Visa-free Travel To Myanmar For Thailand

Thai government spokesman, Teerat Ratanasevi, says Thailand and Myanmar will sign an agreement on visa exemption between the two countries, this December,which will give citizens of the two countries a 14-day visa-free stay.

Mr Teerarat said the Cabinet on Tuesday approved the draft agreement on the visa exemption.

“The draft will now be presented to the premiers of the two countries to sign when Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra visits Myanmar this December.”

The Thai PM will visit Myanmar, 11 and 12 December, to participate in the SEA Games opening ceremony.

He added: “The draft agreement was submitted to the Cabinet for approval in line with Article 190 of the Constitution, but does not have to be approved by Parliament.”

Under ASEAN membership rules all 10 countries are supposed to allow visa-free travel for the group’s citizens. Myanmar is the last of the member countries to comply with the rule.

However, ASEAN rules are based on voluntary participation and in the case of visa-free travel, bilateral agreements need to be ratified first that comply with national immigration laws.

Once the bilateral accord is signed the visa exemption will apply to departures and arrivals at 23 airports in Thailand.

The airports are: Suvarnabhumi; Don Mueang; Chiang Mai; Chiang Rai; Hat Yai; Phuket; Nan; Phitsanulok; Mae Sot; Mae Hong Son; Khon Kaen; Nakhon Ratchasima; Udon Thani; Ubon Ratchathani; Krabi; Trang; Narathiwat; Ranong; Surat Thani; Hua Hin; Samui; Sukhothai; and U-tapao.

Airports in Myanmar have yet to be identified.

However, the two countries reserve the right to deny entry to certain citizens, or reduce their stay without having to inform them of the reasons, he said.

The spokesman cited that the agreement could also be suspended for security and public health reasons by informing the other country at least 15 days in advance. It can be annulled by either country through a notice presented through diplomatic channels at least 60 days in advance.

Earlier this month, Myanmar’s Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh signed a bilateral agreement in New York to allow Vietnamese travellers, the first in ASEAN, to gain visa-free entry to Myanmar.

Visa-free travel between the two countries applied 26 October this year.

According to the visa exemption pact between Vietnam and Myanmar, citizens need to have passports valid for a minimum of six months, and their stay must not exceed 14 days, without any facility to extend.

Myanmar authorities have also granted pre-arranged visa-on-arrival for visitors from 48 countries. It requires pre-approval from authorities. Once the traveller has confirmation that the visa on arrival has been approved they take a flight to Yangon and have the visa stamped into their passport on arrival.

The visa-free entry between Thailand and Myanmar will be limited to airline travel only, which excludes travellers who might want to travel over the border at Mae Sai in Chiang Rai province and then fly from Tachilek airport to Yangon, Mandalay or Bagan. They will still need a visa to pass through the overland checkpoint.

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Easy Visa To Myanmar

Burma

From Threeland Travel's Blog - August 2012

Visa has taken its first steps towards entry into Myanmar (previously known as Burma) with a series of training workshops to prepare selected local banks for the introduction of electronic payments as the country continues its economic and social reforms.

The workshops are aimed at upgrading the banking facilities to accept and issue international payment cards and establishing a pillar for economic growth.

As Visa steps up its engagement, the first priority for Myanmar will be preparing for the influx of international visitors resulting from the relaxation of international sanctions. With Yangon’s hotels and major tourist attractions now regularly full and the country’s airports seeing increased passenger numbers, connection to the global economy is a key element in opening up the market.

The news also comes at a good time for Myanmar as the country gets set to host the anticipated rush of visitors expecting to use their payment cards at next year’s Southeast Asian Games and the regional World Economic Forum.

“We know from experience that there will be an urgent requirement to provide basic ATM network and point-of-sale terminals for international visitors arriving in Myanmar for business and pleasure—and that is where we will focus first,” said Peter Maher, Visa Group Country Manager, Southeast Asia and Australasia. “Inbound business people and tourists are already looking for the Visa acceptance mark at merchants for the convenience, security and reassurance it brings. The sooner we deliver electronic payments, the sooner Myanmar will benefit from the increased spending.”

Maher added: “This is an exciting time for the people of Myanmar and Visa is delighted to help bring the benefits, security and convenience of electronic payments to the country. As Myanmar builds its financial infrastructure, Visa will work hand-in-hand with the local market to provide its global knowledge and technology and bring safe secure and convenient payments to all.”

The Visa Card Partner Workshop in Yangon was attended by a number of the nation’s leading banks. During the two-day event, Visa introduced representatives to the international requirements for electronic payments and a roadmap for development and delivery. The first event in a series of interactive sessions addressed the critical needs, long-term objectives and immediate steps required to establish a payment infrastructure for Myanmar.

Speaking from Yangon, Somboon Krobteeranon, Visa Country Manager, Thailand and Myanmar said, “These workshops provide a clear path to introducing a reliable and internationally connected gateway to the global economy and we are already seeing potential partners enthusiastically supporting our proposals. From our initial observations, Myanmar should have little difficulty in meeting the international requirements and the country’s banks seem committed to providing electronic payments as soon as possible ... Electronic payments will provide important support for Myanmar’s business and tourism development as well as enable economic empowerment and inclusion for the millions of unbanked in the country.”

Visit us at Threeland Travel Myanmar to get further information about traveling around the world and exploring Myanmar; to have access to the best travel services and to meet our professional consultants who're always available for help. For any inquiry please contact us.

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