Myanmar Ports of Entry

Myanmar designates specific international airports and land border checkpoints as official ports of entry for foreign visitors. Knowing which crossings accept eVisa holders – and which do not – is essential before booking flights or planning overland routes.

Official Ports of Entry for eVisa Holders

The Myanmar government currently authorises the following ports for passengers arriving on an eVisa:

International Airports

Land Border Checkpoints (Entry)

Exit-Only Checkpoint

Htikee (Htee Kee) Land Border Checkpoint – travellers may exit Myanmar here towards Phunaron in Thailand but cannot enter Myanmar through this crossing. Htikee connects to the Phunaron district of Kanchanaburi Province.

Can You Enter Through a Different Port Than Your eVisa Application?

When applying for a Myanmar eVisa, you must select one port of entry. In practice, immigration authorities generally allow passengers to enter through any of the six approved ports regardless of what was specified on the application. However, to avoid potential delays or questioning at arrival, it is strongly recommended to use the port you indicated during the application process.

If your travel plans change after approval, there is no need to submit a new eVisa – but carry your printed approval letter and passport to ensure a smooth process.

Yangon International Airport (RGN)

Yangon is Myanmar’s busiest international gateway and the primary port of entry for most visitors. The airport handles the largest volume of international flights, with direct connections to major Asian hubs including Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, and Doha.

Key facts:
– Located approximately 15 km north of downtown Yangon
– Immigration counters process eVisa passengers directly – no visa-on-arrival queue needed
– Duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and SIM card stalls available in the arrivals hall
– Taxi and ride-hailing services (Grab) operate from the terminal

Mandalay International Airport (MDY)

Mandalay serves as the gateway to Upper Myanmar and is the second most common airport entry point. It is the closest international airport to popular destinations like Bagan, Inle Lake, and the Shan State highlands.

Key facts:
– Located about 35 km south of Mandalay city centre
– Fewer international routes than Yangon – primarily connected to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kunming, and regional cities
– Immigration processing may be faster due to lower passenger volume

Nay Pyi Taw International Airport (NYT)

Myanmar’s capital city airport handles limited international traffic. It is the least used port of entry for tourists but remains available for eVisa holders.

Key facts:
– Located near Nay Pyi Taw, the administrative capital
– Very few scheduled international flights
– Useful primarily for diplomatic or business travel

Tachileik Land Border Checkpoint

The Tachileik crossing connects Myanmar’s Shan State with Thailand’s Mae Sai in Chiang Rai Province. It is the northernmost land border crossing between the two countries.

Key facts:
– eVisa holders can enter and exit here
– A day pass is available for Thai nationals and certain visitors to cross into Mae Sai and return the same day
– Overland travel beyond Tachileik towards Kyaing Tong (Keng Tung) may require special permits from the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism (MTT)
– The road from Tachileik to Taunggyi / Inle Lake requires MTT permission and an accompanying guide as of current regulations
– Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates

Myawaddy Land Border Checkpoint

Myawaddy sits across from Mae Sot in Tak Province, making it the most accessible land crossing from central Thailand. The Friendship Bridge connects the two towns.

Key facts:
– eVisa holders can enter and exit here
– This is the busiest and most chaotic land border crossing – queues can stretch for kilometres by road
– A songthaew (shared taxi) to the Friendship Bridge allows you to bypass vehicle traffic and walk across
– Located along the main overland route between Bangkok and Myanmar’s interior
– No MTT permission required for standard tourist entry

Kawthaung Land Border Checkpoint

Kawthaung is Myanmar’s southernmost town, connected to Ranong in southern Thailand. This crossing serves as the main entry point for travellers heading to the Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago.

Key facts:
– eVisa holders can enter and exit here
– Visa on arrival is also available at this crossing (approximately US$30 plus documentary and handling fees)
– No special permits required for Kawthaung, Myeik, or travel between Kawthaung and Ranong
– Popular gateway for diving and island-hopping trips in the Mergui Archipelago
– Speedboats and ferries connect Kawthaung to Myeik and the surrounding islands

Other Myanmar Border Crossings (Not Available for eVisa)

Myanmar shares land borders with five countries, but most crossings are not open to general tourists or do not accept eVisa passengers. These crossings require advance permits and are typically used by local travellers or organised tour groups.

Myanmar-China Border

• Muse / Ruili (Yunnan) – The primary crossing between Myanmar and China. Requires MTT permission and a licensed tour guide for entry and exit. Foreign tourists need a border crossing permit arranged in advance, which takes at least one month to process.

Myanmar-India Border

• Tamu / Moreh (Manipur) – Connects Myanmar’s Sagaing Region with India’s Manipur state. Requires MTT permission for both entry and exit, plus a meet-and-greet service on the Myanmar side. Processing takes several weeks.

Myanmar-Laos Border

• Not currently open to tourist crossings.

Myanmar-Bangladesh Border

• Not currently open for regular tourist entry.

Important Rules for All Ports of Entry

1. Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Myanmar.
2. Printed documents: Carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval letter and a photocopy of your passport. Digital copies on your phone may not be accepted at land borders.
3. Restricted areas: Visitors are permitted to travel in most areas of Myanmar except those designated as restricted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The list of restricted areas is available at each port of entry.
4. Exit flexibility: You may exit Myanmar through any international airport or land border checkpoint, including Htikee (exit-only), regardless of where you entered.
5. Regulations change: Border crossing rules can change at short notice due to security situations. Always verify current access before travelling.

eVisa Ports of Entry Summary Table

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main port of entry in Myanmar?

Yangon International Airport (RGN) is the main and busiest port of entry, handling the majority of international arrivals.

Can I enter Myanmar through any airport with an eVisa?

Yes. You may enter through Yangon, Mandalay, or Nay Pyi Taw international airports with a valid eVisa, regardless of which airport you selected during your application.

How many land border checkpoints accept eVisa passengers?

Three: Tachileik, Myawaddy, and Kawthaung – all on the Myanmar-Thailand border. The Muse (China) and Tamu (India) crossings require separate permits.

Can I exit Myanmar through a different port than I entered?

Yes. You may exit through any international airport or any of the land border checkpoints, including Htikee (which is exit-only).

Do I need printed copies of my eVisa at land borders?

Yes. Always carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval letter and a photocopy of your passport. Digital-only copies may not be accepted.