Myanmar Immigration Checkpoint — Local services in Tachileik District

Good experience. Have only ever arrived here on a one day permit although it is possible since Aug 28, 2013 to use a Myanmar visa and travel throughout the country. However, one must fly from Tachilek or Kengtung to Heho at the least in order to continue overland travel as the road between Kengtung and Taunggyi is closed to foreigners except if you manage to get an expensive permit, which is not easy to get.

To enter here there are 3 methods: 1) for Thai citizens, using their border pass pay 10 Baht entry fee outside. 2) for third country foreigners without a Myanmar visa, pay US$10 or 500 Baht for a day pass (can't leave Tachilek) or the same amount for a 14 day pass to visit Kengtung (and if allowed, Mongla). Must come back the same way you came and you will receive a travel permit although you must deposit your passport, which will be held until you return. Best to use US$10 and insist you have no Baht in case immigration officials ask - however, your bank note must be new, in good condition and preferably bring exact change otherwise you'll be forced to pay the higher fee in Baht. 3) enter using a visa, either in sticker form or e-visa 28 days for tourism 70 days for business.

Cars and motorcycles can be driven across but only in Tachilek township. For travel further than this you need to go on a tour. In practice, most Thais and expats don't bother driving across because it's a lot of hassle, you need to spend quite a while doing export documents on the Thai side then you are restricted to where you can go in town. It is unclear whether your car can stay overnight in Tachilek or whether it must return to the Thai side the same day (like in Myawaddy) although Thai customs gives your vehicle permission to leave the country for up to 7 days. This is a further reason why driving to Tachilek only makes sense for local traders from Thailand who are bringing goods across or picking them up.

edit as of July 2018 I have been informed by Thai customs Thai cars may be allowed to travel to Kengtung and possibly Mong La as before provided you hire a guide for THB 1000 to go with you at immigration. No guide is required for travel only within Tachilek district (which includes the casino on the Myanmar bank of the Golden Triangle). Your car has permission to stay on the Myanmar side for 7 days (possibly 14 days but Thai customs usually only give you a 7 day temporary export document). Foreign cars only allowed if...

My experience on 26/12/2011 to Tachilek, Myanmar. After walking across the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge and the "The Republic of the Union of Myanmar" gateway, the first thing is to go to the Myanmar immigration office by following the signage. Malaysian citizens need a visa to visit Myanmar. Tell Myanmar immigration officials that you do not have a Myanmar travel visa. Myanmar immigration will charge 500THB official payments to provide Myanmar's "Entrance Permit" including taking your photo into their system. Myanmar immigration officers will hold or keep your passport. In exchange, you will get Myanmar "Entrance Permit" for a 14-day period. Visitors can go as far as Kyaing Tong in Myanmar. If you want to travel further inland, you need a visa.There will be local who offer their services as a tour guides to the place you would like to visit in Tachileik. For transportation, there is a plenty of tuk-tuk (motorbike...

Remember if you are on either side of the town, do return to your hotel/accommodation town before the border gates CLOSES at 1900hr!!!

Latest as of September 2018, extension of opening hours to 2030hr. Therefore if you plan to enter Myanmar from Chiang Rai airport, please allow 1hr driving time to reach this Mae Sai Custom and be aware of their time zone difference of 1/2hr! (Myanmar UTC +6:30 Hours while Thailand +7:00 Hours)

IMPORTANT note too: Tachileik is one town in Myanmar that transacts totally in Thai Baht, DON’T bother to change your cash to Burmese Kyat as most businesses do not accept them. Do change your currency over at Thailand Mae Sai first just before crossing over, there is hardly any money changer can be found in Myanmar towns except in...