Confirm your eligibility before traveling by contacting the Myanmar Embassy or checking official government websites. If you exceed the allowed stay, penalties may apply, so plan your trip carefully.
Myanmar eVisa
With the eVisa, you have an easy way to secure entry into Myanmar. It is valid for 90 days from the date it is issued and lets you stay for up to 28 days per visit. You can complete the application online through Myanmar’s official eVisa platform. After you submit your application, it is processed within a few business days. Once approved, your eVisa will be emailed to you, and you should print a copy to present at the immigration counter.
The steps to apply include:
- Completing the application form online
- Uploading the required documents, such as:
- A passport bio page (valid for at least six months)
- A recent passport-style photograph
- Proof of accommodation
- A confirmed return flight ticket
- Paying the applicable fee, which varies by nationality
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Myanmar allows you to get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) if you are traveling for tourism, business, workshops, or transit. To use this option, you need to meet all the requirements and arrive through one of the approved international airports: Yangon, Mandalay, or Nay Pyi Taw.
If you’re traveling for tourism, the Visa on Arrival is an option at these airports. Key details include:
- Valid for a single entry with a limited stay duration
- Requires a passport with at least six months of validity
- Permits travel only in areas open to foreign visitors; restricted areas need prior approval
Myanmar Visa on Arrival Application Process
To apply for a Visa on Arrival, you need to:
- Complete the application form, available from the airlines or the Myanmar Ministry of Immigration and Population website.
- Submit the form along with your passport and recent photographs at the Visa on Arrival counter upon arrival.
Tourist Visa through Embassies
If you prefer a more traditional method, you can apply for a visa at a Myanmar Embassy or Consulate. This option allows you to stay for 28 days, with the possibility of extensions.
You’ll need:
- A completed application form
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining
- Two passport-sized photos
- Proof of travel plans, such as accommodation details and return tickets
Processing times vary, so apply well in advance of your trip. This method works best if you have specific needs not covered by other visa options.
What to Do Before Traveling to Myanmar from Thailand
Before setting out for Myanmar, preparing your travel documents and making key arrangements can help ensure a smoother experience. This is particularly important if your trip involves visa matters or multiple border crossings.
Prepare Your Documents
Get your paperwork in order before traveling to Myanmar. You’ll need a valid passport, the right visa, and any other supporting documents. Make sure to have both physical and digital copies of important items like your travel itinerary, passport, and visa details. Saving digital copies on your phone or cloud storage gives you a backup in case you lose the originals.
Exchange Currency
It’s helpful to have some Myanmar kyat ready before you arrive for initial expenses like transportation or meals. While currency exchange services are available at airports, checking rates ahead of time can help you get better value. Keeping small denominations on hand is a smart move for local purchases.
Re-Entry Permit for Thailand
If your Thai visa only allows a single entry, you’ll need to apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the country. This ensures your Thai visa remains valid when you return. Permits can be arranged at immigration offices or international airports prior to departure.
Choose the Right Thai Visa
Your Thai visa needs to align with your travel plans, especially if you plan to return to Thailand after visiting Malaysia. If you travel in and out of Thailand often, applying for a long-term multiple-entry visa can make things much easier.
Visas like the DTV Visa Thailand (Destination Thailand Visa), the Thailand Elite Visa, or the LTR Visa Thailand (Long-Term Resident Visa) allow unlimited re-entry during their validity. These options remove the hassle of re-entry permits or repeated applications, saving you time and effort. With one of these visas, you can focus on your trips without worrying about your visa status or travel interruptions.
Seek Professional Guidance for Your Travel Plans
If your trip to Myanmar involves visa processing or arrangements for returning to Thailand, Siam Legal’s professional assistance can simplify the process. Consulting our experts will help save time and prevent setbacks by ensuring all your documents are in order.
Our staff can assist with tasks like preparing required paperwork, submitting applications on your behalf, and offering advice tailored to your travel needs. Their expertise can be particularly helpful for handling complex visa requirements or planning for multiple border crossings.
With the right support, you can focus on enjoying your travels while avoiding unnecessary delays or complications. Contact Siam Legal today.
Category: Travel
