Burma Travel Risk

Do not travel to Burma for any reason due to armed conflict, unrest, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, poor health infrastructure, landmines and unexploded ordnance, and crime.

The Burmese military regime deposed elected leaders and officials in a February 2021 coup d'état. Protests and demonstrations against military rule can occur on significant dates and have the potential for violence.

Unrest

Due to the ongoing armed conflicts and civil unrest in Burma, U.S. government employees working in Burma may not be allowed to travel within the country.

Due to safety risks, minor dependents cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Burma.

Armed Conflict

Armed conflicts occur throughout Burma. Instances of civil unrest are common. The amount of armed conflict and civil unrest varies across states and regions. The situation may change at any time.

• Opposition militias often attack facilities affiliated with regime security forces and administrative authorities in Rangoon and other areas.
• Local opposition militia groups operate throughout the country.
• Be aware that the regime may limit access to highways and airports. This could lead to isolation.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

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 townships of Kyangin, Myanaung, Ingapu, Lemyethna, Yegyi, Thabaung and Pathein in Ayeyarwady 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.

This guide also has safety and security 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 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. Stay alert as the security situation could deteriorate at short notice, especially around sites with political or military associations.

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 8888 uprising (8 August)
• National Day (25 November)

Some areas in Myanmar are under martial law; others have curfews or ‘stay at home’ orders. 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.

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

Myanmar has suffered from prolonged internal conflicts, involving a number of ethnic armed organisations and other armed groups across the country. Violence is severe and the situation is unpredictable.

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

Myanmar states and regions with land borders

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.

On the borders of Shan and Kayin states there are cyber scam centres operating, and other criminal activity particularly human and drugs trafficking. There is also illegal drug cultivation in rural areas of Shan State.

FCDO advises against all travel to the following border areas: Kachin State, Chin State, Kayah State, Kayin State, Sagaing Region, Rakhine State, Shan State North and Tanintharyi Region (excluding Myeik township, and the archipelago and townships south of Tanintharyi township).

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following border areas: Shan State South and East, Tanintharyi Region south of Tanintharyi township.

Central States and Regions

FCDO advises against all travel to Magway Region and the north of Mandalay Region and all but essential travel to the rest of Mandalay Region. The situation in central Myanmar is unstable due to ongoing conflict. There is a risk of being caught in crossfire, armed clashes or airstrikes and the situation may change quickly at short notice.

While FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Naypyitaw Region there is still a heightened risk. If you are visiting Nay Pyi Taw Region, seek local advice.

Southern States and Regions

FCDO advises against all travel to Mon State and east of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago Region in southern Myanmar. Also, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Bago Region and Ayeyarwady Region’s townships Kyangin, Myanaung, Ingapu, Lemyethna, Yegyi, Thabaung and Pathein along the border with Rakhine State. There is a risk of being caught in crossfire or airstrikes and the situation may change quickly at short notice. The military have deployed to the area and there is ongoing and evolving conflict with a number of ethnic armed organisations.

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

MYANMAR - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to Myanmar due to the risk of:

• politically-motivated violence
• terrorist attacks
• kidnapping
• arbitrary arrest and detention
• civil unrest during the ongoing armed conflict

If you're in Myanmar:

• leave now if you can do so safely
• shelter in a safe place if you're in an area with ongoing conflict
• be aware that the Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance and other support in this country is extremely limited
• keep in mind that you are responsible for your own safety and that of your family

Canadians in need of consular assistance should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

We strongly recommend that Canadians sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important information.

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 by force. Since 2021, the political and security situation has worsened, and the armed conflict continues to escalate.

Control over territory is fragmented throughout the country. The regime’s military forces, various armed ethnic organizations, the People's Defence Forces and other groups fight to maintain or gain control of areas.

Armed clashes

Since October 2023, there has been an escalation in the conflict between military forces and armed groups across Myanmar. There has been an increase in the number of attacks and indiscriminate regime airstrikes, resulting in civilian casualties. There have been reports of increased drones strikes, human rights violations and abuses, mass arson, and torture. The security situation is highly volatile and additional violent attacks could occur at any time across the country.

The conflict has resulted in:

• significant internal displacement
• disrupted access to supplies, cash and goods
• border crossing closures
• a high number of casualties

If you are in Myanmar despite the advisory:

• exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings
• expect a 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 including medications.

• Plan to have adequate water and food supplies for at least 7 days
• Keep cash on hand
• Charge your mobile phone in case of internet, communication and power outages, and have portable power chargers for mobile phones

缅甸现有橙色（高风险）地区5个，其他地区均为蓝色（低风险）。具体如下：

一、橙色地区：实皆省、马圭省、钦邦、若开邦、克钦邦。外交部提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往缅甸上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

二、蓝色地区：其他地区。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。