Burma travel advice

Travel Summary

• The political situation in Burma remains unsettled. Security has been increased throughout Burma and in Rangoon as the trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi comes to a conclusion. A verdict is expected to be delivered on 31 July 2009. In addition, 8 August 2009 will be the 21st anniversary of the 1988 uprising against the government. Security forces are likely to be on the alert Visitors and residents should exercise caution, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and avoid taking photographs or videos of the military, the police or demonstrations as doing so could be interpreted as provocative. See the Political situation section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There have been confirmed confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Burma. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase is at Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
  
  
• On 6 June 2009, a Myanmar Airways aircraft skidded off the runway at Sittwe Airport, injuring three. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff have been advised to avoid flying with Myanmar Airways. See the Air Safety section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• On 30 April 2009, the British Embassy in Rangoon published an updated advisory notice on pandemic influenza to British nationals travelling or resident in Burma. The full text is available on the British Embassy website: http://ukinburma.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/travel-advice/letter-to-brit-community/. Please be aware that visitors to Burma from the UK will be asked to provide information on their travel history and accommodation arrangements for their stay. Individuals will be monitored for symptoms during their visit.
  
  
• Please be aware that visitors to Burma from the UK will be asked to provide information on their travel history and accommodation arrangements for their stay. Individuals will be monitored for symptoms during their visit.
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism in Burma. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Since April 2005, there have been a number of bomb explosions targeting commercial interests, public transport and places that tourists may visit. The most recent was on 27 May 2009, when three small blasts occurred in Mawlamyine, although there were no reported casualties. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There are stringent restrictions on freedom of movement and speech. British Embassy officials are not allowed to travel freely outside Rangoon without prior permission from the Burmese government, except to a limited number of destinations. Consular assistance in an emergency may therefore be restricted or delayed.
  
  
• Cyclones occasionally occur in Burma between April and October. Floods and landslides may occur. Local and international weather updates are available at www.wmo.int (the World Meteorological Organisation website). The effects of Cyclone Nargis, which struck Burma on 2/3 May 2008, have caused tens of thousands of deaths and left hundreds of thousands more homeless in the Irrawaddy Delta. See the Local Travel, Health and Natural Disasters sections of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details
  
  
• Around 3,700 British tourists visited Burma in 2007 (Burmese Central Statistical Organisation figures). Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Burma in 2008 was lack of funds. This is because of not being able to use credit cards or travellers' cheques in Burma. See the General (Money) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism in Burma. If you are visiting or are resident in Burma, you should exercise caution in public places and ensure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review your own and your family's security arrangements. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Past targets have included commercial interests, public transport and places tourists may visit. On 7 May 2005, there were three explosions in Rangoon, two in shopping malls and one in a trade fair, which killed at least 23 people and injured at least 149. Since these attacks, there have been a number of smaller explosions. Most recent incidents include:

• On 27 May 2009, there were three small blasts in Mawlamyine although there were no reported casualties.
  
• On 26 March 2009, there was an explosion near the Aung Mingalar highway bus terminal in North Okalapa township, reportedly killing one person.
  
• On 3 March 2009, there were two explosions in Rangoon. No fatalities were reported.
  
• On 11 September 2008, an explosion in a video lounge in Kyaukkyi township, in Bago division, reportedly killed two people.
  
  

Terrorists in the South East Asia region have shown their capability to carry out large-scale attacks. In neighbouring Indonesia, Westerners were killed and injured following the terrorist attacks in Bali (October 2002 and October 2005) and Jakarta (August 2003 and September 2004).

For further information, see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

There are no accurate crime statistics, but anecdotal evidence suggests that muggings, burglaries and petty thefts in Rangoon have increased as the economic situation has deteriorated. Expatriate homes and hotels have been targeted in the past. You should take extra care of your belongings.

There have been occasional instances of violent crime against foreigners. You should take sensible security precautions at all times.

For more general information, see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Burma Country Profile

In September 2007, protests led by Buddhist monks against the government took place in cities across Burma. There were violent clashes between protestors and the security forces. The security forces used violence, tear gas and gunshots to disperse the crowds and there were a number of fatalities, including a foreign journalist, and numerous injuries.

