Caution October 19, 2023

Worldwide caution, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

  • Travel Advisories |
  • Contact Us |
  • MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Burma (Myanmar)

Travel Advisory January 22, 2024

Burma (myanmar) - level 4: do not travel.

Updated to include information on Civil Unrest, Armed Conflict, Wrongful Detention, Arbitrary Enforcement of Local Laws, Land Mines and Unexploded Ordnance, and the “If You Decide to Travel to Burma” section.

Do not travel to Burma due to  civil unrest, armed conflict, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws . Reconsider travel to Burma due to  limited and/or inadequate healthcare and emergency medical resources, and areas with land mines and unexploded ordnances . Exercise increased caution due to  wrongful detentions .

COUNTRY SUMMARY : The Burma military regime detained and deposed elected government officials in a February 2021 coup d'état. Protests and demonstrations against military rule continue, often on significant dates. The military has responded to these protests by arbitrarily arresting individuals and with the indiscriminate use of deadly force against protesters and bystanders.

The Department of State has determined that the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the military regime exists.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services in Burma as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside of Rangoon. Dependents under the age of 21 cannot accompany U.S. government employees who work in Burma.

Civil unrest and armed conflict  occur throughout Burma. The level of civil unrest and armed conflict varies significantly between and within states and regions and may change at any time.

Civil unrest and armed violence due to fighting between the military regime and various ethnic groups and militia occur in parts of Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Rakhine, and Shan States, as well as in Sagaing, and Magway regions.

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are used in the ongoing armed conflicts, including in the Yangon urban area. From January to July 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon confirmed an average of fourteen IEDs per month detonated against regime targets in the Yangon urban area, while an average of nine unexploded IEDs were discovered and safely disposed of per month. IEDs used in Yangon urban area tend to be designed for smaller impacts against specific targets. Outside of Yangon, IED attacks against checkpoints and other critical infrastructure have been designed for larger impact.

While land mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) exist throughout Burma, the greatest concerns are in the areas of Shan, Chin, and Kachin. The locations of landmines and UXO are often not marked or otherwise unidentifiable.

The military regime arbitrarily enforces local laws , including carrying out  random and wrongful detentions of U.S. citizens without due process . U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Burma may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime.

U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals are not exempt from prolonged interrogations and extended detention without due process of law. Local law enforcement officials may detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for speaking out or protesting against the military regime, including on their personal social media accounts, and for sending private electronic messages critical of the military regime. Facebook and Twitter are banned in Myanmar; police have sought bribes from individuals using a VPN to access social media sites even though VPNs are not officially illegal.

Burma has  limited and/or inadequate healthcare and emergency medical resources due to critical staffing shortages in the public sector health workforce. Importation of medical supplies, including medicine, into Burma is not consistent and medical prescriptions and over-the-counter medicine may not be available.

Read the Safety and Security section on the  country information page .

If you decide to travel to Burma:

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Follow the Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
  • Follow the Embassy’s Consular Section on Facebook .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Burma.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
  • Purchase travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
  • Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Make contingency plans to leave the country.
  • Review local laws and conditions before traveling.
  • Visit our website for  High-Risk Area Travelers .
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.  Find a suggested list of such documents here .
  • Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization.
  • Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices prior to travel.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

One page required for entry stamp

Travelers are required to show documentation for COVID-19 medical insurance, and a completed Health Declaration Form.

Amounts in excess of USD 10,000 must be declared upon entry

Amounts in excess of USD 10,000 must be declared upon exit

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Rangoon 110 University Ave Kamayut Township, Rangoon, Burma Telephone: (95) 1-753-6-509 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  (95) 1-753-6-509 Fax: (951)-751-2124 Email:  [email protected] Facebook Twitter

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to Burma.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Since the February 2021 coup, Burma’s military regime controls travel to, from, and within Burma. To enter Burma, you must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity remaining and a valid visa. You should apply for your visa at a Burmese Embassy or Consulate abroad before you arrive in Burma. Inside the country, you will be required to show your passport with a valid visa at all airports, train stations, and hotels. Security checkpoints are common outside of tourist areas. COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate and Negative Test Results are no longer required for the entry. Travelers are still required to show documentation for COVID-19 medical insurance AND a completed Health Declaration Form. The Myanmar Insurance website has additional information.

Visa Information: Burma's eVisa program allows tourists and business travelers to apply for a visa online rather than physically applying at an embassy or consulate:

  • You are generally notified within a few days whether you have been pre-approved for a visa.
  • You must present the approval letter at Immigration when you enter Burma.
  • Once you are approved for the visa, the visa needs to be used within three months.
  • Apply at:  Myanmar eVisa (Official Government Website) .  Be aware that non-official websites may be fraudulent; beware of scams.

Military Travelers: Active-duty U.S. military personnel are not authorized to travel to Burma.

Burma has a  visas-on-arrival program  for certain business travelers. The program is available only to those with a formal letter of invitation from a business registered with the Burmese Ministry of Commerce, NOT to tourists.

There is also a meditation visa for visitors planning long-term studies at monasteries and meditation centers.

You can get information about entry requirements as well as other information from the  Embassy of Burma’s  website. The Embassy is located at 2300 S Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20008. Telephone: 202-332-4350. The Permanent Mission of Burma  to the UN is located at 10 East 77th St., New York, NY 10021.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Burma.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Messages regarding security-related events are posted on the  Embassy’s website .

Fighting between the Burma’s military forces and ethnic armed groups and militia forces continues in border regions, including parts of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Shan, Rakhine, and Chin States, and as well as in Sagaing and Magway in the center of the country. Travelers should avoid travel to these areas.

The destinations frequented by most U.S. citizen visitors, including Rangoon, Bagan, Ngapali Beach, Naypyitaw, and Mandalay, are not currently affected by this fighting, but the security situation can change quickly. See our Travel Advisory for more information.

Land mines and unexploded ordnance:  Conflict-affected areas are of greatest concern, particularly areas of Shan, Chin, and Kachin States. The location of landmines is often not marked or otherwise identifiable.

The regime’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism publishes  information on restricted areas .

Due to travel restrictions placed on U.S. diplomats by the de-facto authorities, our ability to assist U.S. citizens affected by incidents in remote and/or conflict-affected areas of Burma may be limited.

Crime:  Crime rates in Burma, especially involving foreigners, are lower than those of many other countries in the region. Nevertheless, the crime rate has been increasing, particularly home burglaries and petty crime. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but there have been incidents involving attacks by taxi drivers and muggings. Citizens are advised to take particular care when taking taxis late at night.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police at 199 or in person at the police station in the district where the crime took place; and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(95) (1) 7536-509, ext. 4240, Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(95) 1 7536-509.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

  • help you find appropriate medical care.
  • assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
  • contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
  • explain the local criminal justice process in general terms.
  • provide a list of local attorneys.
  • provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States .
  • provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
  • help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
  • replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Disaster Preparedness

  • Cyclones and Tropical Storms:  Cyclones may occur in two, three-month seasons peaking in May and November, respectively, during which travel conditions may deteriorate significantly. In addition, intense rainfall and squalls may occur during the rainy season (approximately June to October annually). Travelers are encouraged to prepare for cyclone emergencies and monitor local news stations when cyclones are forecast. The Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has a color-coded system for storm systems: red for storms approaching landfall in Burma, orange for storms moving towards Burma, yellow for developing storms, and brown for current storms. Additional information on storm preparedness may be found on our  Tropical Storm Season - Know Before You Go  webpage.
  • Earthquakes do occur throughout Burma. Check here for information about  earthquake preparedness .

The Department of Homeland Security’s page has numerous resources on emergency kits, preparing for disasters and developing emergency plans:  https://www.ready.gov/.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our webpage on  crimes against minors abroad  and the U.S.  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our  webpage  for further information.

