Myanmar travel advice

Risk level

Safety and security

Political situation

On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military detained officials from the elected government and declared a state of emergency, effectively seizing control of the country's governance by force. The state of emergency currently remains in place. Martial law has been imposed in several townships in Yangon and across the country. Curfews are in effect at specific locations and gatherings are banned. Due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, the political situation has rapidly deteriorated. Control over territory is fragmented throughout the country, with various armed ethnic organizations, the People's Defence Forces, the regime's military forces, and other groups fighting to maintain or gain control of areas.

The political and security situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate further.

Armed clashes

Since October 2023, there has been an escalation in the conflict between military forces and armed groups across Myanmar. There has been an increase in the number of attacks and indiscriminate regime airstrikes, resulting in civilian casualties. There have been reports of increased drones strikes, human rights violations and abuses, mass arson, and torture. The security situation is highly volatile and additional violent attacks could occur at any time across the country.

The conflict has resulted in:

• significant internal displacement
• disrupted access to supplies, cash and goods
• border crossing closures
• a high number of casualties

If you are in Myanmar despite the advisory:

• exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings
• expect a heightened presence of security forces
• expect increased travel disruptions and roadblocks
• use your judgement to decide the best time and the safest means of exit if you need to move to a safer location
• monitor international media to stay informed about the latest developments and decrees

Disruptions to supply chains and the closing of border crossings in Myanmar may result in shortages of necessities including medications.

• Plan to have adequate water and food supplies for at least 7 days
• Keep cash on hand
• Charge your mobile phone in case of internet, communication and power outages, and have portable power chargers for mobile phones

Civil unrest

Civil unrest and acts of politically-motivated violence may occur anywhere and at any time, particularly leading up to and during days or events of national significance. Improvised explosive devices and drones have been used throughout the country, including in major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw. Further attacks targeting public venues frequented by foreigners, such as shopping malls, markets, hotels, bars and restaurants are possible.

Arbitrary enforcement of local laws

Myanmar's military regime arbitrarily enforces local laws and may carry out random and arbitrary detentions without due process. While in Myanmar, you are at risk of arbitrary detention.

If you travel to or remain in Myanmar despite these risks:

• maintain a low profile when going outside
• be aware of local laws
• avoid concentrations of police and security forces
• comply with the regulations and guidelines from local authorities

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly across the country, particularly in Yangon and Mandalay, and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Security forces have been using excessive and lethal force against protesters in several locations. This has resulted in multiple casualties.

• Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
• Follow the advice of local authorities
• Monitor local media

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Border areas with Thailand, China, Laos, Bangladesh and India

Clashes between the military and armed groups are ongoing in several border regions.

If you travel to border areas despite this advisory:

• exercise extreme caution
• avoid concentrations of police and security forces as well as large gatherings
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• ensure you have adequate supplies to shelter in place for 7 days

Landmines

Unmarked landmines, particularly in border areas, can be found across the country and pose a significant risk to your safety.

If you are travelling in Myanmar:

• use only major roads and transportation networks
• don't walk in fields, rural areas, roadside ditches, or unmarked trails

Inter-communal violence

Inter-communal violence occurs and has led to many casualties. Tensions remain high, and further violence is possible. Curfews and restrictions may be imposed or changed on short notice.

Be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Travel restrictions

Travel within Myanmar, including to and from land border crossings, is strictly controlled by the Government of Myanmar. Embassy of Canada officials require permission from the Myanmar government to travel freely outside of Yangon to deliver consular assistance, including in an emergency.

Security forces

The presence of police and security forces is likely to increase in Yangon and elsewhere in Myanmar on significant dates, including the anniversary of demonstrations led by monks to protest for political reform (September 26) and the anniversary of the 1988 uprising (August 8).

• Stay away from such demonstrations
• Monitor local news

Crime

Violent crime

There have been incidents of violent crime against foreigners including muggings.

Exercise a high level of personal security awareness.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occur. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are always secure.

Organized crime

Organized criminal activity associated with international drug trafficking and human trafficking is increasing in Myanmar. Online financial scams also occur, including fake business or financial opportunities, such as:

• investment opportunities
• job offers

Gems and jewellery purchases

Scams involving gems and jewellery occur. Merchants sell lower-quality items at inflated prices with promises that the items can be resold later at a profit. The guarantees that merchants offer are not always honoured. The Government of Canada cannot assist in obtaining refunds for purchases made.