There have been no large protests against the government since 2007, however, the political situation continues to remain unsettled and you should continue to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. It is illegal to protest or form assemblies of people in Burma. Tensions could resurface as preparations for the elections in 2010 gather momentum. Security has been increased throughout Burma and in Rangoon as the trial of Daw Aung San Su Kyi comes to a conclusion. A verdict is expected to be delivered on 31 July 2009. You should also avoid taking photographs or video of the military, the police or demonstrations as doing so could be interpreted as provocative. You should keep yourself informed of developments, including by regularly checking this travel advice.If you are visiting or are resident in Burma, you should exercise caution in public places and ensure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review your own and your family's security arrangements. In the past, there have been acts of politically motivated violence around public holidays such as Armed Forces Day (27 March) and Martyrs Day (19 July) as these have the potential to turn violent. These dates, and other anniversaries, such as that of the 8 August 1988 uprising against the government and the September 2007 protests are likely to see a significant increase in security forces in Rangoon and elsewhere in Burma.

There are stringent restrictions on freedom of speech, movement, religion, and political activity. Foreign nationals have been arrested, imprisoned and deported for distributing pro-democracy literature or criticising the regime in public. You should note that attempts to visit the home of detained pro-democracy leader Daw Aung Sung Suu Kyi or the offices of her National League for Democracy party could attract unwelcome attention from the authorities. You are strongly advised not to photograph military installations or personnel.

The unsettled political situation could result in disruption or restriction to your travel.

Local Travel

You should exercise caution if travelling to border areas in Burma. The Burmese government restricts travel to most border areas. There are a limited number of legal crossing points, but these could close without notice:

• Tachilek (Burma Shan State) – Mae Sai (northern Thailand border)
• KawThoung (Burma Tanintharyi) – Ranong-Kawthoung (southern Thailand border)
• Muse (Burma Shan State) – Ruili (China border)
• Tamu (Burma Chin State) – Morei (India border)

You must exit Burma at the same border crossing from which you entered, and Burmese immigration officers may request to hold your passport until your visit is complete. You should not attempt to cross any border illegally or enter restricted areas without the appropriate permissions from the Burmese authorities.

You should be particularly vigilant if travelling to the Thai/Burma border. There is ongoing military activity close to this border, especially in Karen and the southern Shan states. Land mines also pose a threat in several areas.

You should be aware that British Embassy officials are not allowed to travel freely outside Rangoon without prior permission of the Burmese government, except to a limited number of destinations. Consular assistance in an emergency may therefore be restricted or delayed.

You may only go to officially designated tourist areas. You will require prior permission from the tourism authorities for treks to remote parts of the country. You should note that tourists have experienced difficulties with the authorities even after obtaining such permission.

Road Travel

British or International Driving Licences are not recognised in Burma. You must apply for a Myanmar Driving License at the Department for Road Transport and Administration in Rangoon

Many buses in Burma run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). In September, several people were injured when gas cylinders exploded on a bus in Rangoon.

Overland travel can be hazardous, particularly in the rainy season (May to October). Roads can become impassable and bridges damaged.

You should be aware that, under Burmese law, the driver of a car involved in an accident with a pedestrian is always at fault. Road safety awareness, among both drivers and pedestrians, barely exists. Many vehicles, including taxis, are in a poor mechanical state. Although Burma drives on the right, the majority of cars are right hand drive, which can make driving hazardous.

For further information, see Driving Abroad.

Rail Travel

Railway equipment is decrepit; fatal rail crashes occur, although they may not always be reported.

Air Travel

Evidence suggests that the domestic airline, Myanmar Airways, does not always comply with international safety standards. On 6 June 2009, a Myanmar Airways aircraft skidded off the runway at Sittwe Airport, injuring three. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff have been advised to avoid flying with Myanmar Airways. You should also be aware that on 19 February 2008 an Air Bagan aircraft was severely damaged after overshooting the runway at Putao airport.

The domestic airline Myanmar Airways should not be confused with Myanmar Airways International (MAI), which operates across South East Asia.

Local flight schedules are subject to change without warning and you should leave sufficient time in your travel itinerary to accommodate this. On occasion Burmese domestic airlines use aircraft from outside their own fleet, including those belonging to Myanmar Airways. Passengers are not advised in advance where this is the case.

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Community. This can be found at the following link: http://europa.eu.//transport/air-ban/list_en.htm.

For more general information, see Airline Security.

Sea and River Travel

You should ask for, and follow carefully, local advice about where it is safe to swim or dive in the sea. You should also be aware that search and rescue facilities are unlikely to meet international standards.

During the monsoon season (normally May to October), heavy rains can cause flooding. You should therefore enquire before attempting any river journey.

River transport may not conform to internationally recognised safety standards.

For further information, see River and Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

You should respect religious custom when visiting Budhist religious sites – shorts and sleeveless tops will cause offence and shoes and socks should be removed before entering a pagoda or monastery.

