Myanmar

Demonstrations and protests

Protests often happen in Myanmar, including in tourist areas. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Protests and organised assemblies of people are allowed with prior permission. However, these rules are sometimes ignored.

Significant events often see an increase of police and security forces in Yangon and elsewhere:

• the anniversary of the 1988 uprising (8 August)
• the anniversary of demonstrations led by monks (26 September)

To protect yourself during unrest:

• avoid all political gatherings and protests
• avoid areas cordoned off by security forces
• don't take photographs of rallies, the military or police
• follow instructions of local authorities, including about curfews
• monitor the media and other news sources for possible unrest
• be extra careful on and around public holidays and other important dates

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

There are several active conflicts between armed groups and security forces. Fighting between armed groups occurs in a number of areas in Myanmar. Attacks have resulted in civilian and military casualties. Authorities may set curfews, turn off telecommunications and close roads.

Armed conflict includes;

• artillery, mortars and surface-to-surface missiles
• improvised explosive devices and unmarked landmines
• civil unrest, violence and abductions
• aerial bombings and air strikes.

If you choose to travel to higher risk areas:

• plan your trip carefully including communications
• find out local information such as curfews and travel restrictions
• stay on main highways and in urban areas.

Rakhine and Southern Chin State

There's ongoing armed conflict between ethnic groups and military forces in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in Chin State. The government now restricts the movement of people. The conflict has not affected the resort areas at Ngapali Beach.

Since August 2017, 100,000s of people have been forced to leave their homes in northern Rakhine State due to security clearance operations. People have been killed or injured. Familiarise yourself with local curfews and travel restrictions.

• In October 2019, ethnic armed groups abducted travellers on a public bus in Mrauk-U and a public ferry in Ratheduang, resulting in civilian casualties.
• In June 2019, all mobile services were temporarily stopped across 9 townships in Rakhine and Paletwa Township in Chin State. The shutdown has been partially lifted but could be put back at short notice. A Myanmar Navy vessel docked in Sittwe, Rakhine State, was also attacked by artillery fire and several people were injured.
• In January 2018, a protest in Mrauk-U became violent and police opened fired. This resulted in civilian casualties.
• In January 2018, 3 bombs exploded in Sittwe. Explosive devices have been reported in Rakhine State including on the road between Sittwe and Mrauk-U.

Northern Shan State

There's ongoing armed conflict between ethnic groups and military forces in Northern Shan State.

There has been increased fighting between Myanmar security forces and armed groups in northern Shan State from August 2019. Attacks occurred mainly but not exclusively along Highway 3 from Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region to Muse, Shan State and along Highway 34 from Hseni, to Hopang in Shan State.

• In November 2019, a foreign tourist was killed by a landmine while travelling outside of Hsipaw town.
• In August 2019, local authorities evacuated foreign nationals and cancelled tours booked for Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Division, Nawnnghkio and Hsipaw in Shan State.

Kachin State

Armed conflict between ethnic groups and military forces in Kachin State is ongoing.

Myanmar’s Border Areas

Security along Myanmar's large border varies. Armed groups operate in these areas including at land border crossings. 

Previous terrorist attacks in Myanmar have targeted government buildings, hotels, shopping centres and public transport.

There were reports that Myanmar security forces were investigating possible attacks by armed groups in Naypyitaw on 16 and 26 September, and 16 and 26 October 2019, and on unspecified dates in Naypyitaw, Yangon and Mandalay. In November 2016, several small explosions targeted government offices and shopping centres in Yangon. No casualties were reported. In October 2013 a series of small bombings occurred including in Yangon, 2 people were killed. In April 2010, there were 3 bomb blasts in Yangon that killed 11 people during the annual Thingyan Water Festival period.

To stay safe:

• take official warnings seriously and follow local instructions
• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report any suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the news for any new or emerging threats

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case there's a secondary attack.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Crime rates in Myanmar are lower than many countries in the region. However,  you could encounter:

• mugging,
• petty theft, and
• burglary.

To help protect yourself against theft:

• pay close attention to your belongings, particularly in crowded areas
• hold bags and backpacks in front of you or in ways that make them harder to snatch

When using credit cards or ATMs:

• avoid exposed locations – choose ATMs in banks and shopping centres 
• check for skimming devices before use
• protect your PIN
• monitor your bank records

Report any theft straight away to local police. See Local contacts

Myanmar can experience natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• severe storms
• flooding
• landslides
• cyclones
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

The monsoon season is from May to October, bringing:

• severe storms
• widespread flooding, including flash floods
• landslides

Disruptions to services are likely during severe weather events, including:

• transport,
• electricity, and
• communications.

Cyclones

Cyclones can happen between April and October. Confirm the location of your local shelter as soon as possible.

Check the Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology for news on conditions.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can happen in Myanmar.

Past earthquakes have damaged major cities in Myanmar, including Yangon and Bagan.

Myanmar's exposure to earthquakes makes destructive tsunamis more likely.

If there's a natural disaster:

• take official warnings seriously
• don't enter areas affected by flooding, landslides or other natural disasters without advice from local authorities
• know your hotel's evacuation plans
• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in contact with friends and family
• monitor the media, other local news and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

If you travel to high-risk parts of Myanmar despite our advice, you'll probably need a special insurance policy that covers this travel. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to places noted in this travel advice as 'do not travel'.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need
• arrange appropriate medical supplies

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

Counselling services

If you need counselling services while overseas,  contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 and ask to speak to a Lifeline telephone counsellor.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health (WHO)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Myanmar. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

Get advice from a Myanmar embassy or consulate on quantity restrictions that may apply.

Be aware that medicines for sale in Myanmar are often fake.

More information:

• Medications

Polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases

Check the Australian Immunisation Handbook (Department of Health) before you travel to Myanmar.

Make sure you're up to date with recommended vaccinations, including polio (Department of Health). You may need a booster.

Speak with your doctor about your travel plans. If you're not sure if you're vaccinated for polio, ask. Also check your need for vaccines for:

• typhoid (WHO)
• rabies (WHO)
• hepatitis A (WHO)

If you're staying longer than 4 weeks, you'll need to show proof on exit that you've had the polio vaccine or a booster within the past 12 months. If you don't, you may need to be vaccinated before leaving Myanmar.

Insect-borne diseases

In many areas, insect-borne diseases are widespread. These include:

• malaria (WHO)
• dengue fever (Department of Health)
• chikungunya fever (WHO)
• Japanese encephalitis (WHO)

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
• get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you leave Australia

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS (WHO) is common in Myanmar. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.

Rabies

Rabies (WHO) can be fatal. It's found in various animals in Myanmar.

Never feed, pat or tease dogs or monkeys.

If a dog, monkey or other animal bites or scratches you, get treatment as soon as possible.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common and include:

• hepatitis (WHO)
• typhoid (WHO)
• tuberculosis (WHO)

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Get urgent medical help if you think you have food poisoning, or if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities in Myanmar is extremely limited, particularly outside Yangon.

Avoid any surgical procedures, including dental work. Unclean medical instruments can cause infections such as:

• hepatitis (WHO)
• HIV/AIDS (WHO)

Emergency medical care, including ambulances, is not often available. There's an ambulance service (often without a paramedic) attached to most private hospitals. Each has its own phone number.

Private hospitals may not be able to accept foreign patients. You may need to pay cash up-front before receiving medical treatment or being evacuated.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need evacuation to a place with better facilities. This is usually Bangkok, Singapore or Australia. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Myanmar authorities don't always notify consular staff about Australians who've been arrested, detained or deported from Myanmar. If you're arrested or jailed, ask to contact the Australian Embassy straight away.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Traffic accidents

It's illegal to leave the scene of an accident. Drivers involved in an accident with another vehicle are usually detained if there are injuries. A driver involved in an accident with a pedestrian is always at fault, regardless of what happened. Authorities will probably detain the driver.

Legal cases to resolve traffic disputes can be long. They can affect your visa status. Drivers often expect a cash payment to settle the matter at the time of the accident.

You could be charged costs for injuries or damaged vehicles. The embassy can't help you negotiate. However, they can give you a list of lawyers who can help.

Other laws

Myanmar has the death penalty for serious offences, including:

• murder
• human trafficking
• treason, and
• drugs.

