Myanmar travel guide

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• Chin State
• Kachin State
• Kayah State
• Kayin Sate
• Mon State
• Rakhine State
• Sagaing and Magway regions
• Tanintharyi Region, excluding Myeik township, and the archipelago and townships south of Tanintharyi township
• Shan State North
• North Mandalay Region; the townships north of Mandalay City and Pyin Oo Lwin
• East of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Shan State South and East
• Mandalay Region
• Tanintharyi Region south of Tanintharyi township
• the rest of Bago region

The conflict is Myanmar is increasingly volatile. The security situation may deteriorate at short notice and the military regime can introduce travel restrictions at any time. Consider your travel plans carefully.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Myanmar’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Myanmar set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Myanmar Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Myanmar, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter Myanmar. If you must apply for and receive your visa before travelling. You cannot obtain a visa on arrival.

If you have any queries about visas or entry requirements, check with your nearest Myanmar embassy.

Applying for a visa

You can apply for a tourist e-visa online.

To apply for a business e-visa you need to be sponsored by a registered Myanmar company or a registered Chamber of Commerce association. Submit the proof of the invitation with your visa application in the form of a letter personally addressed to you, along with a copy of the company’s registration certificate. The letter must state the purpose and timeframe of your visit.

Non-governmental organisations are not eligible to sponsor visas.

If you overstay your visa, you will be liable to pay a fine and could face detention.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Myanmar, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Myanmar guide.

Health screening

Mpox

Travellers will be expected to complete a short health declaration in relation to the mpox virus on arrival.

Read more about mpox from TravelHealthPro.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Myanmar. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Myanmar

Myanmar is largely a cash-based society. Expect to rely on cash for most of your stay. There is significant disruption to banking services. Many ATMs do not accept UK or international bank cards and some banks have limits on daily withdrawals. Electronic payments and transfers are mostly working, but many commercial outlets will only accept cash. Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard.

If you plan to bring more than 10,000 US dollars-worth of any foreign currency, you must declare this to customs on arrival or risk imprisonment.

If you have to pay a visa overstay fine or pay for excess baggage on departure, you will need to pay in US dollars.

Once you’re in Myanmar it is possible to change US dollars into Kyat, including at banks . However, some money exchanges have closed due to pressure from the authorities. Check your US dollars are in good condition, with no pen marks, folds or tears. Exchange counters prefer high-denomination bills and they typically inspect all notes  carefully.

Due to concerns over counterfeit money, exchange counters may refuse dollars with the letters AB and CB at the start of the serial number (top left-hand corner of the note).

If you want to pay for hotels or restaurants with a credit or debit card, phone ahead to check this will be possible.

You cannot import gold or gold bullion into Myanmar for trading and risk arrest for doing so. On arrival, you  must declare any valuable articles including gold, gems and jewellery with customs.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Myanmar.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Myanmar

Terrorist attacks in Myanmar cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of trusted local sources.

Political and conflict situation

In February 2021, the Myanmar military took control of the country by force and declared a state of emergency leading to increased conflict. There has been widespread violence involving the deaths of thousands of civilians and fighting continues across much of the country.

The military are highly likely to target all opposition-controlled areas, including with airstrikes. Meanwhile, opposition groups are likely to target the following facilities in military-regime controlled towns and cities, including with small explosives:

• military and government buildings and check points
• police stations
• ward administrators’ offices
• businesses, hotels and restaurants linked to the military, or seen as such

There have also been attacks on schools and hospitals.

There is a higher likelihood of opposition attacks after sunset and an increased presence of security forces on occasions of national significance, including:  

• Myanmar Independence Day (4 January )
• the anniversary of the 2021 coup (1 February)
• Union Day (12 February)
• Peasants Day (2 March)
• Armed Forces Day (27 March)
• Thingyan Festival (mid-April)
• Martyrs’ Day (19 July)
• the anniversary of the execution of political prisoners (23 to 25 July)
• the lapsing of the state of emergency (1 August)
• the 8888 uprising (8 August )
• National Day (25 November)

Some areas in Myanmar are under martial law; others have curfews or ‘stay at home’ orders. In Yangon, there is a city-wide curfew from 1am to 3am (see Regional Risks). Ensure you are aware of local restrictions. If you ignore military instructions or curfews, you could be detained and, if you’re convicted, you could face a lengthy prison sentence. Ensure you are aware of local rules and restrictions before you arrive in an area.

Be cautious and avoid all demonstrations, large crowds and political gatherings. You risk arrest and detention if you attempt to photograph demonstrations or protests.

Crime

The most common crimes in Myanmar are non-violent crimes of opportunity, including:

• bag snatching
• gem or confidence scams
• pickpocketing
• theft of unattended possessions in public places or hotel rooms

Myanmar is largely a cash based society. Make sure you have access to your cash, but avoid displaying it or other valuables in public.

Protecting your belongings

Thieves often distract their victims by asking questions, begging for money, offering items for sale, or simply bumping or jostling. Take extra care of your belongings and be wary of strangers who approach you.