Should you be detained, especially outside of Rangoon, we may not be able to assist quickly.

Law enforcement officials do not routinely notify us of the arrest of U.S. citizens, and prison officials have been known to obstruct regular access by consular officers to U.S. citizen detainees.

Dual Nationality: Burmese law forbids Burmese citizens from possessing dual nationality. On occasion, Burmese authorities have detained and pursued criminal proceedings against Burmese-Americans who have returned to Burma on U.S. passports and who have had in their possession evidence of Burmese citizenship, such as a National Registration Card.

Tourists Must Reside in a Registered Hotel or Guesthouse:  Burmese law requires that foreign tourists reside in registered hotels or guesthouses. Criminal penalties, including multiple years of imprisonment and deportation, apply for non-compliance.

Illegal drugs  carry severe penalties. Expect long jail sentences under harsh conditions, heavy fines, or even execution for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs.

Insulting Religion:  Under Burmese law, insulting religion is a prosecutable offense. ‘Insult’ is a very broad term that could include tattoos or other religious representations in a non-religious context.  Images of the Buddha can be particularly sensitive. In 2016, a tourist was deported for allegedly having a tattoo of the Buddha on his leg. In 2020, a Facebook user from Meikhtila who criticized monks on social media was sentenced to over a year imprisonment; two other individuals were arrested for drawing graffiti of a skull wearing a monk’s robe. As in any country, visitors are encouraged to be respectful of local customs when visiting religious sites.

Drones:  Importing unmanned aerial systems (drones) without prior permission from authorities and flying them in sensitive areas can result in criminal penalties, including jail time and the permanent confiscation of the drone. Sensitive areas include government buildings, famous tourist sites, and religious buildings. Because it is rarely clear what constitutes a sensitive area, all recreational use of drones is inadvisable.  Multiple foreigners have recently been detained for flying drones in sensitive locations.

Social Media:  You may be prosecuted for posting negative or derogatory comments on social media, including Facebook, under the 2013 Telecommunications Law, which criminalizes “extortion of any person, coercion, unlawful restriction, defamation, interfering, undue influence, or intimidation using a telecommunications network.” If convicted, you may face a fine and/or imprisonment. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report  – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal under section 377 of the Burmese penal code, which has provisions against “sexually abnormal” behavior and entails punishments up to life imprisonment. Laws against “unnatural offenses” apply equally to men and women. These laws are rarely enforced; however, LGBTQI+ persons have reported police using the threat of prosecution to extort bribes. LGBTQI+ activists have also reported allegations of rape by security forces in some cases, arbitrary arrest (for example for loitering), detention, and broad societal and familial discrimination.

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  Individuals with disabilities should be prepared to face difficulties throughout Burma. Roads and sidewalks are often difficult to cross. Ramps or handicapped-accessible facilities are rare. 

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Burma, dial 119.

COVID-19 Testing:

Testing is available at the following locations: 

  • Yangon Airport Molecular Lab: located on Pyay Road near the Htan Pin Gone bus stop and DHL Myanmar warehouse at the airport. Telephone numbers: 094 4409 9941 / 094 4409 9942 
  • N Health: located in Rangoon at the Tourist Burma Building on the corner of Maha Bandula St. and Sule Paya St. (near Sule Pagoda). Telephone numbers: 01 230 3202 / 09 519 9122 
  • Pun Hlaing Hospital: located in Rangoon on Pun Hlaing Estate Avenue, Hlaing Tharyar Township, as well as at Pun Hlaing Clinic Downtown Rangoon, No. 14/A, Taw Win Street (Corner of Ambassador St and Taw Win St), Dagon Township.  Telephone number: 099400 60222 
  • Samitivej International Clinic: located in Rangoon at 9E/2 Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township. Telephone numbers: 01 656 732 / 01 660 545 / 09 42427 4301 
  • International SOS Clinic: located in Rangon at Inya Lake Hotel, 37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road.  Email:  [email protected]

COVID-19 Vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Burma. Some private clinics in Burma offer COVID-19 vaccination programs, including booster shots.  American citizens in Burma seeking vaccination should contact private clinics directly for more information.  The Embassy shares this information as a courtesy but does not endorse or recommend any specific vaccination program in Burma. 

  • Grand Hantha International Hospital: located in Rangoon at No.3, Corner of Lower Kyee Myin Daing Kanner Road and Narnattaw.  Email:  [email protected] .
  • Visit the FDA’s website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Ambulance services are:

  • not present throughout the country or are unreliable.
  • not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
  • not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. 

Given the above information, injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Most medical facilities in Burma are inadequate for routine medical care. If you are seeking medical care in Burma, you will be asked to pay cash for all health care services and medicines before receiving care; credit cards are not accepted in most health care facilities and insurance will not be billed. Adequate Emergency Medical Services including ambulance care is not reliably available. Patients who are admitted to public hospitals typically need a family member or friend to assist them with care in the hospital, and food and medical supplies must be purchased for use in the hospital. Few medical personnel in Burma are trained to U.S. standards.

U.S. citizens needing urgent medical care have been denied treatment at public hospitals due to a lack of funds.  In an emergency, you would likely need to be medically evacuated to a hospital outside Burma . Medical evacuation from Burma is expensive and is most often transacted in cash, therefore medical evacuation insurance is advised.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation (see above).

Medication:  Many pharmaceuticals on sale in Burma are counterfeit or adulterated, or may not be available. Travelers should consider Burmese pharmaceuticals generally unsafe to use and should bring their own medications for the duration of their stay in Burma.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with these authorities to ensure that the medication is legal in Burma.  Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Further health information:

World Health Organization U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Rangoon's roads are generally in poor condition, and traffic is congested throughout the day. Slow-moving vehicles, bicycles, animals, and heavy pedestrian traffic create numerous hazards for drivers on Rangoon's streets. If you drive in Burma, remain alert to avoid hitting pedestrians. If you are a pedestrian, remain alert even when you believe you have the right of way.

Most roads outside of Rangoon have one to two lanes and are potholed, often unpaved, and unlit at night.  Many of the truck drivers traveling between China and Rangoon reportedly travel under the influence of methamphetamines and other stimulants. Drunken and/or drugged drivers are common during the four-day Buddhist water festival in mid-April.

Driving at night is particularly dangerous. Most Burmese drivers do not turn on their headlights until the sky is completely dark. Many do not use headlights at all. Many bicyclists use no lights or reflectors.

Roadside assistance and ambulances are generally unavailable.

Public Transportation:  Please refer to our  Road Safety  page for more information.

Traffic Laws:  Vehicles drive on the right side as in the United States, however, a majority of vehicles still have the steering wheel positioned on the right. The “right of way” concept is generally respected, but military convoys and motorcades always have precedence. Vehicles generally lack seat belts. Child car seats are unavailable.

Most accidents are settled between the parties on site, with the party at fault paying the damages. In the event of an accident with a pedestrian, the driver is always considered to be at fault and subject to fines or arrest, regardless of the circumstances.

Aviation Safety Oversight : As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Burma, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Burma’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Burma should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  MARAD . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see  the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Enroll in STEP

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Myanmar travel advice

Latest updates: Health – Travel health notice for Lunar New Year removed

Last updated: March 1, 2024 11:36 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, myanmar - avoid all travel.

Safety and security situation

Back to top

Political situation

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military detained officials from the elected government and declared a state of emergency, effectively seizing control of the country's governance. Martial law has been imposed in several townships. Curfews are in effect at specific locations and gatherings are banned.

Demonstrations take place regularly across the country, particularly in Yangon and Mandalay. Security forces have been using excessive and lethal force against protesters in several locations. This has resulted in multiple casualties.

Civil unrest and acts of politically motivated violence may occur anywhere and at any time, particularly leading up to and during days or events of national significance. Improvised explosive devices have been used throughout the country, including in major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw. Further attacks targeting public venues frequented by foreigners, such as shopping malls, markets, hotels, bars and restaurants are possible.

