[fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in Business under $850

[BensAdventures]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I'm starting my trip in two weeks.... RGN-BKK-LHR-CPH return! I'm still a little nervous about my last EK leg on the way home (RGN-SIN (Silk) - MEL (EK), but cheapoair and others have confirmed it's fine, I'd just love to see an e-ticket number on the EK manage my booking, but just on SQ. My main concern is that I'll have my wife and kids with me, but they'll adapt....

I'm just going to use the visa on arrival, it won't get cancelled within weeks of going live again (I hope).....

 

[BensAdventures]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

All things going well I'll be sitting in F on a BA flight on Friday. We hit a visa issue today, but it will be fine. Found out via flyer talk that X-RGN-X flights DO NOT qualify for transit visa's. Since I'm going to be flying BKK-RGN-BKK I now have to get to BKK one day earlier to organise a tourist visa that will be processes same day.

Just be wary of this as I know many of you are planning a same day turnaround in RGN coming in from and going back to the same airport.

 

[Danger]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

All things going well I'll be sitting in F on a BA flight on Friday. We hit a visa issue today, but it will be fine. Found out via flyer talk that X-RGN-X flights DO NOT qualify for transit visa's. Since I'm going to be flying BKK-RGN-BKK I now have to get to BKK one day earlier to organise a tourist visa that will be processes same day.

Just be wary of this as I know many of you are planning a same day turnaround in RGN coming in from and going back to the same airport.

Yes, I picked up on that issue on Flyertalk too. I have two SIN-xRGN-SIN flights which now present a problem for the transit visa.

Were you able to confirm that a transit visa is not possible when transitting between the same country (as opposed to what I think is only anecdotal evidence on Flyertalk)?

What cost are you looking at for a tourist visa from Bangkok?

 

[BensAdventures]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Yes, I picked up on that issue on Flyertalk too. I have two SIN-xRGN-SIN flights which now present a problem for the transit visa.

Were you able to confirm that a transit visa is not possible when transitting between the same country (as opposed to what I think is only anecdotal evidence on Flyertalk)?

What cost are you looking at for a tourist visa from Bangkok?

For a same day tourist visa it's 1260baht, so around $40 aud.

I haven't yet confirmed it as such, but with my wife and two kids traveling too, I wasn't going to risk it.

I love Bangkok, so one more night isn't a bad thing!

When are you off?

 

[Danger]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

For a same day tourist visa it's 1260baht, so around $40 aud.

I haven't yet confirmed it as such, but with my wife and two kids traveling too, I wasn't going to risk it.

I love Bangkok, so one more night isn't a bad thing!

When are you off?

Not until Christmas so plenty of time and no excuses not to have everything all sorted.

 

[Austman]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Now that the SQ migration to Amadeus has been done, it's interesting to see from their website what an airline (MI/SQ) will require re check-in for a trip to RGN. They claim it's IATA and updated daily. Regardless of what information you have, it's the airline that will decide to carry you or not, so here's what they say:

Visa & Immigration Information

This search engine is a real-time airline information provided and managed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The content is updated daily. It is strongly recommended that you confirm your foreign entry requirements by contacting your local Embassy or Consulate.

/ 09JUL12 / 1358 UTC National Australia (AU) /Destination Myanmar (MM) Myanmar (MM) Passport required. - Passport and/or passport replacing documents must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required. Visa Issuance: - Only if arriving at Yangon (RGN) on Myanmar Airways International flight 8M 402 from Siem Reap (REP) or flight 8M 712 from Guangzhou (CAN), holders of normal passports can obtain a visa on arrival for a max. stay of 28 days, provided: For details, click here - Holders of a Letter of Approval issued by the Ministry of Travel and Tourism can obtain a visa on arrival, provided:For details, click here - Holders of passports issued by Australia can obtain a (transit) visa on arrival at Yangon (RGN), provided:For details, click here Minors: - Minors holding own passports must present documents proving relationship with accompanying parent/legal guardian. Additional Information: - Travel to/from Myanmar is only allowed by air or by sea. - A tourist visa is only valid for a maximum period of 28 days. Applications for extensions are not possible once in Myanmar. However, a fine of USD 3.- per day overstayed, can be paid at Immigration upon departure. Warning: - Visitors not holding confirmed return/onward tickets could be refused entry. CHECK TINEWS/N1 - EUROPEAN UNION: NAMED CHILDREN IN PARENTS' PASSPORT OR TRAVEL DOCUMENT Timaticweb Version 1.3 09 July 2012

And here are Visa details:

Myanmar (MM) Visa Issuance: - Holders of passports issued by Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China (People's Rep.), Chinese Taipei, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep. of), Lao People's Dem. Rep., Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, USA, United Kingdom and Viet Nam can obtain a (transit) visa on arrival at Yangon (RGN), provided: -holding two photos (4cm x 6cm) taken within the past six months; and
-holding a letter of invitation issued by sponsoring company, in the event of first trip; or
-holding a letter of invitation issued by the ministry when attending meetings, workshops, events or ceremonies; and
-holding copies of company registration, business license or permission to do business in Myanmar, issued by the ministry, together with application if he is working in Myanmar; and
-identifying the sponsor and position held within the company; and
-staying in licensed, government registered accommodation. Address must be submitted; and
-holding application form, obtained from airlines in Myanmar or via www.mip.gov.mm.
-onward tickets is required when applying for a transit visa.

Business visa: 70 days. Fee: USD 50.-;

Entry Visa (to attend meetings, workshops and exhibitions): 28 days. Fee USD 40.-;

Transit visa: 24 hours. Fee USD 20.-.

Accompanying children aged under 7 years are exempt from fee. CHECK TINEWS/N1 - EUROPEAN UNION: NAMED CHILDREN IN PARENTS' PASSPORT OR TRAVEL DOCUMENT Timaticweb Version 1.3
09 July 2012

 

[oz_mark]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Now that the SQ migration to Amadeus has been done, it's interesting to see from their website what an airline (MI/SQ) will require re check-in for a trip to RGN. They claim it's IATA and updated daily. Regardless of what information you have, it's the airline that will decide to carry you or not, so here's what they say:

Probably they can claim it is IATA because it is IATA info. The Qantas entry to the same info is at Visa and Health | Prepare for your trip

 

[BensAdventures]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

The way the Visa requirements read I should be fine this week when I arrive back into RGN from BKK with a 20hr transit before heading to SIN. The only issue is apparently some of those on flyer talk have claimed they are not processing VOA at the moment except in special diplomatic needs. I'm really unsure what to do. I could bit the bullet and just turn up (I'll have my wife and 5 & 7 yo) with me, and hope they let us in the country. Alternatively I could collect bags in Bangkok, miss my TG connection, and fly the next day to RGN with a few hours before my SQ flight. Worst case here they'll simply keep us airside. The problem is I'd then have to pay for four new flights, plus book new accomm in BKK. I'll probably take the risk.... Thoughts anyone??

 

[Austman]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

The way the Visa requirements read I should be fine this week when I arrive back into RGN from BKK with a 20hr transit before heading to SIN. The only issue is apparently some of those on flyer talk have claimed they are not processing VOA at the moment except in special diplomatic needs. I'm really unsure what to do. I could bit the bullet and just turn up (I'll have my wife and 5 & 7 yo) with me, and hope they let us in the country. Alternatively I could collect bags in Bangkok, miss my TG connection, and fly the next day to RGN with a few hours before my SQ flight. Worst case here they'll simply keep us airside. The problem is I'd then have to pay for four new flights, plus book new accomm in BKK. I'll probably take the risk.... Thoughts anyone??

But first it's the airline in BKK that will decide to carry you to RGN or not. And they probably get their visa information from IATA (it seems SQ/MI/QF do). And, today at least, IATA states that transit visas on arrival are issued. The IATA information does link to http://www.mip.gov.mm/ for further details.

 

[Danger]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I flew with Jetstar from PER to BKK via SIN recently. I asked the check-in agent what information on visas I would need to present if I was flying with Jetstar to RGN. After confirming that Jetstar does indeed fly to RGN, the agent tapped away at her computer and retrieved some visa information. She read it to me. It was clear from that information that I needed to present a valid visa at check-in or a letter of sponsorship for a business visa.

The important part to me was that their system or whatever information they were reading from contained absolutely no reference to transit visas. I showed the agent the transit visa information page on my iPad and while she had no issue with what it said, the Jetstar information was clear: no visa, no travel. The information was up-to-date as of that day (a few days ago).

Some Flyertalkers are reporting a range of experiences with visas (transit and visa on arrival) in RGN. Some are disturbing, like the member who proceeded to the immigration counter for a visa on arrival. The member presented the necessary paperwork and two photos to the immigration officer who simply tore up the application and said 'no visa on arrival' or 'no transit visa' (I can't remember which). This despite very clear information to the contrary on the government's own website.

That said, the government's MIP website is a page of syntax or some other computer rubbish. (Check out the link in the previous post.) It's been this way for several days and is a complete joke.

 

[Austman]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

The important part to me was that their system or whatever information they were reading from contained absolutely no reference to transit visas. I showed the agent the transit visa information page on my iPad and while she had no issue with what it said, the Jetstar information was clear: no visa, no travel. The information was up-to-date as of that day (a few days ago).