Scams

Be wary of merchants offering to sell gems, gold or semi-precious stones. You could lose your money or get drawn into an illegal activity. Do not buy gems or minerals from an unlicensed source.

Be cautious of job offers that appear too good to be true in Myanmar and neighbouring countries. There are cyber scam centres operating in eastern Myanmar, particularly in the Myawaddy district in eastern Kayin and Tachileik township in eastern Shan. Victims are trafficked into Myanmar to carry out online scams. They are held in poor living conditions and subjected to severe mistreatment. Some victims have had their passports confiscated and have been held to ransom.

FCDO is aware of fraudulent emails being sent by individuals claiming to work for British firms seeking loans to advance their business interests in Myanmar. These have falsely stated they are acting on the advice of the British Embassy.

Landmines

The risk of landmines in rural areas is serious, particularly in northern and central Rakhine, northern Shan and Kachin states. There is evidence of landmine use having spread to other areas since the coup in 2021. Some areas with known mines are marked by signs, but this practice is not widespread. Be extremely cautious if you must leave the main roads in these areas.

Mobile phones and internet

Mobile phone network coverage is good in urban areas and some rural areas but can be subject to disruption as the Myanmar authorities have influence over the mobile telecommunications networks. Foreign mobile phone SIM cards do not reliably work in Myanmar.

Internet service is generally good and wifi is widely available in Yangon, for example in hotels or malls. However, the Myanmar authorities control internet access, and periodically cut off access entirely. Some services are blocked (including Facebook and WhatsApp) and are inaccessible without Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Visitors can buy a SIM card for a nominal fee when they arrive. They can be topped up as needed, with top up cards readily available from places like kiosks or supermarkets.

Laws and cultural differences

Detention and arrest

There is a risk of arbitrary detention and arrest, particularly for journalists and human rights activists. The criminal justice process followed in such cases falls below international standards.

Myanmar does not recognise dual nationality. If you are a dual national with Myanmar nationality you will be treated as a Myanmar national by local authorities.

In February 2024, Myanmar authorities announced that Myanmar men and women could be required, by law, to serve in the armed forces, and has since started conscription. Length of service can depend on criteria such as age, occupation, and whether there is a state of emergency in place. If you are a British-Myanmar dual national, holding a British passport may not exempt you from this law, as Myanmar does not recognise dual nationality.

Myanmar’s defamation laws give broad scope for individuals to bring arbitrary charges, which could result in criminal penalties, including a prison sentence. Foreigners have been subject to criminal investigations for acts such as posting a critical review of a hotel online.

If you’re arrested and convicted of a crime in Myanmar, you can expect a long prison sentence. Conditions in detention are extremely poor. Pre-trial detention can also last many months.

The legal process in Myanmar is unpredictable, lacks transparency and is open to interference from powerful political and business interests. The investigation and trial process falls far below the standard expected in the UK. There are limits to the assistance the British Embassy can offer to those with concerns about the fairness of their trial, as we are unable to interfere in the legal processes of a host country.

Religious customs

When visiting Buddhist religious sites, respect religious customs. Shorts and sleeveless tops will cause offence. You should remove shoes and socks before entering a pagoda or monastery.

Under Myanmar law, insulting religion is a prosecutable offence. Insulting religion is a broad term and can include any disrespectful depiction or image of Buddha or other religious representation. This includes tattoos of Buddha.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for drug trafficking include a prison sentence of a minimum 15 years or even the death penalty.

For possession of illegal drugs in Myanmar, you could get a fine and a prison sentence of a minimum 5 years to a maximum of 10 years, regardless of the quantity of drugs.

Taking photos and using drones

Do not take photographs or videos of the police, demonstrations, military installations or military personnel.

There are strict regulations around bringing in and using drones in Myanmar. Using a drone around government buildings, religious buildings or even tourist sites can result in criminal penalties, including a possible prison sentence. If you want to bring and use a drone in Myanmar, get permission from the Myanmar authorities.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Myanmar for men and women, although in practice these laws are not consistently enforced. If convicted, the punishment can be up to life imprisonment. There have been reports of police using threats of prosecution to extort bribes. This is alleged to include arbitrary arrest and detention.

Public attitudes towards LGBT+ people can be mixed. Up until recently, there have been increasingly large Pride festivals and growing visibility of the LGBT+ community, including gay bars and clubs. However, this has reduced since the coup. Public displays of affection, whether heterosexual or LGBT+, are frowned upon in Myanmar culture.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

Myanmar is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Over 800 species of animals and plants are banned from international trade and a further 30,000 are strictly controlled by legislation. The restrictions cover some exotic souvenirs, such as those made from turtle shell.

Local authorities have a particular interest in and are monitoring the importation, exportation, possession, acquisition and trading of gold, gems and jewellery. You risk arrest for doing so. Make sure you check with relevant government agencies, and obtain necessary import and export permits before entering or leaving Myanmar.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Myanmar, see information on driving abroad.