The political situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate further.

If you're in Myanmar:

  • maintain a high level of vigilance at all times
  • avoid unnecessary movement, especially on occasions of national significance
  • regularly review your security practices
  • follow political and social developments carefully
  • monitor media to stay informed on the evolving situation
  • plan to have adequate water and food supplies for at least 4 days
  • charge your mobile phone in case of internet, communication and power outages
  • avoid all demonstrations and gatherings
  • expect roadblocks, searches and a heavy military presence

Arbitrary enforcement of local laws

Myanmar's military regime arbitrarily enforces local laws, and may carry out random and arbitrary detentions without due process. If you are in Myanmar, you are at risk of arbitrary detention.

If you travel to or remain in Myanmar despite these risks:

  • stay indoors
  • maintain a low profile when going outside
  • avoid concentrations of police and security forces
  • comply with the regulations and guidelines from local authorities

Border areas with Thailand, China, Laos, Bangladesh and India

The security situation along the border varies and can change quickly.

Clashes between the military and armed groups are ongoing in several border regions. This has caused the displacements of hundreds of thousands of civilians to neighbouring countries.

Landmines are also a danger, particularly in border areas. Unmarked landmines can be found in many border regions and pose a significant risk to your safety.

If you travel to border areas despite this advisory:

  • exercise extreme caution
  • avoid concentrations of police and security forces as well as large gatherings
  • follow the instructions of local authorities

Armed clashes

Since October 27, 2023, there has been an escalation of conflict in several parts of Myanmar. Multiple armed resistance groups have attacked regime security forces in Mandalay and Sagaing regions, and the following states:

  • Kayah (formerly Karenni)

There has also been an increase in the number of attacks and regime airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties. The armed conflict is expected to continue and could expand to other states and regions and escalate. The security situation is highly volatile and additional violent attacks could occur at any time across the country.

Violent clashes between regime security forces and armed groups have resulted in:

  • significant internal displacement
  • disrupted access to supplies, cash and goods
  • border crossing closures

If you are in Myanmar:

  • exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings
  • expect heightened presence of security forces
  • expect increased travel disruptions and roadblocks
  • use your judgement to decide the best time and the safest means of exit if you need to move to a safer location
  • monitor international media to stay informed about the latest developments and decrees

Disruptions to supply chains and the closing of border crossings in Myanmar may result in shortages of necessities.

  • Keep a supply of water, food, medicine and cash on hand.

Chin (Paletwa Township), Kachin, Rakhine, and northern Shan States

Fighting between Myanmar regime military forces and non-state armed resistance groups is occurring in these areas and has resulted in a significant number of deaths, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians as well as disruptions to road and rail connections.

In August 2017, there were coordinated attacks on police and security forces in northern Rakhine state. Since December 2018, serious armed clashes between ethnic armed groups and the military have been occurring in parts of northern and central Rakhine State, including in the tourist destination of Mrauk U. Detonations of improvised explosive devices have taken place in Sittwe Township and on the road between Sittwe and Mrauk U.

Violence in the area is ongoing and the situation is volatile. The security situation can deteriorate suddenly and unexpectedly. Be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Travel restrictions

Travel to parts of the country, including to and from land border crossings, are strictly controlled by the Government of Myanmar. As such, there are some parts of the country where Canadian Embassy officials are not allowed to travel freely without permission from the Myanmar government. The Canadian Embassy's ability to deliver consular assistance, including in an emergency, may be limited or delayed in these areas.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism maintains lists of permitted and restricted areas. Consult these lists prior to travelling to Myanmar, especially if you plan on travelling outside of popular tourist destinations.

Inter-communal violence

Inter-communal violence occurs. More than 200 people have been killed in religious violence since June 2012, and more than 140,000 have been displaced (mostly in Rakhine State). Attacks against religious buildings, shops, and homes have taken place in several areas, including the regions of Bago and Mandalay, resulting in injuries, deaths and displaced persons. Tensions remain high, and further violence is possible. Curfews and restrictions may be imposed or changed on short notice.

Incidents of violence, which resulted in injuries and damage to property, occurred in Mandalay in early July 2014. In late March 2014, violent protests targeting the staff and offices of international organizations took place in Sittwe, Rakhine State.

Security forces

The presence of police and security forces is likely to increase in Yangon and elsewhere in Myanmar on significant dates, including the anniversary of demonstrations led by monks to protest for political reform (September 26) and the anniversary of the 1988 uprising (August 8).

Violent crime

There have also been incidents of violent crime against foreigners including muggings.

Exercise a high level of personal security awareness at all times.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occur. Scams involving gems and jewellery occur. Merchants sell lower-quality items at inflated prices with promises that the items can be resold later at a profit. The guarantees that merchants offer are not always honoured. The Government of Canada cannot assist in obtaining refunds for purchases made.

  • Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times
  • Carefully consider all purchases if you are not knowledgeable about gems and jewellery

Demonstrations

Demonstrations can occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

  • Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
  • Follow the advice of local authorities
  • Monitor local media

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Exercise caution at beach resorts in Ngwesaung, Chaungtha and Ngapali as there are strong underwater currents and riptides. There are no lifeguards and drownings have occurred.

Scuba diving

Exercise caution when considering diving excursions in Myanmar. Rented diving equipment may not meet internationally acceptable safety standards and may not be maintained adequately.

Water safety abroad

Tourists trekking in remote parts of the country have experienced difficulties with military authorities, even after obtaining prior permission.

Tourist facilities

Tourist facilities are adequate in Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Ngapali Beach, Yangon and Taunggyi, but limited elsewhere. Good hotel facilities exist in Nay Pyi Taw, but transportation is limited. Foreign tourists rarely visit Nay Pyi Taw and may be viewed with suspicion. Foreigners can expect to pay several times more than locals for accommodations, domestic flights and entry to tourist sites throughout the country.

Communications

Telephone services are unreliable in Yangon and are difficult to find in other areas. Long-distance calls can be extremely expensive. There are Internet cafés in Yangon; identification is required, access to certain websites is restricted and records of which websites users have visited are kept. While some websites were unblocked in 2011, many remain inaccessible. Electronic communications, including email, may be monitored by local authorities.

Public transportation

Public transportation within Myanmar, including air, rail and sea travel, often does not meet international safety standards. Railway equipment tends to be outdated, and fatal accidents have occurred. Boat and ferry accidents causing deaths are common. Vessels may be in poor condition and overloading is a common problem.

Road safety

Travel is restricted outside major cities to designated tourist areas only. Permission from local authorities is required to visit certain areas. Military checkpoints on roads are common.

The general condition of automobiles does not meet minimal international standards. There is a combination of both left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles in use throughout the country. Driving can be hazardous, especially after dark. Some roads can become impassable, particularly during the rainy season. Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe-driving practices. It is common for pedestrians and livestock to walk on roads. A driver involved in any accident with a pedestrian is always at fault and is liable to be detained.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Myanmar authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Myanmar.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada
  • Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required  Business visa: required

A visa is required for tourism and business purposes and is valid for 28 days . It should be obtained prior to travel at a Myanmar diplomatic mission. An eVisa  option and multiple-entry business visas are available.

The Myanmar government has created a visa-on-arrival program to allow select business travellers, including Canadians, to obtain a business visa upon arrival at the Yangon International Airport. Travellers are encouraged not to rely on this option, however, as the program’s requirements and eligibility criteria remain unclear. It is strongly recommended that all travellers, including business travellers, carefully verify visa requirements and options with the nearest Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar before travelling.

Foreign journalists have had difficulty obtaining visas, and some have been denied entry upon arrival despite having received a visa. In the past, journalists, and tourists mistaken for journalists, have been denied entry when travelling on tourist visas, have been harassed and have had film and notes confiscated upon leaving the country.