• Carefully consider all purchases and, more specifically, purchases of gems and jewellery

Overseas fraud

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons are discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. 2SLGBTQI+ people are vulnerable under Myanmar's criminal laws, and since the 2021 coup, there have increased reports of targeted rape and sexual violence against perceived members of 2SLGBTQI+.

2SLGBTQI+ persons have been harassed and verbally and physically abused. 2SLGBTQI+ people in detention are particularly vulnerable to torture, including sexual violence.

Acts of violence are committed against 2SLGBTQI+ persons.

Communications

Telephone services are unreliable in Yangon and difficult to find in other areas. Long-distance calls can be extremely expensive. Electronic communications, including email, may be monitored by local authorities.

VPN and Internet services are often blocked and directly impact the use of WhatsApp and other social media applications thereby restricting communications with Canada.

Public transportation

Public transportation within Myanmar, including air, rail and sea travel, often does not meet international safety standards. Railway equipment tends to be outdated, and fatal accidents have occurred. Fatal boat and ferry accidents are common. Vessels may be in poor condition and overloading is a common problem.

Roads

Travel is restricted outside major cities to designated tourist areas only. Permission from local authorities is required to visit certain areas. Military checkpoints on roads are common.

Road conditions

Both left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles are used throughout the country. Driving conditions are hazardous, especially after dark. Some roads can become impassable, particularly during the rainy season.

Driving habits

Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices.

Driving can also be dangerous due to:

• stray livestock
• pedestrians on the road
• poorly maintained vehicles
• poor visibility
• drunk drivers

A driver involved in any accident with a pedestrian is always at fault and is liable to be detained.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Myanmar authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. 

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Myanmar.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required 
Business visa: required

A visa is required for tourism and business purposes and is valid for 28 days. It should be obtained prior to travel at a Myanmar diplomatic mission. Both eVisas and multiple-entry business visas are available. Visitors must produce proof of hotel accommodation on arrival. Staying with friends or colleagues is not a valid option for entry into the country.

The Myanmar government has created a visa-on-arrival program to allow select business travellers, including Canadians, to obtain a business visa upon arrival at the Yangon International Airport. Travellers are encouraged not to rely on this option, however, as the program’s requirements and eligibility criteria remain unclear. It is strongly recommended that all travellers, including business travellers, carefully verify visa requirements and options with the nearest Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar before travelling.

Foreign journalists have had difficulty obtaining visas, and some have been denied entry upon arrival despite having received a visa. In the past, journalists, and tourists mistaken for journalists, have been denied entry when travelling on tourist visas, have been harassed and have had film and notes confiscated upon leaving the country.

Travel to parts of Myanmar is strictly controlled by government authorities. Foreigners have been deported and detained for visa offences.

eVisa – Myanmar's Ministry of Immigration and population

Port of entry

You should use the same port of entry (e.g. Yangon International Airport) to enter and exit Myanmar to avoid problems with immigration services.

Border crossings

We strongly advise against all travel to Myanmar, including through its land borders, due to the ongoing conflict. You could be caught in violent clashes.

If you decide to travel, know that land border crossing hours of operation are unpredictable and could leave you stranded on either side of the border. Border crossings may close with little or no notice, and entry may be restricted to the nationals of the bordering states and/or to the immediate area or border town.

Some government-authorized tour companies may be able to secure the appropriate permission from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism to cross these borders in advance, through a process separate from the required visa application.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
• Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
• Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
• do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

• travelling in rural or forested areas
• camping, hiking, or visiting caves
• visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

• avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

• staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
• wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
  
  • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
  • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

• get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
• practise safer sex methods
  • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical services and facilities

Limited medical facilities are available in Yangon and do not meet Canadian standards. They are very limited elsewhere in the country. Foreign prescription drugs are often counterfeit and unsafe to use.

Medical evacuation is necessary for cases of serious illness or accident. Doctors and hospitals may demand immediate cash payment for health services and medical evacuation. Make sure you have enough cash to cover the cost of emergency medical services.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

The Embassy of Canada does not normally receive timely notification of the detention, arrest or deportation of Canadian citizens in Myanmar. If you are arrested or jailed you should request immediate contact with the Embassy of Canada. Familiarize yourself with local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

A foreigner who has broken the law is subject to deportation upon payment of a fine or completion of prison sentence.

