Myanmar (Burma)
Summary
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:
- The states of:
- Mon
- Kachin
- Chin
- Kayah
- Kayin
- Sagaing and Magway regions
- Northern Rakhine State
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to:
- Shan state
- Mandalay and Tanintharyi regions
- Central Rakhine state
The security situation in Myanmar is unpredictable and liable to change without notice.
Across Myanmar there have been significant numbers of violent attacks, including shootings and IEDs since a coup in February 2021. Attacks, including in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw, primarily continue to target military or regime-affiliated locations such as government buildings and checkpoints, and military-owned businesses. However attacks may impact civilian bystanders, including in areas regularly frequented by foreign nationals, such as hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and serviced accommodation complexes.
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Myanmar’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See FCDO guidance on foreign travel insurance.
A state of emergency remains in place across Myanmar.
There is conflict and significant violence across much of Myanmar, involving air strikes, artillery bombardments, landmines and armed clashes. While normal daily life has resumed in many urban centres, armed groups are likely to try to carry out attacks. Shootings and explosions are common, particularly around times of increased political tension. There have been attacks against military personnel, state infrastructure (e.g. police stations, traffic police huts, ward administration centres and electricity company offices), and businesses perceived as affiliated with the military. Areas frequented by foreigners (e.g. lodging/hotels, shopping areas and restaurants) could also be targeted.
If you are in Yangon, Naypyitaw, Bago, Ayarwaddy or Southern Rakhine, remain vigilant, exercise caution and seek local advice. You should ensure you are aware of local rules, norms, and restrictions, especially if travelling to townships under martial law. You should seek advice from local tour operators before travelling.
In Yangon, current townships under martial law are Hlaing Thayar, Shwe Pyithar, North Okkalapa, North Dagon, South Dagon and Dagon Seakkan, but these are subject to change. See the ‘Safety and security’ page for more details.
There is a small risk to foreigners of arbitrary arrest and detention, though this is much higher for journalists and activists. . The criminal justice process followed in such cases falls below international standards. Minor infractions of the law can provide grounds for arrest. Myanmar does not recognise dual nationality.
The authorities in Myanmar are particularly sensitive to all forms of independent reporting and journalistic activity.
The criminal justice process followed in such cases falls below international standards. Minor infractions of the law can provide grounds for arrest. Myanmar does not recognise dual nationality.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Myanmar. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. See Terrorism
The banking sector has seen widespread disruption with many banks closed and some ATMs empty. Electronic payments continue to function within the country but you should ensure you will be able to make payments in advance. See Money
Urban areas, particularly Yangon and Mandalay, can experience poor air quality. See Health
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. You should not assume that the FCDO will be able to provide assistance to leave the country in the event of serious unrest or crisis. If you’re arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the British Embassy immediately.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Update history
2025-04-10 16:49
Updated information about Mandalay and Naypyitaw airports now only being open to domestic flights (See ‘Earthquake in Myanmar’ on the ‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2025-04-08 12:59
FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Naypyitaw (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Regional risks’ pages).
2025-03-29 17:35
Update on information on the earthquake in Myanmar including the announcement by the military regime of a State of Emergency in six states and regions. (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2025-03-28 09:14
Addition of information that there has been a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, the epicentre is in Sagaing region near Mandalay, but other areas may be affected (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2025-01-22 16:57
FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the townships of Kyangin, Myanaung, Ingapu, Lemyethna, Yegyi Thabaung and Pathein in Ayeyarwady region which lie along the border with Rakhine State.
2024-11-11 16:47
This travel advice was reviewed for accuracy. Information added on completing a short health declaration in relation to the mpox virus on arrival and importing valuable items (‘Entry requirements’), and on the political and conflict situation (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-07-09 10:48
Information on the risks from diseases spread by contaminated food and water (‘Health’ page).
2024-06-26 16:04
Information that access to any area of Myanmar can be restricted by the authorities at any time, and information that permits and licenses needed to drive in Myanmar may change at short notice (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-05-23 13:57
FCDO now advises against all travel to all of Rakhine State (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Regional risks’ pages).
2024-03-20 09:52
Information on COVID-19 rules for Myanmar (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-03-04 10:57
Information on COVID-19 rules for Myanmar (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-03-01 11:37
(Correction) New information on conscription and dualnationals (See ‘Detention and arrest’ on the ‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-02-28 09:52
New information on conscription and dual nations (See ‘Detention and arrest’ on the ‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-12-13 10:00
FCDO now advises against all travel to east of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago region and northern and central Rakhine state, and against all but essential travel for southern Rakhine state, and the rest of Bago region (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Regional risks’ pages).
2023-11-29 15:50
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-11-28 14:05
Information on the current security situation in Myanmar (See ‘Summary’ page).
2023-11-10 12:35
FCDO now advises against all travel to Shan State North and North Mandalay Region (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-07-19 15:05
Relaxation of COVID-19 entry requirements and additional dates that could attract violence and an increased presence of security forces (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-06-22 10:04
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-05-16 16:10
Updated information on Cyclone Mocha (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural disasters’ pages).
2023-05-14 08:33
Updated Information on Cyclone Mocha, expected to make landfall in Sittwe on the afternoon of Sunday 14 May.
2023-05-10 14:49
Updated information about cyclones (‘Summary’ and ‘Natural Disasters’ pages).
2023-03-28 09:04
Updated information about the relaxation of COVID-19 insurance requirements and information about visa overstay (‘Entry requirements’ page),
2023-03-06 20:40
Update on downgrading of terror threat (‘Terrorism’ page).
2023-02-01 12:34
Removed information about the Independence Day holiday on 4 January (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-01-16 18:58
Updated information on the security situation in Myanmar (‘Summary’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2022-12-23 14:02
Updated information about heightened threat of attacks on Independence Day (4th January) (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-12-19 15:55
Updated information about ongoing violent incidents (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-12-15 11:21
Updated information about scams (‘Safety and security’ page).
2022-12-02 12:58
Updated with information about ongoing violent attacks and updated COVID-19 entry requirement information (‘Summary’, ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-10-07 10:45
Updated information on COVID – 19 entry requirement procedures and how minor infractions of the law can provide grounds for arrest (‘Summary’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2022-09-06 09:05
Updated information on how minor infractions of the law can provide grounds for detention (‘Summary’ page).
2022-08-17 10:04
Updated information on COVID-19 procedures (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-08-05 12:36
This travel advice has been reviewed in full with editorial amendments throughout. Updated information on acceptable vaccines and new COVID-19 procedures (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages)
2022-07-26 10:19
New information and advice added following judicial executions on Monday 25 July. There is heightened tension throughout the country as a result. Visitors to Myanmar should be extra vigilant (‘Safety and Security’ page)
2022-06-23 12:10
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Myanmar, except for the Yangon region (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-05-06 15:45
This advice has been reviewed in full and republished with amendments to the ‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’, ‘Returning to the UK’, ‘Safety and security’, ‘Local laws and customs’, ‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Health’ sections.
2022-04-07 15:14
Update to information on the security situation, the announcement of the resumption of commercial flights, and entry rules (‘Summary’, ‘Returning to the UK’, ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)