These activities are illegal in Myanmar:

• engaging in same-sex sexual acts or adultery
• taking photos of military personnel or sites
• entering or leaving Myanmar with religious materials without Customs approval
• preaching or handing out religious materials without written approval
• 'insulting religion', including mistreating images of Buddha — if you have a tattoo of Buddha, keep it covered
• defaming or threatening someone using a telecommunications network, operating drones around sensitive areas such as, government or religious buildings.

It's also illegal to:

• rent a private home if you're on a tourist visa — tourists must stay in registered accommodation
• drive a car or motorcycle without a valid local driving licence
• leave the scene of a road accident
• drink alcohol in public places such as parks, religious buildings or compounds

Don't post negative comments about individuals or Myanmar on social media.

Customs laws on banned imports and exports can be unclear and change without notice. Ask a Myanmar embassy or consulate about the latest rules.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law

Myanmar doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

People in Myanmar are deeply respectful of their religious and cultural traditions.

Standards of dress and behaviour are modest.

It's considered offensive to touch or pat anyone on the top of the head.

Respect local customs and take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Dress

Avoid wearing sleeveless tops and shorts in Myanmar, especially when visiting religious sites. It may cause offence.

Always take off your shoes and socks before entering religious sites.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

You need a visa to enter Myanmar. Entering without a visa can result in a prison sentence.

Visa applications

Apply for a visa at your closest Myanmar embassy before you travel.

If you're travelling for tourism or business, you can apply for an e-Visa online.

Apply for an e-Visa through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population website. Print out the e-Visa approval letter for your arrival.

Use an e-Visa to enter Myanmar at:

• Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw international airports
• Tachilek, Myawaddy and Kawthoung (land border crossings with Thailand)
• Tamu and Rih Khaw Dar (land border crossings with India)

You can't use e-Visas at seaports. Cruise passengers must arrange visas in advance.

Be aware of unauthorised websites that claim to offer e-Visas. Some websites will provide a genuine visa for an extra fee, but some others are fake.

Australians citizens can apply for a tourist visa on arrival at Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyitaw airports. Australians who were born in Myanmar are not eligible for visa on arrival.

Be careful about using links in emails or other websites to access the official site. To avoid a scam, use official Myanmar Government services to arrange your visa.

Visa offences

The local government strictly controls travel to parts of Myanmar, including through visa conditions. Authorities have deported or detained Australians for visa offences.

If you overstay your visa, authorities won't let you leave until you pay a fine. You might also be:

• arrested
• deported
• blacklisted so you can never return.

If you break other visa conditions, authorities could arrest or deport you.

Meet your visa conditions at all times.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Travel to or from Myanmar by land border crossing is restricted to a limited number of crossings.

Border crossings may close with little or no notice.

Since November 2016, foreigners have not been allowed to travel to the Muse (Shan State)-Ruili (China) border crossing.  This is due to civil unrest in the area.

See Safety

Travellers must stay in registered hotels and guesthouses.

If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you must register your address with immigration authorities. You must also get a Foreigners Registration Card.

Let Immigration know if you change hotels or will be away from your registered address for a while.

Customs regulations are restrictive. Officials limit what you can bring into the country.

Declare foreign currency over US$10,000 or equivalent when you arrive and leave. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. If you don't, could be jailed.

Customs authorities are sensitive about some communications equipment such as:

• drones
• radio equipment

If you don't declare restricted or banned items, customs may confiscate them. You may be able to collect undeclared items when you leave the country.

Strict rules control the export of:

• local gems
• antiques
• Buddha images

If you plan to take something home, check it's legal to before you buy it.

More information:

• Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
• Customs Department (Myanmar Customs Department)

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you’re overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK).

Cash is widely used. Foreign currency is sometimes refused because of people using fake notes.

Shops and other businesses often accept US currency. Damaged or folded notes are often refused.

Other foreign currencies and traveller's cheques are rarely accepted.

It's illegal to exchange foreign currency except through authorised money changers. Find official money changers at Myanmar's international airports and in banks.

There's a growing number of ATMs that accept international cards. These ATMs provide limited cash advances on credit and debit cards.

Ask your bank if your card will work in Myanmar.

Credit cards are accepted in a growing number of:

• hotels
• shops
• restaurants

Power cuts and unreliable internet can affect credit card services.

International money transfers are available through many banks in Yangon.

