Burma (Myanmar)

Översikt

Myanmar has an overall moderate threat environment characterised by ethnic insurgencies and unrest primarily in the northern and western regions such as Chin State, Kachin State, Karen State, Mon State, Rakhine State as well as Shan State. The security risk is particularly high in Rakhine state where significant racial riots linked to anti-Muslim sentiments have occurred and insurgent attacks are ongoing since 2017. Terrorist attacks including bombings have targeted civilians, however recent incidents have occurred largely in areas where insurgencies are active and have caused minimal damage. While road conditions in major urban centres are decent, rural travel can be hazardous. Myanmar’s climate is also an area of concern; the country regularly experiences tropical storms and flooding. The government's ability to adequately respond to natural hazards is limited, while there is the possibility that it might actively restrict international relief efforts.

In February 2021, the military launched a coup following the arrests of several civilian government leaders including state counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi. A one-year state of emergency was subsequently declared and a new military government was installed. Risks associated with insurgent activity has expanded and intensified since.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Myanmar. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Myanmar has confirmed cases of Dengue in Ayeyarwady. Risk of dengue transmission is present year-round, with peak transmission during the rainy season, from May to October.

Malaria risk is present throughout Myanmar, excluding urban areas of Yangoon and Mandalay. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

Myanmar has risk of ongoing Chikungunya and Zika virus transmission. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Risk of Japanese Encephalitis is present in the entire Myanmar.

Schistosomiasis risk is present in Ayaeyarwady Delta, Bago Region, Rakhine and Shan states. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

Myanmar has the second highest HIV prevalence in Southeast Asia. The most affected by HIV are people, who inject drugs, largely due to drugs which are farmed, manufactured and distributed in the northern regions of the country.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is endemic in Myanmar.

Medical treatment may be obtained in Yangon or Mandalay; beyond these, medical care may be difficult to find, if not unavailable. Most medical facilities are inadequate. Doctors usually require up-front cash payments prior to giving out treatment. Serious illness or injury may require emergency medical evacuation to another country with better-equipped facilities. Travellers are advised to obtain a comprehensive medical insurance that includes air evacuation.

Many foreign drugs for sale have either been smuggled into the country or are counterfeits and unfit for use. Travellers should bring with them enough personal supply for the duration of their stay.

Pass

Travellers must have a valid passport for six months beyond the date of entry. Security checkpoints are common outside tourist areas and travellers may be subject to an identification check.

Travellers that arrive via the border crossings at Muse (Shan state) or Tamu (Chin state), must leave Myanmar via the same crossing.

Visum

Visas are required for entry into Myanmar for the majority of countries.

Tourist visas on arrival can be applied for through an eVisa program removing the need to apply at an embassy. The eVisas are generally issued within a few days and visitors will be required to bring with them their approval letter upon arrival at Yangon International Airport or Mandalay International Airport. To avoid problems with the immigration officers, it is advisable for travellers to use the same port of entry to enter and exit Myanmar. Visa on arrival is available for citizens of Italy, Germany, Russia, Australia, Switzerland, and Spain. 

Tourist visas are valid for 28 days, while business visas are valid for three months from date of issue for stays of 10 weeks. Business visa applicants must have a letter from the employer explaining nature and duration of business trip and letter of invitation from the host company in Myanmar to accompany their application form.

A visa-on-arrival program for business travellers is place. A formal letter of invitation is still required. 

Travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present are required to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.