Travel to parts of Myanmar is strictly controlled by government authorities. Foreigners have been deported and detained for visa offences.

eVisa  - Myanmar's Ministry of Immigration and population

Port of entry

You should use the same port of entry (e.g. Yangon International Airport) to enter and exit Myanmar to avoid problems with immigration services.

Border crossings

There are few land border crossing points, and permission to cross these borders may be required in advance, through a process separate from the required visa application. Some government-authorized tour companies may be able to secure the appropriate permission from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

Border crossings may close with little or no notice, and entry may be restricted to the nationals of the bordering states and/or to the immediate area or border town. Although travel to or from Myanmar via a land route is possible, Global Affairs Canada advises against travel to the border areas with China, Laos and Thailand. 

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

  • Global Measles Notice - 31 August, 2023
  • Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
  • COVID-19 and International Travel - 31 August, 2023

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.
  • Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
  • Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

  • travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
  • making multiple trips to endemic areas
  • staying for extended periods in rural areas
  • visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
  • engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

  • visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
  • visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Lymphatic filariasis , also known as elephantiasis, is caused by filariae (tiny worms) spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause a range of illnesses. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for lymphatic filariasis although drug treatments exist.

  • In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
  • Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
  • The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
  • Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

  • Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
  • Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

  • visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
  • working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
  • hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
  • working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
  • working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •   washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Limited medical facilities are available in Yangon but may not meet Canadian standards and are very limited elsewhere in the country. Foreign prescription drugs are often counterfeit and are unsafe to use. There are no emergency neonatal services in Myanmar.

Medical evacuation is necessary for cases of serious illness or accident. Ensure that your travel health insurance covers medical evacuations. Doctors and hospitals may demand immediate cash payment for health services and medical evacuation. Make sure you have adequate/accessible cash to cover the cost of emergency needs.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

The Canadian embassy does not normally receive timely notification of the detention, arrest or deportation of Canadian citizens in Myanmar. If you are arrested or jailed you should request immediate contact with the Embassy of Canada to Myanmar. Research laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

A foreigner who has broken the law is subject to deportation upon payment of fine or completion of prison sentence.

Under Myanmar law, insulting religion is a prosecutable offence. This includes any disrespectful treatment, depiction or image (including tattoos) of Buddha or other religious representation, or wearing any tattoo of Buddha anywhere below the waist. Foreign nationals have been sentenced to prison, fined and/or deported for breaking this law.

Missionary activities and the importation of religious materials are illegal without the written permission of the Myanmar authorities.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect imprisonment or a death sentence.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Under Myanmar's immigration act, tourists are required to stay in registered hotels, motels, inns, guest houses or resorts. You must show your passport and valid visa at domestic airports, train stations, hotels and security checkpoints. It is illegal to enter restricted areas without authorization.

Political activism

Political activism (including the dissemination of printed materials), protests, demonstrations and unauthorized assemblies are not tolerated in Myanmar. Freedom of speech and political activities are restricted, and the Myanmar government is very sensitive to any expression of opposition to its rule. Foreigners criticizing the regime in public may be arrested or detained.

Artifacts and gems

A permit is required to purchase or possess cultural or archaeological artifacts. It is illegal to export gems. Foreigners have been arrested, searched and imprisoned for attempting to take Myanmar gems out of the country.

Photography

Photography of scenes or people that could be considered politically sensitive, such as military installations, security personnel or demonstrations, is prohibited. Offenders could be arrested, deported and have their equipment confiscated. It is also illegal to fly a drone over certain religious installations.

International driving permits are not recognized in Myanmar. It is illegal to drive without a Myanmar driver's licence.

Imports and export

Customs officials strictly limit what is brought into and out of the country. Baggage is examined and may be searched upon arrival. It is illegal to enter or exit Myanmar with religious materials. Foreign currency in excess of US$10,000 must be declared upon arrival; failure to do so could result in imprisonment. Importation of communications equipment such as mobile phones and laptop computers has been restricted. Laptop computers have been taken from tourists and held at the airport until their departure. Customs regulations on prohibited imports and exports are often unclear and further advice on this subject should be sought from the nearest Myanmar embassy or consulate.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Myanmar prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Myanmar.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Myanmar.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Myanmar, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

The Myanmar authorities activated a 2010 conscription law that came into effect on February 10, 2024. If local authorities consider you a citizen of Myanmar, you may be subject to military obligations requiring all men aged 18-35 and all women aged 18-27 to serve at least two years in the army, with possible extensions up to five years during a state of emergency. The current state of emergency began in February 2021 and has been extended to July 31, 2024. Future extensions are likely. There is no guarantee that travelling with a Canadian passport will provide protection from this law.

You may face up to three years in prison plus a fine, if you evade or ignore a summons to serve. The Government of Canada continues to recommend that Canadian travellers avoid all travel to Myanmar and take this advice seriously.

The Embassy of Canada in Myanmar is extremely limited in its ability to assist Canadian citizens who might be detained in Myanmar.

You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize the risk of your Canadian citizenship being denied. You may also need to carry and present a Myanmar passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country.

Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will require a valid Canadian passport to re-enter Canada.

Travelling as a dual citizen

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Myanmar.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Myanmar by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Myanmar to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

  • International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
  • Travelling with children
  • Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Dress and behaviour

Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour, particularly when visiting religious sites. Dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities or breaking the law.

Local customs  - Myanmar government

The currency of Myanmar is the kyat (MMK). U.S. currency is widely accepted; however, only new, unmarked and undamaged bank notes are accepted. Other foreign currencies are not accepted. There are a few official currency exchange offices in Yangon, including one at the Yangon International Airport. It is illegal to exchange currency at unauthorized locations.

Carry enough cash to cover all of your expenses while in Myanmar. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Even where credit card facilities do exist, Internet connections may be too slow to enable credit cards to be a reliable payment method. Traveller's cheques are never accepted and debit cards are not used for direct purchases. It is possible to find some internationally linked ABMs in Myanmar, but the daily withdrawal limits are low and the machines are often out of service. Neither cash advances via credit or debit card nor cheque-cashing services are available.

Seismic activity

Myanmar is located in an active seismic zone and minor earthquakes are common.

Monsoons and typhoons

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to November. Severe rainstorms can cause flash flooding and landslides.

Cyclones usually occur between April and October. Severe rainstorms can result in significant loss of life, extensively damage infrastructure and hamper the provision of essential services.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons .

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 199
  • medical assistance: 192
  • firefighters: 191

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Myanmar and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Thura Swiss

Thura NewsViews

Myanmar’s most widely read newsletter on the country’s politics, economy and businesses brought to you by Thura Swiss

  • Visit Thura Swiss Homepage

We send Thura NewsViews as free weekly newsletter

Download latest PDF Newsletter

New Myanmar Tourism Law: An effort towards development of accountable and sustainable tourism in Myanmar

The Myanmar Parliament recently promulgated the new Myanmar Tourism Law (“ MTL ”) on 17 September 2018, which replaces the old Myanmar Hotel and Tourism Law that was enacted by State Law and Order Restoration Council.

The key spirit of this new MTL is different from the old one, and specifically the area of management level that three committees ( such as: National Tourism Business Development Committee, Tourism Working Committee and Regional Tourism Working Committee ) have been formed for implementation of this law with the collaboration of the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism.

Pursuant to the MTL, the licenses to be issued are classified into five categories, broadly- Tour license, Hotel license, Lodging-House license, Tour guide license and other services relating to tourism license. Application for such licenses can be made with the Regional Tour Business Committee. The licenses shall be valid for 3 Years and the renewal can be made in accordance the requirements of the Regional Tour Business Committee.

