Foreign travel advice

Myanmar (Burma)

! Warning FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Myanmar (Burma).

Warnings and insuranceSummary

Still current at:
2928 November 2023
Updated:
2928 November 2023
Latest update:
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The Foreign, Commonwealth &and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

States and regions where FCDO advises against all travel

FCDO advises against all travel to:

  • ChinThe Statestates of:
    • Mon
    • Kachin State
    • Chin
    • Kayah State
    • Kayin Sate
  • Mon State
  • northern Rakhine State
  • Sagaing and Magway regions
  • Northern Rakhine State
  • Tanintharyi Region,Region excluding Myeik township, and the archipelago and townships south of Tanintharyi townshipTownship
  • Shan State North
  • North Mandalay Region; the townships north of Mandalay City and Pyin Oo Lwin

AreasThe whereForeign, FCDOCommonwealth advisesand againstDevelopment allOffice but essential travel

(FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to:

  • Shan State South and East
  • Mandalay Region
  • Tanintharyiand RegionSouthern south of Tanintharyi townshipRegions
  • centralCentral Rakhine State including Sittwe District

The conflict isin Myanmar is increasingly volatile.volatile, Thethe security situation may deteriorate at short notice. Exercise caution, and consider any travel plans carefully.

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Noincluding travelshootings canand beIEDs guaranteedsince safe.a Readcoup allin theFebruary advice2021. Attacks, including in thisYangon guideand Naypyitaw, primarily continue to target military or regime-affiliated locations such as wellgovernment buildings and checkpoints, and military-owned businesses. However, attacks may impact civilian bystanders, including in areas regularly frequented by foreign nationals, such as supporthotels, forrestaurants, Britishshopping nationalsmalls abroadand whichserviced includes:accommodation complexes.

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  • informationThese may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for women,the LGBT+latest updates and disabledstay travellers
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    If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

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There is conflict and Instagramsignificant 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.

There are increasing reports of attacks on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and National Highway 1 linking Yangon to Mandalay. For more information see Yangon-Mandalay Expressway.

If you are in Yangon, Naypyitaw, Bago, Ayarwaddy or Southern Rakhine, remain vigilant, exercise caution and seek local advice. You canshould alsoensure signyou upare aware of local rules, norms, and restrictions, especially if travelling to gettownships emailunder notificationsmartial whenlaw. thisYou should seek advice from local tour operators before travelling.

In Yangon, the townships currently 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 updated.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.

Travel

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authorities in Myanmar are particularly sensitive to all forms of independent reporting and journalistic activity.

IfTerrorists youare chooselikely to travel,try researchto 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. While higher-end hotels and restaurants do tend to accept card payment, foreign cards are increasingly being declined. Check with your destinationshotel or restaurant that they accept a foreign card. See Money

If you’re abroad and getyou appropriateneed travelemergency insurancehelp from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. InsuranceYou should covernot yourassume itinerary,that plannedthe activitiesFCDO andwill expensesbe able to provide assistance to leave the country in anthe emergency.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.

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