I have plans to travel to Myanmar end of this month representing Sancus Group, and to attend the Myanmar Business and Development Week, therefore needed to apply for a Visa (the stamp, not the credit card…). Obtaining Visa’s can be tricky, especially in Asia. Although the situation is improving certain countries still require a visa prior to entry, including Myanmar.
So, I headed to Myanmar Embassy near Surasak BTS station this morning. I have to say that it was a surprisingly pleasant experience. I got a heads up from a friend not to go there when it opens as the queue starts to pile up little after 8AM (the embassy opens for visa applications at 9AM), but to wait around 10AM when the queue has mostly cleared out and the process is faster. It certainly was, maybe 5 people in front of me in the queue. Of course I had the wrong form (downloaded cleverly and filled up in advance), so I filled up the updated form and stood in line. Finally reached the counter. “We only accept color photos”, said the clerk. Great. I still couldn’t get rid of my black and white passport photos. Luckily near every embassy, some business minded person has started up a photo shop. So, after a quick stop there, I was back in the queue in no time. Well that was easy. Really was. Anyone who has dealt with the embassies in Asia, would surely agree.
The documents needed are listed below (last confirmed 22 January 2014). Some sources say that you also need a flight ticket and hotel booking proof, but the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok does not require them.
- Original passport
- A photocopy of passport
- 2 color photos
- Application form
Despite still having the visa process in place, they have really made it easy. I really liked the fact that they have 3 different prices for tourist visa: same day collection 1200+ THB, next day collection 1000+ THB, and after 3 days collection 800+ THB. Obviously went with the same day collection. The pickup wasn’t as pleasant, as I foolishly went there exactly when it opened for collection and had to wait in the queue for a while. Well, the pickups are always easier.
Well done Myanmar Embassy of Thailand!
Map created by Jeff Core
A: BTS Surasak Station
B: Myanmar Embassy
C: Photo shop