That said, the government's MIP website is a page of syntax or some other computer rubbish. (Check out the link in the previous post.) It's been this way for several days and is a complete joke.

Yes it's the airline you want to fly to RGN on that you will need to convince first. And it depends where they get their information. How an airline would ever know if a "letter of sponsorship" is valid or not, I don't know...

As for the MIP website, you'd need myanmar font downloaded to read it. But click on VISA ON ARRIVAL - that part is readable.

 

[Alanslegal]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Its farcical at what's happening re; VOA but we should give this country some leeway as they are still very in the midst of developing, what would be four decades behind. I would encourage folks to try to get their visa before travelling, saves a lot of hassles, even if its just transiting.

I will be in Bangkok end of this month for three days; my flights to RGN won't be till 22 October, so don't know if the consulate there will rush my Visa given its not imminent travel, but I will give it a crack

 

[BensAdventures]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I posted this on flyer talk earlier....

Well my family and I made it into Yangon using the VOA system, but it was not without its challenges and must only be considered as a VERY last resort if you are planning on spending a night in this country.

We checked in at BKK with the TG staff simply confirming we had the VOA paperwork and they then gave us the boarding passes. We arrived at around 18:40, walked straight to the VOA counter with my smiling 5 year old blonde haired blue eyed daughter handing over the paperwork… The next 25 minutes were the most stressful A crowd of immigration staff arrived, some on phones, others on radios, and after about 10 minutes they announced they would be putting us back on a flight to BKK for the night. We could return the next day for our flight, (so transit same day looks still possible), but that was the only option. I pointed out very politely that there is a big sign stating VOA is available, but they said you still have to the comply to the 17 other requirements to get this, making it in fact only a business transit visa, which makes little sense, but I wasn’t in a place to argue.

By this stage we had a sad couple of children (which might have helped), and the most senior person was talking on the phone. After 15 more minutes he called over his staff and checked my RGN-SIN ticket for the next day again, and then came and spoke with me. They agreed to let us in, but stressed we CAN NOT over stay, and that we had to stay at the nearby Season’s hotel (right across the road from the airport). I told him we already had a booking, but he was adamant. Again, I wasn’t complaining. We then collected our bags, had three local airport staff walk our bags to the hotel, checked in ($55 per night per room), and we ordered some food and off to sleep! I do have to say that the staff were all very pleasant, and engaged with the kids while we waited, and this kept the stress levels in check. Anyway it was quite the adventure….. I’m now sitting the Royal Jade Lounge and off to SIN the MEL shortly!

 

[Danger]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Thanks for the update.

I have read the 17 requirements of the VOA here but don't see anything that restricts a transit visa to simply business purposes. Every time work or business is mentioned it also says something like 'if in Myanmar for work' or 'if first business trip'. The 'if' seems to be the qualifyer.

What is clear from your post and others on Flyertalk is that there's a big case of left hand/right hand in Myanmar with respect to visas.

 

[BensAdventures]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I agree about the requirements, the concept of a transit visa though makes no sense to the actual staff. They asked me probably 4 times, why I was even in RGN, transiting seemed like a crazy idea, and in fact it actually is!

I was very persistent, but very friendly throughout, and the occasional tear from a beautiful child probably didn't hurt either. My kids were treated like movie stars in Yangon! Photo's constantly....

I'd so back to Myanmar tomorrow, the place fascinated me, but I'd stop in BKK for 36 hours, get a visa, have a beer and then fly to RGN.

 

[Austman]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Has anyone applied for a Myanmar Tourist Visa in Australia? If so, how long did it take to get the visa?

 

[Danger]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I haven't applied for one but the Embassy in Canberra told me to allow three weeks. That said, I've sent the same email to them several times over the past four or so weeks and still no reply. Customer service may not be high on their list of priorities.

 

[LadyC]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I've also emailed them with no response as yet. I'm not going until December, so when the date is getting a bit closer, I guess I'll have to give them a call!

 

[Austman]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Found it sorry - took 20 days.

FYI - I just got my passport back with the Myanmar visa, it was a fairly painless process.

On the 20th April I sent:

• my passport
• the visa form from the embassy's website
• two passport photos
• a printed letter outlining my flights to Yangon ex SYD, and
• $35 cash all in a registered envelope

And it was back at my local Post Office by the 9th May with the (full page) visa.


I'm leaving for Myanmar on the 8th June, so I'll post up a quick trip report when I get back (especially the J Silkair flight I've got booked).

Mine was sent 16 days ago...

 

[GCS]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I'd suggest calling. They were helpful and emailed me a form and we discussed requirements. I applied in person. Because I was so early (not flying until October), they said it would take a few weeks as they are swamped with last minute applications.