Yangon for visa run. Good or bad?

[asdfrules]

I've read mixed reports on Yangon for a visa run (SETV) and have read the consulate's website. 

I'm hoping to get some more input and confirmation.

The consulate website says you need:

1. Two photos
2. Outbound air ticket or hotel reservation/accommodation reference (for travelling through border)
3. 40 USD visa fee

Number 2 above is ambiguous.  You need a flight OR a hotel booking?  That's weird.  But only if you are traveling through a border?  How can you leave the country without traveling through a border?  Or maybe they mean by land.  It's not clear if "through border" applies to the flight and the hotel, or just the hotel.

 

So here are the questions:

1) Is processing time really the next day?

2) Can the outbound flight from Thailand be within 90 days, not 60?

3) Will they red stamp you for having multiple, recent SETVs in your passport?

4) Do you need to show a hotel booking in Thailand?

 

Any other opinions or experiences would be appreciated too.
BTW I'm Canadian and I'm 38.

Thanks :)

 

[Nick ZepTepi]

Things might have changed since last time.
Not sure on the flight out of Thailand as this seems to be a new stricter rule
Email a question about the 60 or 90 days - local rules apply HCMC are happy to do 90 days but Yangon might not.

the hotel is, if you are traveling futher within Myanmar and will stop at a land border before crossing into Thailand.

The 40 dollars HAVE to be perfect. No tears no creases. There's a money changer behind the Embassy so not a big worry.
Yes next day and there were no queues.
Was a nice experience.


Sent from my mobile, please forgive the autocorrect.

[BritTim]

I consider Yangon one of the better places to apply, just because they are quite flexible.

1) Yes, next day in the early afternoon.

2) I think yes.

3) I have not heard of the dreaded red stamp being used there. Perhaps, they might if you apply for too many tourist visas in Yangon.

4) If you have flights into and out of Thailand, no hotel reservations are needed. If you do not have flights, hotel reservations (just a few days) are accepted together with your explanation that you intend entering or leaving Thailand by land.

[asdfrules]

Thank you both.  It seems Yangon is a pretty good place for a visa run.

[anakot]

Have you taken into account the $USD50 for Myanmar visa, but then that may not apply to you

[asdfrules]

Wow $50 I hadn't thought of that.  I ended up booking a flight to Laos.  But I still want to try Yangon sometimes, as I've never been there.  I wonder if tourists are still not allowed outside of limited locations.

[BritTim]

32 minutes ago, asdfrules said:

Wow $50 I hadn't thought of that.  I ended up booking a flight to Laos.  But I still want to try Yangon sometimes, as I've never been there.  I wonder if tourists are still not allowed outside of limited locations.

It is much more relaxed than it used to be. Most important, you are not limited to government mandated hotels. There are still areas of the country that are off limits, or can only be visited with an official guide. I recommend visiting. There is plenty to see, and you can ensure the bulk of what you spend goes to locals.

[asdfrules]

I definitely will.  Thanks.

[anakot]

I recommend a visit. I went all over the place before the earthquake. Bagan was amazing, as was Lake Inle. Also Mandalay and of course Yangon are definitely worth a visit. For most visitors you can apply for visa on line. Make sure it is a govt website. Then you just print out the letter of approval to present at your port of landing. 

 

I am going back this Friday for another 10 days so will be interested to see how Bagan is now. 

[phuketrichard]

On 12/4/2017 at 2:46 PM, asdfrules said:

Wow $50 I hadn't thought of that.  I ended up booking a flight to Laos.  But I still want to try Yangon sometimes, as I've never been there.  I wonder if tourists are still not allowed outside of limited locations.

tourists can visit much of Myanmar, ( and i have), Closed areas are  north east Rakine state, the border areas of Shan state, the border area of Naga state with India ( where permits are required)  and Mogok are closed.  Land or river travel, in an out of Bhamo  or road and between Kentung and Taunggyi ( permit/guide required)

 

Bagan will be Mobbed with people now