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Burma (Myanmar)
Country Specific Information
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July 29, 2009
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Burma (Myanmar) is an underdeveloped agrarian country ruled by an authoritarian military government. The country's government
suppresses all expression of opposition to its rule.
After a long period of isolation, Burma has started to encourage tourism. Foreigners can expect to pay several times more
than locals do for accommodations, domestic airfares, and entry to tourist sites. Tourist facilities in Rangoon, Bagan, Ngapali
Beach, Inle Lake, and Mandalay are superior to tourist facilities in other parts of the country, where they are limited.
Please note that visitors should travel with sufficient cash to cover their expenses for the duration of their visit. Traveler’s
checks and credit cards are not accepted anywhere, and ATM machines are nonexistent in Burma. (See "Currency" and “U.S. Treasury
Sanctions" below.) Read the Department of State's Background Notes on Burma for additional information.
REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in Burma are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the Department of State travel registration page, so that they can obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: The Government of Burma strictly controls travel to, from, and within Burma. Since October 1, 2006, Burmese authorities
have often prohibited entry or exit at most land border crossings, unless the traveler is part of a package tour group that
has received prior permission from the Burmese authorities. A passport and visa are required for entry into Burma. Travelers
are required to show their passports with valid visas at all airports, train stations, and hotels. Security checkpoints are
common outside of tourist areas.
Burmese authorities rarely issue visas to persons with occupations they deem “sensitive,” including journalists. Many journalists
and writers traveling to Burma on tourist visas have been denied entry. Journalists -- and tourists mistaken for journalists
-- have been harassed. Some journalists have had film and notes confiscated upon leaving the country.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These
often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the absent parent(s)
or legal guardian. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Information about entry requirements as well as other information may be obtained from the Burmese Embassy’s (Embassy of the Union of Myanmar) website, or contacting by the embassy at 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone
202-332-4350 or the Permanent Burma Mission (Mission of Myanmar) to the U.N at 10 East 77th St., New York, NY 10021, 212-744-1271,
fax 212-744-1290.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Burma.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.
THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens traveling in Burma should exercise caution, register with the U.S. Embassy and check in for an update on the
current security situation. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry their U.S. passports or photocopies of passport data and
visa pages at all times so that if questioned by Burmese officials, they will have evidence of U.S. citizenship readily available.
In September 2007, the Burmese government brutally cracked down on peaceful demonstrators, using gunfire, rubber bullets,
batons, and tear gas against them and those observing in the vicinity. The authorities killed at least 30 people during the
crackdown and arrested more than 3,000. On September 27, 2007, security forces shot and killed a Japanese journalist in the
Sule Pagoda downtown area during a demonstration. The Burmese Government has a standing law, which is sporadically enforced,
that bans all gatherings of more than five people.
In 2005, three large bombs exploded simultaneously in Rangoon at two crowded shopping areas frequented by foreigners and at
an international trade center, killing at least 20 people and wounding several hundred. Also in 2005, an explosive device
detonated at a busy market in Mandalay, killing at least three people. Although other smaller-scale bombings have occurred
in Burma in recent years, including in early 2007 and early 2008, the 2005 bombings were more sophisticated and specifically
targeted more highly trafficked areas than those used in other bombings. However, there is no indication that these attacks
targeted American citizens or U.S. interests. The perpetrators of these bombings have not been identified.
In light of these incidents and the possibility of recurring political unrest, Americans in Burma should exercise caution
in public places and be alert to their surroundings. Furthermore, Americans in Burma should avoid crowded public places,
such as large public gatherings, demonstrations, and any area cordoned off by security forces.
Burma experienced major political unrest in 1988 when the authorities killed approximately 3,000 and jailed thousands more
Burmese democracy activists. In 1990, Burmese authorities ignored the results of an election that the opposition won overwhelmingly.
Major demonstrations by opposition activists occurred in 1996 and 1998. In May 2003, individuals affiliated with the Burmese
government attacked a convoy carrying opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Sagaing Division; dozens were killed or injured.
Ethnic rebellions still smolder in regions along Burma’s borders with Thailand, China, India, and Bangladesh, and anti-personnel
landmines along border areas pose an additional danger.
Occasional fighting between government forces and various rebel groups has occurred in Chin State and Sagaing Division near
India and along the Thai-Burma border area in Burma's Shan, Mon, Kayah (Karenni), and Karen states. From time to time, the
Governments of Burma and Thailand have closed the border between the two nations on short notice. In January 2005, regional
governments announced a major regional law enforcement initiative aimed at dismantling the operations of Southeast Asia's
largest narcotics trafficking organization, the United Wa State Army. At that time, the Burmese government stated that it
could not guarantee the safety of foreign officials or personnel from non-governmental organizations traveling or working
in Wa Special Region 2 (northeastern Shan State).
U.S. citizens have been detained, arrested, tried, and deported for, among other activities, distributing pro-democracy literature,
visiting the homes and offices of Burmese pro-democracy leaders, and photographing places that could be perceived as being
of military or security interest. Burmese authorities have warned U.S. Embassy officials that those who engage in similar
activities in the future will be jailed rather than deported.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs' website. It contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.
CRIME: Crime rates in Burma, especially toward foreigners, are lower than those of many other countries in the region. Nevertheless,
due in part to the poor economic situation in Burma, the crime rate has been increasing. Violent crime against foreigners
is rare.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice has more information on this serious problem.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see end of this sheet or see the Department of State list of embassies and consulates). This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
There is no local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Burma. If you need police assistance, call 199. In case of fire, call 191.
Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties
for breaking the law can be more severe than those in the United States for similar offenses. Engaging in sexual conduct
with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime.
Some foreigners have been denied even minimal rights in criminal proceedings in Burma, especially when suspected of engaging
in political activity of any type. This includes, but is not limited to, denial of access to an attorney, denial of access
to court records, and denial of family and consular visits. The criminal justice system is controlled by the military junta,
which orders maximum sentences for most offenses. Engaging in sexual conduct with children, using or disseminating child
pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. See our section on Criminal Penalties for more information.
Foreigner Travel within Burma: Burmese authorities require that hotels and guesthouses furnish information about the identities and activities of their
foreign guests. Burmese who interact with foreigners may be compelled to report on those interactions to the Burmese authorities.
Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance, and travelers must assume that their actions, such
as meeting with Burmese citizens, particularly in hotel lobbies and rooms, are being closely monitored. Travelers must assume
that telephones and fax machines may be monitored, and that personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.
Travelers are not generally required to obtain advance permission to travel to the main tourist areas of Mandalay and the
surrounding area, Bagan, Inle Lake, Ngapali, and other beach resorts. However, some tourists traveling to places where permission
is not expressly required have reported delays due to questioning by local security personnel. Additionally, the government
restricts access to some areas of the country on an ad hoc basis, and in 2005 stated it could not guarantee the safety of
foreigners traveling in eastern Shan State, specifically in Wa territory, also known as Special Region 2. Individuals planning
to travel in Burma should check with Burmese tourism authorities to see whether travel to specific destinations is permitted.
Even if the Burmese authorities allow travel to specific destinations in Burma, it may not be safe to travel in those areas.
Irrawaddy Delta Region: On May 2, 2008, Cyclone Nargis devastated Burma’s Irrawaddy Delta region and surrounding areas, killing over 130,000 people.
Like other areas of Burma, the Delta region is still without many basic necessities, and the risk of outbreaks of disease
remains high. The United Nations, ASEAN, and others in the international community, including the United States, provided
international relief assistance to meet both immediate and long-term needs. The Burmese government has restricted access
to this area for people other than relief workers it has authorized. American citizens should defer nonessential travel to
the Irrawaddy Delta region.
Post cyclone conditions in Rangoon, Burma’s most populous city, and other areas outside of the Irrawaddy Delta have gradually
improved. Electrical power and water supplies have been restored in most areas and markets are now operating normally.
Customs Regulations: Customs regulations in Burma are restrictive and strictly enforced. Customs authorities closely search travelers’ luggage
upon arrival and departure from Burma. It is illegal to enter or exit Burma with items such as firearms, religious materials,
antiquities, medications, business equipment, currency, gems, and ivory. On several occasions in the past two decades, foreigners
have been detained, searched, and imprisoned for attempting to take restricted items out of the country.
Customs officials also strictly limit what is brought into the country, including bans on pornography and political material
or literature critical of the regime or supportive of the opposition. Travelers have also reported problems bringing in high-tech
electronic devices and equipment, ranging from toys to computers. The government has never provided a complete list of prohibited
import items. For information on restricted items for import into Burma and specific customs’ requirements, it is best to
consult the nearest Burmese Embassy (Embassy of the Union of Myanmar) in Washington DC, located at 2300 S Street NW, Washington
DC 20008, tel: 202-332-4350. You may also contact Burma’s Mission in New York located at 10 E. 77th Street, New York, NY
10021, tel. 202-535-1310, or 212-535-1311, fax 212-744-1290
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
are illegal, and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. Please see our information
on Customs Regulations.
Computers, Internet, and E-Mail: The government carefully controls and monitors all Internet use in Burma and restricts Internet access through software-based
censorship that limits the materials individuals can access on line. The government has allowed several cyber cafes to open,
but access to the Internet is very expensive, and access to most “free” international e-mail services such as Hotmail and
Yahoo is prohibited. Currently, Gmail (Google mail) accounts can be accessed in Burma, and many locals and resident expatriates
use it. It is illegal to own an unregistered modem in Burma. Tourists may bring one laptop computer per person into Burma
and must declare it upon arrival. Limited e-mail service is available at some large hotels. All e-mails are read by military
intelligence. It is very expensive to send photographs via e-mail. One foreign visitor was presented a bill for $2,000 after
transmitting one photograph via a major hotel's e-mail system.
Consular Notification and Access: U.S. consular officers do not always receive timely notification of the detention, arrest, or deportation of U.S. citizens.
In addition, Burmese authorities have on occasion refused to give Embassy consular officers access to arrested or detained
U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens who are arrested or detained should request immediate contact with the U.S. Embassy. U.S. citizens
are encouraged to carry their U.S. passports and/or a photocopy with them at all times, so that if questioned by local officials,
they have evidence of identity and U.S. citizenship readily available.
Should an emergency arise involving the detention of a U.S. citizen, especially outside of Rangoon, it may be difficult for
U.S. Embassy personnel to assist quickly, because travel inside Burma can be slow and difficult. The Burmese authorities
do not routinely notify the U.S. Embassy of the arrest of American citizens, and the Burmese government has obstructed regular
access by consular officers to American citizen detainees.
Photography/Videotaping: Photographing military installations or people in uniform is prohibited by Burmese authorities and could lead to arrest or
the confiscation of cameras and film. It is advisable to avoid photographing anything that could be perceived by the Burmese
authorities as being of military or security interest—such as bridges, airfields, government buildings or government vehicles.
Similarly, Burmese authorities are sensitive to anyone videotaping or photographing public demonstrations.
Telephone Services: Telephone services are poor in Rangoon and other major cities and non-existent in many areas. Calling the United States
from Burma is difficult and extremely expensive.
Currency: Executive Order 13310, signed by President Bush on July 28, 2003 imposed a ban on the exportation of financial services to
Burma. Travelers’ checks, credit cards, and ATM cards can rarely, if ever, be used. Although moneychangers sometimes approach
travelers with an offer to change dollars into Burmese kyat at the market rate, it is illegal to exchange currency except
at authorized locations such as the airport, banks and government stores. It is also illegal for Burmese to have possession
of foreign currency without a permit. Foreigners are required to use U.S. dollars, other hard currency, or Foreign Exchange
Certificates (FEC) for the payment of plane tickets, train tickets and most hotels. Burmese kyats are accepted for nearly
all other transactions.
In recent months, U.S. financial institutions have increased scrutiny of on-line financial transactions taking place via Burmese
Internet providers. The result has been that bank accounts of some American citizens working or traveling in Burma have been
frozen. To avoid this potential problem, customers of U.S. banks may wish to avoid on-line banking while using a Burmese
Internet Service Provider (ISP). Those who believe their accounts have been subject to similar restrictions in error are
asked to contact the Consular Section of U.S. Embassy Rangoon.
U.S. Treasury Sanctions: As of August 27, 2003, U.S. Treasury sanctions ban the import of almost all goods from Burma into the United States. This
ban includes Burmese-origin products such as gifts, souvenirs, and items for personal use, even if carried in personal luggage.
These sanctions are part of a much larger U.S. sanctions regime for Burma, which includes a ban on new U.S. investment among
other measures. For specific information, contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) home page or via OFAC's Info-by-Fax service at 202-622-0077, or by phone toll-free at 1-800-540-6322.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:Medical facilities in Burma are inadequate for even routine medical care. There are few trained medical personnel. Most
foreign drugs on sale have been smuggled into the country, and many are counterfeit or adulterated and thus unsafe to use.
Travelers should bring adequate supplies of their medications for the duration of their stay in Burma. HIV/AIDS is widespread
among high-risk populations, such as prostitutes and illegal drug users. Malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and other infectious
diseases are endemic in most parts of the country.
In early 2006 and throughout 2007, brief avian influenza outbreaks resulted in the death of domestic poultry and some wild
birds. In December 2007, the World Health Organization and Burmese Ministry of Health confirmed Burma’s first case of human
infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The young girl infected with the virus during a poultry outbreak in eastern
Shan State in late November responded well to treatment and fully recovered. Travelers to Burma and other South Asian countries
affected by avian influenza are cautioned to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any other
surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals.
Current information about avian influenza A (H5N1) and pandemic influenza can be found via the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention’s (CDC) web site at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/ or at AvianFlu.gov. For additional information on avian
influenza as it affects American citizens residing abroad, see the U.S. Department of State’s Avian Influenza Fact Sheet. As of mid-July 2009, Burmese authorities have officially reported four cases of the H1N1 virus. Also as of mid-July 2009,
the Burmese Ministry of Health has been screening arriving passengers at international airports and seaports to prevent local
transmission of the virus.
Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Burma. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad.
Important questions are whether the policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.
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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Burma is provided for general reference only, and may not be accurate in a particular
location or circumstance.
Rangoon's main roads are generally in poor condition. Traffic in the capital is increasing rapidly, but heavy congestion
is still uncommon. Some roads are in serious disrepair. Slow-moving vehicles, bicycles, animals, and heavy pedestrian traffic
create numerous hazards for drivers on Rangoon's streets. Drivers must remain extremely alert to avoid hitting pedestrians.
Most roads outside of Rangoon consist of one to two lanes and are potholed, often unpaved, and unlit at night. Many of the
truck drivers traversing from China to Rangoon are believed to drive under the influence of methamphetamines and other stimulants.
Drunken and/or drugged drivers are also common on the roads during the four-day Buddhist water festival in mid-April. Driving
at night is particularly dangerous. Few, if any, streets are adequately lit. Most Burmese drivers do not turn on their headlights
until the sky is completely dark; many do not use headlights at all. Many bicyclists use no lights or reflectors.
Vehicular traffic moves on the right side, as in the United States; however, a majority of vehicles have the steering wheel
positioned on the right. The “right of way” concept is generally respected, but military convoys and motorcades always have
precedence. Most vehicle accidents are settled between the parties on site, with the party at fault paying the damages.
In the event of an accident with a pedestrian, the driver is always considered to be at fault and subject to fines or arrest,
regardless of the circumstances. Accidents that require an investigation are concluded quickly and rarely result in criminal
prosecution. There is no roadside assistance, and ambulances are not available. Vehicles generally do not have seat belts.
Child car seats are also not available.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Burma, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has not assessed Burma’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page.
The U.S. Embassy in Rangoon has advised its employees to avoid travel on state-owned Myanmar Airways, as well as on Air Bagan,
whenever possible due to serious concerns about the airlines’ ability to maintain their airplanes. (Myanmar Airways International
[MAI] is a different carrier that operates flights between Bangkok and Rangoon.)
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CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
EMBASSY LOCATIONS:The U.S. Embassy is located at 110 University Ave., Kamayut Township, Rangoon. The Consular Section telephone number is (95-1) 536-509, ext. 4240; email consularrangoo@state.gov. Travelers may visit the U.S. Embassy web site at http://burma.usembassy.gov/. The after-hours emergency number is 09-512-4330, or (95-1) 536-509, ext. 4014. The Consular Section is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m., with non-emergency American Citizen Services from 2:00 to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday except on U.S. and Burmese holidays.
Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State list of embassies and consulates.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information Sheet dated October 9, 2008, to update the sections on Safety and Security,
Medical Facilities and Health Information, Special Circumstances, and Criminal Penalties.
