Burmese Visa Formalities Tightened as May 10 Approaches

The Burmese authorities are tightening visa formalities for foreign journalists and even diplomats ahead of the May 10 constitutional referendum, according to informed sources.

Two Japanese citizens suspected of being journalists were denied entry to Burma at Rangoon airport on Tuesday, one Bangkok source told The Irrawaddy.

Some journalists who went to Burma last year to report on the September demonstrations and their aftermath entered the country on tourist visas, a practice the government is now trying vigorously to eliminate.

Burmese embassies abroad are closely scrutinizing visa applications, including those from bona fide tourists, sources said. One Western TV network has reportedly been waiting for the past six months for a visa for its correspondent. It recently reapplied but was told the application would be submitted to the Burmese Information Ministry for a decision.

The Burmese embassy in Bangkok is taking special care in processing visa applications from diplomats, especially those from European sources, sources in the Thai capital reported.

Delays in processing visa applications from diplomats, their family members, UN personnel and representatives of non-governmental organizations have been reported since the beginning of 2008.