The restriction under this new Law is that no one is allowed to carry the business of (a) tour guide, (b) transfer or accept of tour guide (c) tour, hotel, lodging-house, tour guide or other services relating to tourism without having the specific licenses as provided for under the MTL. The MTL also provides for action(s) to counter any non-compliance/breach of the terms and conditions of licenses that inter alia includes revocation of license, cancellation and blacklisting.

The government with its continuous endeavor to strengthen the tourism industry in Myanmar, with enactment of MTL, the development is targeted to be ensured on an accountable and sustainable manner.

Through our office in Yangon, Duane Morris & Selvam advises corporations on investment, business and regulatory processes in Myanmar. For further information, please contact Mr Krishna Ramachandra ([email protected]), Mr Priyank Srivastava ([email protected]), or Mr CN Beilo ([email protected]) or visit www.duanemorrisselvam.com. Duane Morris & Selvam is recognized as a leading law firm for Myanmar related Corporate, M&A and Projects (including Energy) work – The Legal 500 (2017 & 2018).

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

  • Upcoming Events
  • More Events
  • Submit Event

Terminals, ports, logistics, liner operations disrupted

Facebook, instagram ban military and related pages with immediate effect, luxury japanese real-estate complex called out for funding military.

  • Myanmar in the Media
  • Special ASEAN Regional Summit in Australia Source: Voice of America East Asia March 4, 2024 17 hours ago
  • Thailand Facilitates Transfer of 900 Scam Victims from Myanmar to China Source: Voice of America East Asia March 3, 2024 2 days ago
  • Govt facilitates transfer of 900 scam victims from Myanmar to China Source: Bangkok Post Recent Stories March 3, 2024 2 days ago
  • Myanmar’s Youth Leaders Fear Conscription Law Source: Voice of America East Asia March 2, 2024 3 days ago

Thura Swiss

  • Companies & Investments
  • International edition
  • Australia edition
  • Europe edition

Military officers march during a parade to commemorate Myanmar's 78th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, 27 March 2023.

‘They have lists of everyone’s names’: Myanmar conscription law unleashes wave of fear

Potential conscripts fear they could be forced to carry out atrocities or be used as human shields by the military

P assport offices and embassies in Myanmar have been flooded with applications, with a queue of more than a thousand people on a single day trying to secure a visa for neighbouring Thailand. Helplines offering advice on ways to leave the country – how to manage checkpoints, what documents are needed – have been inundated.

Across Myanmar, the young and middle aged, both men and women, are desperately searching for ways to flee their homes, after it was announced the military junta will impose a mandatory conscription law from mid-April. The law, which would force people to serve a military many despise, has sent a wave of terror across the country.

“If I joined the military, I would have to fight my own people. I do not want to do that,” says Thura, who spoke under a fake name, from Shan State. “The military is infamous – they are killing people, arresting people, doing so many unjust things.”

People queue for visas at the embassy of Thailand in Yangon on 16 February 2024.

His wife, he added, had urged him to leave her and their eight-year-old daughter behind.

UN special rapporteur for Myanmar Tom Andrews warned last week the number of people fleeing across borders to escape conscription “will surely skyrocket”.

In Thura’s area, streets are now empty by early evening. “It’s very unusual to see any people, any young people, on the road,” he says. “All the shops and cafes – they are closed by 6pm.”

Even before the conscription was announced, there were reports of people being snatched on the streets and forcibly recruited. Young people are terrified they might be kidnapped by the military.

Activists fear conscripts will be used as porters to carry supplies on the frontline. In the past, the military has used porters as human shields, sending them out in front to trip landmines and shield soldiers from gunfire.

Junta facing mounting losses on the battlefield

Under the 2010 People’s Military Service Law, to be enacted next month, men aged 18 up to 35, or women aged 18 to 27, will be conscripted for up to five years in an emergency situation. For men and women who are considered professionals, a vaguely defined category that includes medical doctors, engineers, or others professional groups, the age cut-off is higher – 35 for women, and 45 for men.

The junta recently clarified its initial announcement, saying that women will not be conscripted for now. This claim has been treated with scepticism by the public, however, and many women are still trying to flee.

The military, which seized power in a coup in February 2021 , a move that has been strongly opposed by the public, has been unable to control an armed opposition to its rule, which includes citizens who have taken up arms as well as older ethnic armed organisations that have long fought against the military. The junta’s decision to impose conscription reflects the recent devastating losses it has faced on the battlefield , in which entire battalions have surrendered, and key territory lost along the border with China.

“There’s already a refugee crisis and it’s going to get worse,” says Debbie Stothard, founder of the regional human rights group Altsean.

“Even low-ranking civil servants are sneaking away and disappearing because they know they are likely to be drafted if push comes to shove,” she adds.

Myanmar’s military chief and junta leader Min Aung Hlaing stands in a car as he oversees a military display at a parade ground to mark the country’s Independence Day in Naypyidaw on 4 January 2023.

Until now, for many in military-controlled areas, there was a sense that, as long as they were not associating with anti-junta activists or doing anything remotely political, they could remain somewhat safe, she says. “All they had to do was focus on survival,” says Stothard. The conscription law changes this. “Now they are at risk of being forced to join the army that’s committing these atrocities.”

Options for fleeing Myanmar are limited and fraught with danger: cross legally or illegally into a neighbouring country, or travel to an area that’s controlled by anti-coup groups, and hope that you do not get stopped by junta officials along the way.

Getting the correct papers takes time and money, a luxury most don’t have. Appointments for the passport office are booked until August, according to media reports, and some have been so overwhelmed that overcrowding has proved deadly. In Mandalay, two women were crushed as huge crowds gathered at a passport office last week.

For people who belong to ethnic minorities, which have long been oppressed in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, there are even fewer options. Thura, a Rohingya Muslim, has been unable to get a new passport because officials say his national ID card lists him as being Bengali – a racial slur used to imply that Rohingya people are not true citizens.

In the eyes of the military he does not belong in Myanmar; this means he is unable to leave the country legally.

Myanmar’s nationals who crossed the Bangladesh-Myanmar border to seek shelter in Bangladesh are put on to ships to be taken back to Myanmar at Cox’s Bazar on 15 February.

Activists have reported several cases in which Rohingya have been arrested from villages or a refugee camp in Rakhine state over the past week, alleging they have been forcibly enlisted in the military.

The military is facing a genocide case in The Hague over its previous violence against Rohingya.

‘The military does whatever it wants’

Naung Yoe, of the civil society group People’s Goal, which supports people who want to defect from the military and join the pro-democracy resistance, told a recent press conference that he fears new conscripts could be used as human shields. They could also, based on accounts of other defectors, likely be “cut off entirely from their families and their communities. Their mobile phones and their computers will be taken or removed and they will have no access to the outside world,” he says.

In Mandalay city, junta officials toured townships last week, using loudspeakers to try to reassure people and dispel reports that people were being kidnapped and forcibly recruited, according to a report by Myanmar Now . In Tanintharyi region, in the south, pamphlets with similar messages, denying there had been arrests and saying there were no barriers to leaving the country, were also distributed, according to Dawei Watch.

Kyaw Gyi, an activist who supports workers, including garment workers, who are mostly women, and who spoke under a fake name, says they do not feel safe returning from work in the evening. Even at home, they are afraid.

“The military has already collected a list of names for each household in our township. We thought it was just for the census but then they unexpectedly announced conscription. It’s made us more worried – they have lists of everyone’s names,” Kyaw Gyi says.

He is 36 and not a professional, he adds, so he should be exempt, but he is hardly reassured. “The military does whatever it wants,” he says.

Thura fears he will be required to serve, even though he is 38, because he is a lawyer and therefore a professional. Fleeing to a resistance-controlled area isn’t an option because he does not know how he would be able to work there, he says, and he needs to support his family. But he worries about making the journey to the border, where roads are restricted and junta soldiers are likely to interrogate anyone passing through.