Travel restrictions

The government controls travel within parts of Myanmar, including to and from land border crossings.

If you plan to visit areas other than popular tourist areas, check the list of restricted areas. Visit the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population website.

A curfew is in place for some townships in Rakhine and Southern Chin States. See Safety

Australian Embassy officials need to seek approval to travel a number of areas in Myanmar, and approvals can take a long time. Emergency consular help in remote areas may be delayed.

Landmines

Unmarked landmines make parts of Myanmar dangerous. This is especially the case:

• near borders
• in areas where there's conflict

Landmine locations may not be marked. Stick to established roads.

In November 2019, a foreign tourist was killed by a landmine while travelling outside of Hsipaw town in Northern Shan State.

Myanmar New Year and Water Festival

Myanmar's Water Festival (Thingyan) and New Year is celebrated in April each year. There's an increased risk of road accidents due to:

• drunk drivers
• overcrowded vehicles
• large unruly crowds celebrating in public places

In past years, crime has increased during the festival. Pay attention to your personal security.

Many services close down for Thingyan, including:

• shops
• supermarkets
• restaurants
• banks
• government offices

Roads are sometimes closed in Yangon and other regional centres. Plan ahead.

Identification

Travellers are often asked to show their passport and visa to authorities. This often occurs:

• for domestic air travel
• for train travel
• when staying at hotels

Foreigners who stay in Myanmar for more than 90 days have to show their Foreigners Registration Card.

Local safety standards

The safety standards you might expect of service providers are not always met. This applies to:

• hotels
• restaurants
• shops
• transport and tour operators, including for adventure activities

Operators may not provide enough safety equipment. Maintenance and safety standards may be poor or non-existent.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Internet and telephone services

Communication services in Myanmar are improving.

Internet services are available but are unreliable outside cities and large towns.

The phone network is also unreliable and limited outside of cities and large towns.

You can send and receive text messages only from some Australian mobiles to mobile phones inside Myanmar. Many travellers buy a local pre-paid SIM card. If you're subscribing for urgent travel advice updates by SMS, remember to provide your best number.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has in the past, suspended telecommunications services in response to the security situation without prior notice. 

Driving permits

It's illegal to drive cars or motorbikes using an Australian or international driving licence.

You must have a valid Myanmar driver's licence.

You can apply for this through the Road Transport Administration Department Myanmar.

Road travel

You're 4 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Myanmar than in Australia.

Roads in Myanmar are dangerous because of:

• traffic congestion
• aggressive driving practices
• poorly maintained vehicles and roads
• people and livestock on the road
• lack of street lighting

Roads in mountainous border areas can be particularly poor. Many drivers in regional areas don't use their headlights at night.

Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. However, both left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles are used throughout the country. This adds to the dangerous driving conditions.

Australian Embassy staff are advised to avoid travelling by car in the countryside at night. This includes travelling on the Yangon-Naypyitaw-Mandalay highway. 

Outside of major cities, military and immigration checkpoints on roads are common.

If you plan to drive:

• check your travel insurance covers you
• get a local licence
• become familiar with Myanmar traffic laws

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Companies that hire motorbikes often don't supply helmets. Most helmets bought locally don't meet Australian safety standards.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Registered taxis have red licence plates and are easy to find.

Agree on the fare with the driver before your trip.

Take extra care if using taxis late at night.

Registered rideshare services operate in Yangon.

Public transport

Public transport doesn't meet international safety standards. This includes:

• buses
• boats
• trains

Fatal accidents have occurred, especially on overnight trips.

Search and rescue resources are very limited.

Air travel

The safety record of domestic airlines is not available. There is no data about how well local planes are maintained. This lack of transparency raises concerns about airline safety.

Airlines operating in Myanmar sometimes use aircraft from outside their own fleet. When this happens, passengers are not told in advance.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Myanmar's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer or
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 191.

Medical emergencies

Call 192 (Yangon General Hospital).

Police

Call 199 or contact the local police.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Yangon.

Australian Embassy, Yangon

Vantage Tower
623 Pyay Road
Yangon, Myanmar
Phone: (+95) 1 230 7410
Fax: (+95) 1 230 7425
Email: austembassy.yangon@dfat.gov.au
Website: myanmar.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy in Myanmar

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia