Myanmar Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All foreign passengers to Myanmar must hold confirmed return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. They will also require a tourist visa, which is valid for 28 days. Note that applications for visa extensions are not possible once in Myanmar; however, a fine of USD 3 per day overstayed, can be paid at Immigration upon departure. Foreign passengers are only allowed to travel to/from Myanmar by air or sea, and will be required to convert a minimum of USD 200 into local currency upon their arrival in the country. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Myanmar, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Myanmar. A visa is required.

Healthcare

Malaria and dengue fever are common in Myanmar, especially during the rainy season (May to October). Cyclone Nargis, which hit in May 2008, has increased the risk of cholera so visitors should drink only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice drinks. A few cases of avian influenza (bird flu) have been reported, and although there is little risk for travelers, contact with live poultry should be avoided. There are basic medical facilities in Rangoon and Mandalay, for serious medical cases, evacuation is recommended. Payment is cash is usually required before any treatment. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised. Travelers from yellow fever infected areas require a vaccination certificate to enter Myanmar. MSG (monosodiumglutomate) is added liberally to many dishes and travelers sensitive to this ingredient should specify "no Ajinomoto" when ordering.

Safety

Travelers need to exercise caution when traveling to border areas in and around Burma due to heavy military activity, particularly along the borders with Thailand. There are only a handful of legal crossing points. Burma does however boast one of the lowest crime rates in the world, making it a safe travel destination. Anti-government demonstrations that took place in August 2007 were led by thousands of monks in cities across the country, but were dispelled by a government crackdown resulting in violent clashes between protesters and the police. The protests reflect the citizens' long pent-up opposition to the repressive military regime. Visitors are advised to avoid all gatherings and not to take any photographs of the police, military or demonstrations. The monsoon season is June to September in the southwest of Burma and December to April in the northeast, and flooding may occur. Severe weather often also precedes monsoon season; a devastating cyclone hit Burma in May 2008 killing thousands of people.