How to travel to Myanmar

December 22, 2023 - 752 views

In general, most foreign nationals require an advance visa to enter Myanmar. Citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand (only via the international airports) are permitted to enter without a visa for a period not longer than 14 days.

1. Travel to Myanmar By Air

Yangon International Airport (sometimes call Yangon Mingaladon Airport) is the primary entry point for most travelers, although Mandalay International Airport offers an increasing number of connections. The capital, Naypyidaw, also offers some direct international flights.

Currently, there is a limited number of international flights that connect Myanmar with destinations in Asia like: Bangkok, Chiang Mai (Thailand), Kunming (China), Dhakka (Bangladesh), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), HongKong, Taipei (Taiwan), Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)…

 Travel to Myanmar by Air

Myanmar Airlines Plane

2. Getting to Myanmar through overland

Entering Myanmar over land can be difficult to do, but not impossible. Travelling to Myanmar overland is possible, but generally not advised for those who might be put off by long delays, sudden closures of border crossings to foreigners or changes in paperwork requirements - all of which may involve turning round and making alternative travel arrangements at the last minute. At present it is only possible to travel freely over land between Myanmar and Thailand. The China crossing (at Ruili, Yunnan Province) and the India crossing (at Moreh, Manipur State) both require a permit. Crossing to Bangladesh is not currently permitted for foreigners and Laos has no official border crossing (although one is expected to open in late 2015).

Four Thai/Myanmar border points (including: Mae Sot/Myawaddy; Mae Sai/Tachileik, Phunaron (for Kanchanaburi)/Htee Kee, Ranong/Kawthaung) are now officially open to foreigners for through travel, and Thailand offers visa-free travel for the citizens of many countries; the length of the stay period depends on what country you are from – varying from 14 days to 3 months.

Crossing into Myanmar with your own vehicle (motorhome, car or motorbike) requires special permission and you will have to be accompanied by a guide and sometimes a Ministry of Hotels and Tourism liaison officer. 

Ha Trang

Image sources: Internet.

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