Even if he manages to cross, he faces the risk of being sent back by the Thai authorities. Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin has warned people from Myanmar not to enter the country illegally. Authorities in the Thai border town of Mae Sot have told people to comply with a law that requires them to register any foreigner visitors staying at their home.

Thura dreads having to leave his wife and eight-year-old daughter behind. “It would be very difficult for them,” he says. “They would be on their own. But if there’s no option left, I would have to go.”

  • Rights and freedom
  • South and central Asia

Most viewed

  • Today's news
  • Reviews and deals
  • Climate change
  • 2024 election
  • My portfolio
  • My watchlist
  • Stock market
  • Biden economy
  • Personal finance
  • Stocks: most actives
  • Stocks: gainers
  • Stocks: losers
  • Trending tickers
  • World indices
  • US Treasury bonds
  • Top mutual funds
  • Highest open interest
  • Highest implied volatility
  • Currency converter
  • Basic materials
  • Communication services
  • Consumer cyclical
  • Consumer defensive
  • Financial services
  • Industrials
  • Real estate
  • Mutual funds
  • Credit card rates
  • Balance transfer credit cards
  • Business credit cards
  • Cash back credit cards
  • Rewards credit cards
  • Travel credit cards
  • Checking accounts
  • Online checking accounts
  • High-yield savings accounts
  • Money market accounts
  • Personal loans
  • Student loans
  • Car insurance
  • Home buying
  • Options pit
  • Investment ideas
  • Research reports
  • Fantasy football
  • Pro Pick 'Em
  • College Pick 'Em
  • Fantasy baseball
  • Fantasy hockey
  • Fantasy basketball
  • Download the app
  • Daily Fantasy
  • Scores and schedules
  • GameChannel
  • World Baseball Classic
  • Premier League
  • CONCACAF League
  • Champions League
  • College football
  • Motorsports
  • Horse racing
  • Newsletters

Entertainment

  • How to watch
  • Fall allergies
  • Health news
  • Mental health
  • Sexual health
  • Family health
  • So mini ways
  • Style and beauty
  • Unapologetically
  • Buying guides

New on Yahoo

  • Privacy Dashboard

Taboo travel: Myanmar tries tourism reboot 3 years after coup d'etat

Despite a brutal civil war, Myanmar’s holiday industry is trying to revive interest in the army-ruled country.

Hailing a "glowing sense of optimism and positivity within Myanmar’s tourism industry despite its current challenges," the Myanmar Tourism Federation is to stage an online promotion event in May with exhibiting companies from every sector of the travel industry.

Like most countries, tourism in Myanmar collapsed when Covid pandemic travel restrictions were imposed by governments all over the world. But in contrast to travel hub neighbours such as Thailand and Malaysia, Myanmar has not seen any revival since the pandemic was declared over and border curbs lifted.

A year after the pandemic started, the Tatmadaw, or Myanmar military, again seized control of the country, returning it to the pariah status seen during the previous 1962-2011 era of army control.

Those decades saw not only Western economic sanctions, but a taboo around visiting, as doing so entailed staying in hotels run by the army or associated businesses.

Any would-be visitor again faces the same ethical dilemma - assuming he or she is brave enough to go there in the middle of a civil war.

Over 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes since the 2021 army takeover, which has been met by fierce resistance by an array of militias. In its recently published global index, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) listed Myanmar’s war "the most violent overall" and "the most fragmented."

Myanmar's tourism industry boomed for much of the decade leading up to 2021, when the country was for a time governed by an elected civilian administration led by the Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who has since been imprisoned again by the military rulers.

During this period, international air traffic to Myanmar soared, while annual visitor numbers topped 4 million, more than 4 times as many as in 2023, when most entries were at the land borders with China and Thailand.

After five decades of army rule, the early part of the democratic interlude saw Myanmar hyped as the next "tiger" economic growth and investment destination in south-east Asia, including in big-brand clothing manufacturing.

However the latter years of the decade to 2021 saw the country's reputation tarnished by allegations of genocide by the army against the Rohingya, an ethnic minority living mostly in the west of the country.

More recently, the London-based Business and Human Rights Resource Centre recently revealed over 400 labour abuse allegations linked to the once-flourishing garment sector since the 2021 coup - a takeover it said was followed by "far-reaching restrictions on basic civil liberties."

"The workers affected by allegations recorded so far are employed at 209 factories producing or formerly producing for at least 122 named global fashion brands and retailers including Inditex, H&M Group, Primark & BESTSELLER," the BHHRC said in a January 31 report.

Recommended Stories

Russell wilson's best team fits now that broncos are moving on.

Where might he land?

Broncos end Russell Wilson era, say they will release veteran QB

To nobody's surprise, the Russell Wilson era is over in Denver.

Stacy Wakefield, wife of late former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, dies of pancreatic cancer

Tim Wakefield, who died Oct. 1, predeceased his wife after his battle with brain cancer.

Rome Odunze put on a show at NFL combine, then did something rarely ever seen

One personnel man noted that he saw Caleb Williams gravitate toward Odunze on more than one occasion this week, a reality that has likely fed into buzz that the Bears could maneuver to pair Odunze with Williams.

NFL combine's biggest loser: Chicago Bears' trade market for Justin Fields

The Combine turned a draft that was top heavy with QBs into one that is also deep with QBs.

Caitlin Clark joins Taylor Swift, Simone Biles with custom Kristin Juszczyk vest

Clark's vest is the first Juszczyk has made for an athlete celebrating the athlete, rather than for a player's loved one.

Missouri Gov. commutes sentence of ex-Chiefs assistant Britt Reid after DWI severely injured young girl

Britt Reid, the son of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, was sentenced to three years in prison in 2022 after a drunk driving incident ahead of Super Bowl LV.

The NFL combine solidified 4 first-round QBs alongside the mystery of Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix

Like J.J. McCarthy, Nix and Penix each have very strong differing opinions about them. Unlike McCarthy, they don’t have the elements of age or a forecasted high ceiling working in their favor.

NFL combine: Winners (WRs class, CB Quinyon Mitchell) and losers (Spencer Rattler, combine itself)

Wideouts of all different types and draft projections were able to shine. Meanwhile, Mitchell may wind up as the first cornerback drafted after his impressive workout.

NFL reportedly tinkering with onside kicks, considering bold rules to make kickoffs 'exciting again'

How do you make kickoffs more exciting without significantly increasing the injury rate? NFL special teams coordinators may have found the way.

DE Darius Robinson, possible first rounder, says NFL combine set up 'is unacceptable'

The Missouri DE said the 21 reps he did during the bench press aren't an accurate reflection of what he can do.

NFL combine: 40-yard dash results, measurements and more

Yahoo Sports has you covered after all the action at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

NFL report cards: Despite another Super Bowl win, Chiefs again ranked among worst workplaces by players

Only one team graded worse overall than the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Former NFL player Braylon Edwards helped stop locker room attack on 80-year-old man

Edwards pulled the assailant away from the 80-year-old victim.

Tyreek Hill reportedly sued by model who claims he broke her leg after she moved him in blocking drill

Tyreek Hill's latest alleged off-field incident is a bizarre one.

Trump legal news brief: Weisselberg pleads guilty to lying during deposition for Trump fraud trial

Former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg surrendered to prosecutors Monday and pleaded guilty to lying during his deposition in former President Donald Trump’s financial fraud trial.

How Kyle Shanahan's 49ers lost the Super Bowl after winning the OT coin flip

Shanahan faced a decision never before made in Super Bowl history, thanks to the new playoff overtime rules, and he proceeded to defer an advantage three possessions into the future ... against Patrick Mahomes.

The Washington Nationals put up a silly sign at spring training. Here’s why it matters

The team’s “I don’t care how fast you throw ball four” signs provide a counterintuitive message from an organization struggling to keep up with modern baseball.

Women over 50 love these 'forgiving' jeans — and they're on sale, starting at $14

Lee, Gloria Vanderbilt and more: Here's the skinny on saving up to 75%.

