Myanmar

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We continue to receive reports that terrorist elements in the region are planning attacks.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Myanmar because of the uncertain security situation and the possibility of civil unrest. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Acts of political violence can occur. Bomb attacks have taken place in major cities in Myanmar, including in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. Attacks have occurred or have been planned in areas frequented by tourists and expatriates, including shopping centres, supermarkets, markets, hotels, transportation hubs, on public transport, including taxis. Further attacks could occur at any time.

Recent attacks include:

• On 21 December 2011, a bomb exploded in a public toilet at Hledan Junction, north of downtown Yangon, killing two people and injuring several others.
• On 24 June 2011, a number of bombings occurred in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin, reportedly causing injuries in public places.
• On 10 June 2011, a bombing in a busy market in Nay Pyi Taw reportedly injured two people.
• On 18 May 2011, a bomb exploded on a passenger train at Tarkone Station near Nay Pyi Taw, killing two people and injuring nine.
• On 15 April 2010, three explosions occurred in large crowds near Kandawgyi Lake in central Yangon during Myanmar’s Water Festival (Thingyan) and New Year celebration, killing ten people and injuring a large number of onlookers.

Several other attacks have also occurred recently in various parts of Myanmar, including in public areas.

Protests and organised assemblies of people are now permitted with prior permission. Local authorities have only limited experience in dealing with legal protests and may not always respond predictably. You should avoid protests and demonstrations as they may become violent. You should also avoid areas cordoned off by security forces. You should avoid taking photographs of demonstrations, the military or police as this may not be tolerated by the Myanmar authorities.

Throughout September 2007, demonstrations led by monks protesting for political reform took place across Myanmar, including in Yangon, Sittwe and Pakokku. Myanmar authorities responded with gunfire and tear gas and detained protesters. There were numerous deaths and injuries, including a foreign journalist killed in demonstrations in Yangon.

In the past, there have been incidents of politically motivated violence on or around public holidays such as Armed Forces Day (27 March) and Martyrs Day (19 July). Other significant events, including the anniversary of the 1988 uprising (8 August) and the anniversary of demonstrations led by monks to protest for political reform (26 September) have traditionally seen an increase of police and security forces in Yangon and elsewhere in Myanmar.

State of emergency in parts of Mandalay region: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the townships of Meikhtila, Wundwin, Mahlaing and Thazi in Mandalay region following the declaration of a State of Emergency on 22 March 2013 after inter-communal violence led to a number of deaths. Australians in these areas should consider leaving if it is safe to do so. If you chose to remain you should follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the media for information on their safety and security.

Ngapali Beach: We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to resort areas at Ngapali Beach in Rakhine State. If you choose to travel to Ngapali Beach we strongly encourage you fly directly to the resort area and reconsider your need to visit the nearby town of Thandwe due to the risk of civil unrest. You should monitor local developments in case the security situation changes.

Remainder of Rakhine State: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the remainder Rakhine State due to the risk of further serious civil unrest. Violent clashes in central and northern Rakhine State between Muslim and Buddhist communities have led to widespread displacement and segregation. In mid-2012, the Myanmar government announced a curfew across much of Rakhine (including the state capital of Sittwe and popular tourist destination Mrauk-U) and sent additional security personnel to the area in response to inter-communal violence and the burning of homes. Curfew times vary between townships and can change at short notice.

Northern Shan State and Kachin State: In 2012 and early 2013, intense fighting was reported in areas of northern Shan State and Kachin State. We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to these areas given current and ongoing risk of conflict.

China, Laos, Thailand and India border areas: We strongly advise you not to travel to the areas bordering China, Laos, Thailand and India. Armed groups operate in these areas and there is an ongoing risk of ethnic conflict, banditry and unmarked landmines.

If, despite our strong advice to the contrary, you decide to visit these areas you should familiarise yourself with local curfews and travel restrictions imposed by the Myanmar Government.

There is a risk of crime, such as mugging, petty theft and burglary. There have also been incidents of violent crime directed against foreigners. Local law enforcement officials have a limited capacity to respond to or prevent crime.

