Myanmar to open border gate for international visitors

Myanmar is coordinating with China to open the Muse border gate to international visitors by October, a media reort said Thursday.

Valid passport and visa holders will be allowed to enter Myanmar through the Muse gate and exit through Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports, Xinhua cited local daily 7-Day News as saying.

Entry visa can be extended during the stay in Myanmar, the report said.

The planned opening of Muse follows a similar move in August, with four entry and exit gates being opened on the Myanmar-Thai border -- Tachileik-Maesai, Myawaddy-Maesot, Tiki-Sunarong and Kawthoung-Ranong.

Myanmar grants different categories of visa -- entry visa, diplomatic visa, gratis official courtesy visa, tourist visa, business visa, transit visa and multiple journey special re-entry visa.

In 2012, the number of tourists reached 1.02 million, an increase of 200,000 compared to 820,000 in 2011.

Myanmar is targeting two million visitors in 2013 and up to three million in 2014.

Many foreign delegates would visit Myanmar for the 27th Southeast Asian Games at the end of this year and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit next year.

Myanmar has also granted visa-on-arrival for visitors from 48 countries.