As stars like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Caleb Williams pull plug on NFL combine drills, the league grapples with 'the opt-out generation'

As one agent said this week: “Players are making better decisions when they only have something minimal, or nothing, to gain."

travel and tourism laws in myanmar

  • Coronavirus Latest News
  • About Myanmar
  • eVisa Application
  • Visa Exemption
  • Visa On Arrival
  • Guidelines for Tour Companies
  • Traveller Tips
  • Required Documents for Applying Tours
  • Branch Offices
  • Information Counters
  • Tourism Police Offices
  • Attractions Entry Fee-2
  • Myanmar Missions
  • Foreign Embassies in Myanmar
  • Myanmar Ministries
  • Sagaing Virtual Tour
  •      > Shan State
  •       > Inle Lake
  • Shan Virtual Tour
  • Nay Pyi Taw Virtual Tour
  • Magway Virtual Tour
  •       > Mandalay City
  •       > Bagan
  • Mandalay Virtual Tour
  • Bago Virtual Tour
  • Mon Virtual Tour
  •       > Myeik
  •       > Dawei
  •       > Kawthaung
  • Community Based Tourism
  • Designated Hotels for Quarantine
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Inbound Tour Companies
  • Regional Tour Guides
  • Cruises & Others
  • Hot-Air Balloon
  • Tourism Legislation
  • Tourism Statistics 2000 to 2021
  • Tourism Publications
  • ASEAN Tourism Standards
  • Myanmar Be Enchanted
  • Myanmar Let The Journey Begin
  • Brochures & Pamphlets
  • Visitors’ Guide Books
  • Videos & Photos
  • Live Stream
  • Balloons Over Bagan 20th Anniversary Celebration
  • The Great Empire Rock and Bike Festival
  • Covid-19 Latest News
  • Announcements
  • Travel Advisory
  • Hluttaw Q&A (Parliament Q&A)
  • Duties & Responsibilities
  • Six Policies of Ministry of Hotels and Tourism
  • International Cooperation
  • Doing Business in Myanmar
  • Myanmar Investment Law
  • Tourism Investment Opportunities
  • Why Invest in Myanmar
  • Foreign Investment in Hotels and commercial complexes
  • Statistics 2000 to 2021
  • Training Courses
  • Contact Person

Myanmar

  • Attractions Entry Fee
  • Reopened Destinations
  • Outbound Tour Companies
  • National Tour Guides
  • Tourism Statistics
  • Upcoming Events
  • Arrivals 2023
  • Arrivals 2022
  • Arrivals 2021
  • Arrivals 2020
  • Arrivals 2019

travel and tourism laws in myanmar

Promotional video-shooting tour highlights Nay Pyi Taw, Bagan

Explore myanmar.

  • Nay Pyi Taw

travel and tourism laws in myanmar

Language selection

  • Français fr

Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.

February 29, 2024, 8:30 a.m. – Ottawa – Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.

As of February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time, Mexican citizens who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years and are travelling by air on a Mexican passport will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). With the high number of Mexican citizens currently holding US visas, the majority will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada. Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa. This responds to an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned. It is an important step to preserve mobility for hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens, while also ensuring the sound management of our immigration and asylum systems.

The application process for Mexican citizens seeking a work or study permit will not change. Mexican citizens who want to work in Canada will continue to have access to a wide number of existing labour pathways, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program.

Canada supports ongoing travel, tourism and business with Mexico. We will continue to work with the Government of Mexico to strengthen our regular pathways to immigration, and with our provincial and territorial counterparts to support a system of managed migration as well as to support those in need of protection. Canada is expanding its network of visa application centres in Mexico to better serve these clients. Today’s action will relieve pressure on Canada’s borders, immigration system, housing and social services, while preserving mobility for Mexican citizens who want to come to Canada.

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a vital example of the mutually beneficial migration that we seek to promote regionally and globally. Canada is ready to work with Mexico to build on this program, through the modernization of a new SAWP bilateral agreement, to offer Mexican workers new opportunities, through the incorporation of year-round primary agriculture and seasonal fish, seafood and primary food processing into the program. This will benefit workers and businesses on both sides of the Canada–Mexico relationship.

Canada is continuously monitoring the impacts of its visa policies for both visa-exempt and visa-required countries, as well as asylum claim trends. These challenges are not limited to one country. Any adjustment to Canada’s travel requirements are made to preserve the integrity and sustainability of our asylum and immigration systems.

More information about these changes, including for people in transit or with upcoming flights, is available on IRCC’s website .

“Mexico is an important partner to Canada. We will continue to welcome Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors and immigrants who bring diverse skills and important contributions to our economy and communities. We strive for balance between the movement of people between our two great countries, and the need to relieve pressure on our immigration system so we can provide protection to those who need it the most.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Asylum claims made by Mexican citizens reached a record high in 2023 at a time when Canada’s asylum system, housing and social services were already under significant pressure. The majority of these claims (approximately 60%) were either rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, or withdrawn or abandoned by the applicant.

In 2023 alone, asylum claims from Mexican citizens accounted for 17% of all claims made that year from all nationalities around the world. The country’s asylum claim rate has risen significantly since the visa was first lifted in 2016 (from 260 claims in 2016 to 23,995 claims in 2023). 

All eTAs issued to Mexican passports before 11:30 p.m. Eastern time on February 29, 2024, will no longer be valid—except for eTAs linked to Mexican passports with a valid Canadian work or study permit. Mexican citizens travelling to Canada without a valid work or study permit will need to apply for a visitor visa or reapply for a new eTA —if they are eligible.

Mexican citizens holding a valid work or study permit can still travel by air to Canada with their existing eTA as long as it remains valid, and they can continue to study or work in Canada based on the validity and conditions of their permit. Mexican visitors who are already in Canada on an eTA can stay for as long as they are authorized (up to six months from the date they arrive in Canada). However, if they plan to leave Canada and wish to return, they must have the proper travel documents (visa or new eTA). 

Most approved visa applicants receive multiple-entry visas, which allow them to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years, or until their passport expires.

The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need in order to travel to or transit through Canada by air. IRCC first began expanding its eTA program to eligible citizens from visa-required countries in 2017. Mexico will now be among 15 countries whose citizens can to fly to Canada on an eTA, instead of a visa, if they meet certain requirements .

Related products

  • Link to News Release in Spanish

Contacts for media only:

Bahoz Dara Aziz Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Branch Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

Page details

IMAGES

  1. Myanmar Tourism Federation: Experience the Endless Journey of Myanmar

    travel and tourism laws in myanmar

  2. Jan 1 Your guide to traveling responsibly in Myanmar in 2020

    travel and tourism laws in myanmar

  3. Myanmar : Exclusive Travel Tips for Your Destination Kalaw in Myanmar

    travel and tourism laws in myanmar

  4. Myanmar tourism growth stalls in first half of 2018

    travel and tourism laws in myanmar

  5. Obstacles To Myanmar’s Growth In 2020

    travel and tourism laws in myanmar

  6. Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar

    travel and tourism laws in myanmar

VIDEO

  1. Myanmar revival

  2. Myanmar to Malaysia #myanmar #travel #trip #tour #visit #route #reels #viral #map #viralreels

  3. 5 Places you should visit in Myanmar

  4. 🇲🇲 Myanmar Neighborhood People’s Lively Life Atmosphere In A Bustling Street Yangon

  5. 🇲🇲 MYANMAR People Busy City Life YANGON

  6. ชนบทพม่า เขาอยู่กันแบบนี้หรอ! Explore countryside in Myanmar Ep.7

COMMENTS

  1. PDF The Myanmar Tourism Law (The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No. 26, 2018)

    Data-D/ Office1(3)/ Law/Myanmar Tourism Law No.26-2018 (h) Hotel business means a commercial business which has a specified number of rooms and standards to accommodate tourists, and provides food, beverage and other services; (i) Guest-house business means a commercial business which provides only accommodation for visitors.