Penalties for drug trafficking range from a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and can include the death penalty.

Homosexuality is illegal in Burma. In June 2007, a European National was sentenced to seven years in prison for committing homosexual acts.

For more general information for different types of travellers, see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visa requirements

You need a tourist visa (valid for four weeks) or business visas (valid for ten weeks) before travelling to Burma. We are aware that British nationals have encountered delays in obtaining tourist visas, particularly when applying at the Burmese Embassy in Bangkok. Any queries on entry requirements should be directed to the nearest Burmese Embassy not to the British Embassy in Rangoon.

Passport validity

You should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity (over six months) before travelling.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. They may want to see birth certificates, a letter of consent from the other parent or some evidence as to your responsibility for the child. As far as we are aware the Burmese immigration authorities do not normally ask to see such evidence, but if you have concerns please check with the nearest Burmese Embassy.

Health

Routine medical advice and treatment can be obtained in Rangoon and Mandalay, but elsewhere you should not assume that competent advice and treatment is available. Up-front cash payment is often required prior to receiving medical treatment in Burma. Intrusive examinations, including emergency dental work, should be avoided due to irregular hygiene standards and the danger of infection, particularly by hepatitis B and C and HIV/AIDS.

Dengue and malaria occur in Burma. Mosquitoes transmit these diseases. There are no vaccinations against these diseases, but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website. You should visit your GP to discuss malaria prevention tablets.

Poor sanitation and eating contaminated food can increase the risk of diarrhoeal illnesses. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Burma, you should seek immediate medical attention.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 240,000 adults aged 15 or over in Burma were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.7% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Burma and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47

For more general health information see Travel Health and for food/drink hygiene see Eat and Drink Safely.

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu

There have been confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Burma. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase is at Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website, and Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in domestic poultry in Burma (most recently in December 2007). There have been no confirmed human deaths in Burma, but a case of Avian Influenza infecting a human was confirmed in December 2007.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Natural disasters

The cyclone season in Burma normally runs from April to October. Floods and landslides may occur. The effects of Cyclone Nargis, which struck Burma on 2/3 May 2008, have caused tens of thousands of deaths and left hundreds of thousands more homeless in the Irrawaddy Delta. You are advised to avoid the Delta area and to follow the advice of the local authorities. For more general information, see Tropical Cyclones.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance, which includes air evacuation by a recognised carrier, be obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all activities you want to undertake. For more general information, see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this How We Can Help.

Replacement passports

The British Embassy in Rangoon does not issue passports and, before setting off, you should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity (over six months) and a plentiful supply of unused pages. You are encouraged to carry photocopies of your passport at all times. Applications for new passports are accepted in Rangoon for forwarding to the British Embassy in Bangkok for processing, but this may take up to six weeks. If a courier is used, the cost will have to be borne by the applicant.

Registering with the British Embassy

If you intend to stay in Burma for over a month, you are advised to register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Mobile phones

International GSM roaming is not available in Burma.

On arrival/departure

You should expect to have your baggage searched and/or x-rayed on arrival. You may be required to leave items such as mobile phones and personal computers with customs, for collection upon departure. You are required to declare any foreign currency over US $2,000. Failure to do so may result in imprisonment. A departure tax of 10 US Dollars/FEC (Foreign Exchange Certificate) is payable when you check in for your departure flight.

Money

There are no ATMs in Burma.

Following the adoption of the Burma Freedom and Democracy Act by the US Government, credit cards and travellers’ cheques are rarely accepted in Burma. One or two major hotels in Rangoon do accept credit cards, but this is subject to change. If you wish to pay by credit card, you should check with your hotel or tour operator. You should bring enough US Dollars to fund your stay. Be aware that because of concerns over counterfeit money, US Dollars with the letters AB and CB at the start of the serial number (top left-hand corner of note) are not always accepted. Notes should also be in good condition, those with pen marks or tears are not always accepted.

You no longer need to change US $200 into FECs on arrival at Rangoon. Exchange counters at the airport offer the government approved rate (450 kyats to the US$) which is significantly less than the market rate. Since most businesses catering to tourists accept dollars, you may wish to avoid changing money at the airport to avoid unnecessary losses.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

Burma is a party to the CITES. Visitors should therefore be aware of the restrictions placed on the export of endangered species by CITES, particularly when deciding whether to buy exotic souvenirs such as those made from turtles. Over 800 species of animals and plants are currently banned from international trade and a further 30,000 are strictly controlled by CITES and EU legislation. Further information is available at: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES).