All travelers entering
Myanmar require a passport and a tourist visa, which is valid for 28 days. Travelers must hold confirmed return or onward tickets. Travelers should also note there is a compulsory currency exchange minimum of US$200 on arrival. Entry into and exit from Myanmar is by sea or air only and certain areas are restricted.
Americans: US nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Myanmar.
UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Myanmar.
Canadians: Canadian nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Myanmar.
Australians: Australian nationals
require a passport and a visa to enter Myanmar.
South Africans: South African nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Myanmar.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Myanmar.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Myanmar.
Health
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.
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.