  2. PDF Myanmar Tourism Law

    The main objectives of this Law are as follows: To support effective domestic and international tourism marketing activities in visioning Myanmar as one of the International Tourist Destinations; To protect the rights of Tourism operators and Tourists and ensure they understand and adhere to their responsibilities;

  3. Covid Latest News

    Foreigners that have a residence in Myanmar and are in the country are allowed to do domestic travel as per the Union and regional rules. More detailed information about COVID-19 in Myanmar can be found on the website of the Ministry of Health . General Frequently Asked Questions and Answers can be found HERE.

  4. Burma (Myanmar) International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  5. Tourism Legislation

    The 3th Waxing Day of Tazaungmon 1383 ME. Download. Office Building No 33, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Nay Pyi Taw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. +95673406458, +95673406247 +95 673 406 129. [email protected].

  6. Travel and Tourism in Myanmar

    If every citizen of the country put in an honest effort, Myanmar will emerge as a top tourist destination in the world within a short span of time. Next. Office Building No 33, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Nay Pyi Taw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. +95673406458, +95673406247 +95 673 406 129. [email protected].

  7. Travel advice and advisories for Myanmar

    The laws of Myanmar prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. 2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Myanmar. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Dual citizenship. Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Myanmar.

  8. Ministry of Hotels & Tourism Myanmar

    Read More. Office Building No 33, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Nay Pyi Taw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. +95673406458, +95673406247 +95 673 406 129. [email protected].

  9. PDF Draft Myanmar Tourism Law (2018)

    ALL TOURISM LAWS ATTEMPT TO PROTECT TRAVEL CONSUMERS AND ORGANIZATIONS Draft Myanmar Tourism Law (2018) , Legal Analysis | 3. III. International perspectives & regional examples ... Draft Myanmar Tourism Law (2018) , Legal Analysis | 12. Concern: Current law does not embrace the concepts of the transition to democracy

  10. Myanmar is planning to reopen to tourism in early 2022. But who will go

    Top image: Famed for its 11th-century temples, Bagan is a popular Myanmar destination. Credit: Getty Images. Myanmar has announced that it may reopen to tourism in early 2022. But while most ...

  11. PDF Ministry of Hotels & Tourism Myanmar

    THE MYANMAR TOURISM LAW o qoS (31st. December, 1990) co c GIO PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE MYANMAR TOURISM LAW . co c c 32CY?C: m) POGO . The Government of the Union of Myanmar Ministry of Trade Notification No. 36/90 ... or travel agency búsiness or both shall apply for a licepce in

  12. Ministry of Hotels and Tourism (Myanmar)

    According to the current situation and tourism industry, Myanmar Hotel and Tourism Lawis necessary to enact new Myanmar Tourism Business Law (Draft) that shall be in line with other international tourism laws. The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism prescribed the following notifications such as "the beaches as the tourist destinations with ...

  13. Restricted Areas for Travelers in Myanmar: What You Need to Know

    3 Comments. gary stoloff said 4 years ago. we're cycling myanmar in jan/feb 2020. we'd like to know about entering the country by land, from thailand. we're running up against some obstacles, including conflicting rules from the embassy in paris, like we need a special permit to enter the country on a bike!! other bikers just rode in!! i'm told there can be extra restrictions as i'm an ...

  14. The draft tourism law: Fit for purpose?

    THE 1993 Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Law - enacted in 1990 and replaced three years later - is being revised, making it a good time to reflect on what a tourism law is for and how it can shape the sustainable growth of the sector. A fresh law is needed to deliver on the Myanmar government's commitment to responsible and community-based ...

  15. STIP

    Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is exercising the power conferred under Section 39, sub-section (a) of the Myanmar Tourism Law, these rules are promulgated with the approval of the Union Government. ... Inbound travel is a trip arranged commercially for the foreigners who visit to Myanmar and local visitors to travel within the country. (g) ...

  16. New Myanmar Tourism Law: An effort towards development of accountable

    The Myanmar Parliament recently promulgated the new Myanmar Tourism Law ("MTL") on 17 September 2018, which replaces the old Myanmar Hotel and Tourism Law that was enacted by State Law and Order Restoration Council. The key spirit of this new MTL is different from the old one, and specifically the area of management level that three committees (such as: National Tourism Business ...

  17. 'They have lists of everyone's names': Myanmar conscription law

    Options for fleeing Myanmar are limited and fraught with danger: cross legally or illegally into a neighbouring country, or travel to an area that's controlled by anti-coup groups, and hope that ...

  18. Myanmar Parliament Passes Tourism Law

    Partnering with partner organisations, MCRB has worked closely with relevant stakeholders to improve the legal framework for the tourism sector and to pass concrete tourism law in Myanmar. Download MCRB's feedback on the draft Tourism Law, the Final Tourism Law an unofficial English translation of the law, and the bilingual version of the ...

  19. Tourism in Myanmar

    Tourism in Myanmar (also known as Burma) is a developing sector. As at 2023, new tourist visa applications resume. [1] Although Myanmar possesses tourist potential, much of the industry remains to be developed. The number of visitors to Burma is small compared to its neighbouring countries. This is primarily due to its political situation.

  20. Taboo travel: Myanmar tries tourism reboot 3 years after coup d'etat

    Despite a brutal civil war, Myanmar's holiday industry is trying to revive interest in the army-ruled country. Hailing a "glowing sense of optimism and positivity within Myanmar's tourism industry despite its current challenges," the Myanmar Tourism Federation is to stage an online promotion event in May with exhibiting companies from every sector of the travel industry.

  21. PDF မြန်ြာန ိုင်ငံခရ ီးသ ာီးလိုပ်ငန်ီးဥပဒေ

    1. This Law shall be called the Myanmar Tourism Law. ၂။ ဤဥြထေတ င်ြါရှ ထသော ထအောက်ြါစကော်းရြ်မ ော်းသည် ထ ော်ပြြါအတ ုင််း အဓ ြပောယ် သက်ထရောက်ထစရမည်- 2. The following expressions contained in

  22. Ministry of Hotel & Tourism

    Tourism Promotion Department. Creating greater awareness of tourism destinations, tourist destinations and events through long term promotional activities. The development promotional materials such as brochures, pamphlets, CD, and DVD for international travel shows and tourism destinations activities through Myanmar embassies abroad.

  23. SLORC Law No. 14/93 (English)

    Laws, decrees, bills and regulations relating to tourism (texts) Law and Constitution. Burma/Myanmar laws, decrees and regulations by date. Burma/Myanmar laws, decrees and regulations from 1946. Burma/Myanmar laws, decrees and regulations (State Law and Order Restoration Council), 1993.

  24. The Myanmar Tourism Law

    Classified and annotated links to more than 60,000 full text documents on Burma/Myanmar. 2019-12-05

  25. PDF The State Law and Order Restoration Council The Myanmar Tourism Law

    The Myanmar Tourism Law (The State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No. 13/90) The 13th Waning Day of Nayon, 1352 M.E. ... Tourist Enterprise means an economic enterprise which operates a tour operator business or travel agency business or both; (d) Hotel Business means an economic enterprise which provides accommodation and food, beverage

  26. Myanmar military conscription law sparks panic and fear as youth ...

    The law would allow corruption, extortion and crime to flourish and could exacerbate a brain drain that's already seen many young people leave Myanmar, impacting education and the labor market ...

  27. March 2024

    UNDER the management of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, the Sai Swe Company and the Thailand-based Best International Travel & Agency have arranged a video-shooting tour with Thai professionals in Nay Pyi Taw and Bagan to showcase Myanmar's travel destinations and promote them in Thailand. Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Phyo Zaw...

  28. Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada

    Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world's most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our ...