Khit / Myo Gyi (NP News) - Jan 17

Myanmar Ministry of Health released new rules and measures for health for tourists entering Myanmar through Myanmar-China border crossings.

Sin Phyu gate and Manwen gate from the #Myanmar_China_border were reopened on January 14. These gates were closed for nearly three years. The Ministry announced that travelers entering Myanmar through the Myanmar-China border gates have to show the certificate of completion of a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In addition, upon their arrival at the gates, those entering Myanmar must show proof of laboratory certification of negative Covid-19 within 48 hours checked by the RT-PCR system. In the announcement by the Ministry of Health, it is also stated that the tourists who fail to follow the health measures and directives will be taken into action according to the existing laws.

It is reported that upon the opening of Sin Phyu gate and Manwen gate, only six-wheeled trucks can pass through the gate; and the truck is allowed to involve only one driver. The number of passengers is still restricted. “Later, passengers may be allowed to cross the border when the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 decreases. Currently, it is still restricted,” the Vice Chairman of Muse Rice Commodity Depot, Min Thein told to NP News.

Chief Executive Officer of Blue Ocean Star Resort & Travel Company Kyaw Moe remarked that the tourism sectors will be revitalized again if travelers are allowed to pass the Myanmar-China border gates.

“We need to observe how other neighboring countries are dealing with Chinese tourists and how they are handling the tourism sectors. On the one hand, we need to boost the tourism sector and on the other hand, we need to control the disease because the stricter restrictions also mean slower economic development,” he said.