Joe Louis gets a visa to Myanmar
I didn’t know much about Burma and wasn’t planning on visiting the country. But as I talked to more and more backpackers, each one that had been there said I HAD TO GO. Not just oh it’s nice. It’s pretty. YOU MUST GO. NOW!!
OK I’m in. I looked into logistics. Flights there from Thailand are under $100 – doable. The country is relatively cheap to get around in – great. Visa required – ugh. I hope this doesn’t take weeks. Fortunately, there are tons of online forums and blogs that detail out step by step (with pictures!) the process of getting a Myanmar visa in Bangkok. And to top it all off, there’s an express method to get it same day! To get explicit details on the visa requirements, visit the Myanmar tourist office website (see below) or just google “Myanmar visa requirements”.
There are actually several steps required in advanced preparation for going to get a Myanmar visa. This should not deter to you as they are all pretty easy to come by. I got extra passport photos in a little photo booth on Khao San Road for just a couple of dollars (in the US, it costs over $10 at a local drug store). It’s always handy to have extra photos anyway. You have to print out the application form ahead of time, but there’s a copy shop conveniently located around the corner from the embassy. I think 95% of their revenue comes from printing visa applications. Good for them!
I was staying on Khao San Road and considered taking a taxi down to the embassy to get there early and beat out the line that forms every morning. But the cab drivers were quoting (what I considered to be) absurd prices so I opted for public transportation instead. This was a great decision as it was convenient, quick, and cheap – maybe a dollar or two – the complete transportation trifecta. From Khao San I was able to take the public ferry down the river that took me to a BTS station only a stop away from the embassy. Public transportation is often overlooked by tourists in Thailand, but it surprisingly works efficiently. I got there before 9:00 and the line was already about 40 people deep. Not bad.
It took a couple of hours of waiting before submitting my application, but it aside from the hot air, it was a painless experience. I can tell that others on line read the same blogs I did and were well prepared with passport photos and cash. I overheard their concerns about the “Occupation” field, as the blogs warned to only put dictator-friendly professions and shy away from ones such as journalist and media. I had just put consultant and left it vague.
After submitting my application and paying extra for the one-day turnaround, I had time to kill before the next line up at 3PM to pick up my visa-stamped passport. Most of the area surrounding the embassy consists of shadyish jewelery dealers and Indian restaurants. I found a quaint, small vegetarian restaurant a few blocks down and had an extended relaxing lunch. The shop was decorated with 1950’s paraphernalia and had a comfortable vibe (and electrical outlets and wifi).
At 2:30 the line was already forming, but this time it only took an hour wait to pick up the passport. Just like that, I was ready to roll to the ancient temples of Burma. Sometimes bureaucracy works.
I’ve read that more recently, the Myanmar government has starting issuing visas electronically. This is something to look into, especially if you are in a location outside of Bangkok, where the process may be lengthier. See the link below for more information.
See what other blogs are saying about getting Myanmar visas:
“Many people opt to apply for a Myanmar visa in Bangkok for two reasons: The process is quick and very simple and the cheapest flights into Myanmar depart daily from Bangkok. The visa is valid for three months from date of issue, and once you are in Myanmar you are allowed a 28-day stay.”
–The Travelaholics
“We are pleased to announce that eVisa is now extended to Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay International Airports. You may use your eVisa to enter Myanmar through Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay International Airports even if you have chosen Yangon International Airport as port of entry.”
–Ministry of Immigration and Population