Before you go, you should consider how you are going to access your money. You should bring enough cash to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay. There are a small number of automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Yangon which are connected to the international banking system, and which accept foreign cards and provide cash advances on credit/debit cards. International money transfers are now available through numerous banks in Yangon. Reports of customer complaints resulting from technical problems with newly introduced ATM machines are common. Travellers who choose to use ATMs in Myanmar should monitor their transaction records.

You should be aware that banks, money changers and commercial establishments in Myanmar occasionally refuse foreign currency on the basis of reports of counterfeit currency in circulation.US currency is widely accepted at commercial establishments, but notes with marks, folds creases or tears are not accepted. Other foreign currencies and travellers' cheques are rarely (if at all) accepted for payment at hotels or for the purchase of goods or services, including airline tickets. Credit cards are accepted in a very limited number of establishments in Myanmar.

Foreign currency (only US dollars, Singapore dollars and Euro) can be exchanged for the Myanmar Kyat (MMK) or Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs) issued by the Myanmar Government. FECs have the same face value as US dollars and can be exchanged for MMK or used to pay for goods and services where FECs are accepted. FECs are becoming less common and will be removed from circulation in June 2013. There is no legal way to change Australian dollars to MMK.

It is illegal to exchange money except through authorised money changers, which can be found in the airport, at banks and in government stores.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

The safety standards you might expect of service providers, such as hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, transport and tour operators, including for adventure activities, are not always met. If you intend on participating in adventure activities, you should check if the activity is covered by your insurance policy.

The safety record of domestic airlines in not publicly available, nor is information on the Myanmar government’s oversight of maintenance standards of domestic airlines. This lack of transparency raises concerns about airline safety in Myanmar. In 2010, the International Civil Aviation Organisation conducted a safety audit. You should be aware that airlines operating in Myanmar sometimes use aircraft from outside their own fleet. Passengers are not advised in advance where this is the case.

In December 2012, an Air Bagan flight crash landed and caught fire at Heho Airport (Inle Lake). Several passengers were injured and two people died as a result of the incident.

In February 2012, an Air KBZ plane crash landed at Thandwe (Ngapali beach) airport. While the plane was severely damaged, none of the passengers were injured.

In June 2009, a Myanmar Airways flight slid off the runway at Sittwe Airport. The plane was severely damaged and three people were injured.

In 2008, there were two reported incidents on Air Bagan services.

In March 2008, an Air Bagan flight from Yangon to the resort area of Ngapali in Rakhine State experienced a significant mid-air engine problem which required the aircraft to return to Yangon. The aircraft was reportedly on loan from Myanmar Airways.

In February 2008, an Air Bagan aircraft was severely damaged during an aborted take-off from Putao in northern Kachin State.

Please refer to our air travel page for information on aviation safety and security.

Myanmar are deeply respectful of their religious and cultural traditions. Visitors should remove shoes and socks before entering religious buildings and compounds. Wearing short-sleeved garments and shorts is not common in Myanmar and may cause offence, especially when visiting Buddhist pagodas.

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Myanmar and you should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

It is considered seriously offensive to touch or pat a child or adult on the top of the head.

Myanmar does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of Australian officials to provide consular services to Australian/Myanmar dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We strongly advise you to travel on your Australian passport at all times.

Our Dual Nationals page provides further information for dual nationals.

The monsoon season extends from June to October. Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides. Severe weather can often precede the monsoon season.

Cyclones can occur between April and October. In the event of a tropical cyclone or typhoon, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. You can check the latest information at the India Meteorological Department website. You should identify your local shelter if one is available. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe cyclone may not be available. If you are staying in a hotel, you should familiarise yourself with evacuation plans. For further information, see our severe weather page.

Most of Myanmar, including Yangon, is in a zone of significant earthquake risk. Earthquakes have in the past caused damage to a number of major cities in Myanmar, including Yangon. Our Earthquakes bulletin provides further information on travel in earthquake prone areas.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, travellers should follow instructions from local authorities, monitor media and weather reports, and check with tour operators before travelling to affected areas.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children page.