Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Many governments advise against travel to all or parts of Myanmar due to armed conflict and an unstable political situation. Always check your government's latest advisory before travelling.
- Overall risk
- High and variable; several regions are subject to travel warnings
- Main concern
- Armed conflict in some areas, restricted zones, urban petty crime
- Emergency number
- Police 199, Ambulance 192, Fire 191 (varies by area)
- Myanmar's political situation is unstable, and armed conflict affects parts of the country. Conditions differ greatly by region and can change quickly, so consult your government's most recent travel advice before and during any trip. Some areas require permits or are off-limits to foreign visitors.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Armed conflict affects several border and rural regions, and some areas are restricted or require permits. Check current government advisories for the specific regions you plan to visit.
- Restricted areas
- Some regions require permits or are closed to foreign travellers
- Conflict zones
- Border and rural areas can experience armed clashes
- Before travel
- Confirm the latest status of each destination
- The security picture varies widely across the country and can change at short notice. Some border states and rural areas have seen armed clashes, and certain zones require official permits. Verify access rules and the latest advisories for each destination before travelling.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Myanmar has a tropical monsoon climate with a rainy season (May to October), cyclone risk from the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, and seismic activity including a history of major earthquakes.
- Rainy season
- May to October; flooding and landslides possible
- Cyclones
- Risk along the coast from the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea
- Earthquakes
- Seismically active; major quakes have occurred
- The monsoon brings heavy rain, flooding and landslides between May and October. Cyclones can affect coastal areas, and the country lies in a seismically active zone with a history of significant earthquakes. Monitor local weather and seismic warnings and follow the guidance of local authorities.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria occur, especially in rural areas. Tap water is not considered safe to drink; medical facilities are limited outside major cities.
- Mosquito-borne
- Dengue and malaria risk, mainly in rural areas
- Water and food
- Drink bottled or treated water; choose freshly cooked food
- Facilities
- Limited outside Yangon and Mandalay; carry medication
- Use mosquito precautions and seek travel-health advice about vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis before you go. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food. Medical care is limited in many areas, so bring personal medication with a prescription and ensure you have adequate insurance including evacuation cover.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in cities like Yangon and Mandalay. Take normal urban precautions and use only reputable transport and money-changers.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and opportunistic theft in crowded areas
- Money
- Use trusted exchange outlets; carry clean, undamaged notes
- Advice
- Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying cash
- Opportunistic theft occurs in markets, on public transport and at tourist sites. Keep bags closed and in front of you, use hotel safes for valuables, and arrange transport through your hotel or a reputable operator.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Myanmar's political situation is unstable, with armed conflict affecting parts of the country. Many governments issue travel warnings. Always consult your government's latest advisory before and during travel.
- Situation
- Unstable; conditions can change quickly
- Government advisories
- Many countries advise against travel to all or parts of the country
- Recommendation
- Check the latest official advice and avoid gatherings and checkpoints
- The security and political environment is volatile and varies by region. Avoid demonstrations, large gatherings and security checkpoints, keep a low profile and follow the instructions of local authorities. Because the situation can change at short notice, monitor your government's travel advice and local news throughout your stay.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Myanmar is a predominantly Theravada Buddhist country. Dress modestly, remove shoes and socks at pagodas and temples, and show respect for Buddha images and monks. Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Religious sites
- Remove shoes and socks; cover shoulders and knees
- Respect
- Treat Buddha images and monks with respect; avoid disrespectful photos
- Drugs
- Very severe penalties for drug offences
- Buddhism is central to daily life. At pagodas such as Shwedagon, remove footwear and dress modestly. Do not touch monks or pose disrespectfully with Buddha images, as this can cause serious offence and legal problems. Penalties for drug offences are severe. Carry photo ID and follow local rules on photography, especially near official or restricted sites.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Emergency numbers are Police 199, Ambulance 192 and Fire 191, though availability and English support vary by area. Your hotel can often help contact services.
- Police
- 199
- Ambulance
- 192
- Fire
- 191
- Response times and English-language support can vary, especially outside major cities. Keep your hotel's number and your embassy contact details handy, and ask hotel staff for help reaching emergency services if needed.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, including cover for medical treatment, emergency evacuation and repatriation. Check that your policy is valid given current travel advisories.
- Medical cover
- Include treatment and hospital costs
- Evacuation
- Ensure emergency evacuation and repatriation are covered
- Advisory check
- Confirm the policy remains valid where warnings apply
- Medical facilities are limited outside major cities, so evacuation cover is important. Many insurers exclude or void cover for destinations subject to a government advisory against travel, so read the terms carefully and confirm your policy is valid for Myanmar before you go.