The permits and licences you need for driving in Myanmar may change at short notice. Contact your car hire company to find out the latest requirements before you travel. At a minimum, you should carry both the 1969 international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel .

Overland travel can be hazardous, particularly in the rainy season from May to October. Roads can become impassable and bridges are sometimes damaged. Travel by road can be restricted at short notice by military and opposition forces.

Road safety standards are significantly lower than in the UK. Serious road accidents are common. Under Myanmar law, the driver of a car involved in an accident with a pedestrian is always at fault.

Many vehicles, including taxis and buses, are in a poor condition. Although driving is on the right in Myanmar, the majority of cars are right-hand drive.

There are recent reports of attacks on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and National Highway 1 that links Yangon to Mandalay . Attacks have included the use of landmines and improvised explosive devices. There is an increased risk of attacks after dark, and an unofficial curfew is in place.

Rail travel

Railway safety standards are significantly below those in the UK. Some rail routes are still operating, but timetables are unreliable. Get information from the closest railway station before travel.

Sea and river travel

River transport may not meet internationally recognised safety standards and search and rescue facilities are limited.

During the monsoon season from May to October, heavy rains can cause flooding. Make sure life jackets are available if you travel by boat or ferry, and check local weather conditions before undertaking a river journey.

Get local advice about where it is safe to swim or dive. Bathing in fresh water carries a risk of catching schistosomiasis.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Cyclones

Myanmar normally experiences cyclones between mid-April and mid-May, and during October and November. You can monitor the progress of tropical cyclones on the website of the World Meteorological Organization. Floods and landslides may occur. Check local weather reports before travelling, particularly in coastal areas.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes and tremors. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami.  

This section has safety advice for regions of Myanmar. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Border areas

Myanmar has suffered from prolonged internal conflicts, involving a number of ethnic armed organisations in the country’s border areas. Violence is severe and the situation is unpredictable in most ethnic states and border areas.

The Myanmar authorities restrict travel to most border areas. There are active military operations involving the use of air strikes, artillery bombardments and ground troops.

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• Mon State
• Kachin State
• Chin State
• Kayah State
• Kayin Sate
• Sagaing and Magway regions
• Rakhine State
• Tanintharyi Region, excluding Myeik township, and the archipelago and townships south of Tanintharyi township
• Shan State North
• North Mandalay Region – the townships north of Mandalay City and Pyin Oo Lwin
• East of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Shan State South and East
• Mandalay Region
• Tanintharyi Region south of Tanintharyi township
• the rest of Bago region

Yangon Region

While FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Yangon Region, there is still a heightened risk.

The security situation remains volatile and can change at short notice. If you are visiting Yangon Region, seek local advice, especially if travelling to townships which are under martial law. The townships under martial law are subject to change and include:

• Shwe Pyithar
• Hlaing Tha Ya (West)
• Hlaing Tha Ya (East)
• North Okkalapa
• Dagon Myothit (North)
• Dagon Myothit (South)
• Dagon Myothit (Seikkan)

Security incidents in Yangon, like in the rest of Myanmar, continue primarily to target military locations and personnel affiliated to the military. Attacks may affect civilians and bystanders, including in areas regularly frequented by foreign nationals. This may include hotels, restaurants and accommodation complexes. Military installations, such as checkpoints, are also targets.

A curfew is in place from 1am-3am across Yangon city.

If you encounter a threatening or intimidating situation, do not try to make your way through it. Turn around and move to safety.

Police and military checkpoints

If you travel in Myanmar, you are likely to pass through police or military checkpoints. Always carry your passport containing your visa. Most personnel on military and police checkpoints, including in cities, will not speak English.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 192 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Myanmar
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

See what health risks you’ll face in Myanmar including: 

• schistosomiasis – a parasitic infection caught in river water
• diseases spread by contaminated food and water – including:
  • hepatitis A
  • cholera
  • typhoid
• mosquito-borne diseases, including:
  • chikungunya
  • dengue
  • malaria
  • Zika virus

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Myanmar. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.  

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Prescriptions from the UK are not accepted in pharmacies in Myanmar. Pharmaceutical products for sale could be counterfeit.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Myanmar

The Myanmar public health sector is under severe strain. Private medical facilities continue to operate. In areas where an overnight curfew is in place, such as Yangon, you may struggle to access emergency healthcare during the night.

You’re unlikely to find competent medical advice and treatment easily outside Yangon and Mandalay, and any services provided will not be to the standard of those in the UK. For serious illness or injury, you may need to be transferred to a neighbouring country, most likely Thailand.

You’ll usually need to make cash payments up front to get medical treatment in Myanmar. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. The UK government cannot pay for medical expenses overseas.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Myanmar  where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Myanmar

Ambulance: 192         

Fire: 191

Police: 199

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Myanmar
• dealing with a death in Myanmar
• being arrested or imprisoned in Myanmar
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

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Follow and contact FCDO: 

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Myanmar on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.