It is illegal to enter restricted areas without authorization.

Myanmar is under international and Canadian sanctions. These sanctions could be relevant to and affect your travel.

Canadian Sanctions Related to Myanmar

Blasphemy

Under Myanmar law, insulting religion is a prosecutable offence. This includes any disrespectful treatment, depiction or image (including tattoos) of Buddha or other religious representation, or having any tattoos of Buddha anywhere below the waist. Foreign nationals have been sentenced to prison, fined and/or deported for breaking this law.

Missionary activities and the importation of religious materials are illegal without the written permission of the Myanmar authorities.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect imprisonment or a death sentence.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Local authorities may request to see your identification at any time.

• Always carry valid identification or a photocopy of it
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and your visa or travel permit in a safe place in case it's lost or seized

Political activism

Political activism (including the dissemination of printed materials), protests, demonstrations and unauthorized assemblies are not tolerated in Myanmar. Freedom of speech and political activities are restricted, and the Myanmar government is very sensitive to any expression of opposition to its rule. Don't criticize the regime in public, on personal social media accounts or in private electronic messages as you may be arrested or detained and may face physical violence and abuse.

Export of artifacts and gems

A permit is required to purchase or possess cultural or archaeological artifacts. It's illegal to export gems. Foreigners have been arrested, searched and imprisoned for attempting to take gems out of Myanmar.

Photography

It's prohibited to photograph scenes or people that could be considered politically sensitive, such as military installations, security personnel or demonstrations. Offenders could be arrested and deported, and have their equipment confiscated. It's also illegal to fly a drone over certain religious installations.

Driving

Canadian driver's licences and international driving permits are not recognized in Myanmar. It's illegal to drive without a Myanmar driver's licence.

International driving permits

Imports and exports

Customs officials strictly limit what is brought into and out of the country. Baggage is examined and may be searched upon arrival. It's illegal to enter or exit Myanmar with religious materials.

You must declare foreign currency over US$10,000 upon arrival; failure to do so could result in imprisonment.

Importation of communications equipment such as mobile phones and laptop computers has been restricted. Laptop computers have been taken from tourists and held at the airport until their departure.

Customs regulations on prohibited imports and exports are often unclear. You should contact the nearest Myanmar embassy or consulate for advice on this subject.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

The laws of Myanmar prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Myanmar.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Myanmar. Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will require a valid Canadian passport to re-enter Canada.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Myanmar, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Myanmar authorities have activated a 2010 conscription law that came into effect on February 10, 2024. If local authorities consider you a citizen of Myanmar, you may be subject to military obligations requiring all men aged 18-35 and all women aged 18-27 to serve at least two years in the army, with possible extensions up to five years during a state of emergency. The current state of emergency began in February 2021 and has been extended to August 31, 2025. Future extensions are likely. There is no guarantee that travelling with a Canadian passport will provide protection from this law.

You may face up to three years in prison plus a fine, if you evade or ignore a summons to serve. The Government of Canada continues to recommend that Canadian travellers avoid all travel to Myanmar and take this advice seriously.

The Embassy of Canada in Myanmar is extremely limited in its ability to assist Canadian citizens who might be detained in Myanmar.

You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize the risk of your Canadian citizenship being denied. You may also need to carry and present a Myanmar passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country.

Travelling as a dual citizen

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Myanmar.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Myanmar by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Myanmar to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Dress and behaviour

Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour, particularly when visiting religious sites. Dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities or breaking the law.

Local customs – Myanmar government

Money

The currency of Myanmar is the kyat (MMK). U.S. currency is widely accepted; however, only new, unmarked and undamaged bank notes are accepted. Other foreign currencies are not accepted. There are a few official currency exchange offices in Yangon, including one at the Yangon International Airport. It is illegal to exchange currency at unauthorized locations.

Carry enough cash to cover all of your expenses while in Myanmar. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Even where credit card facilities do exist, Internet connections may be too slow to enable credit cards to be a reliable payment method. Traveller's cheques are never accepted and debit cards are not used for direct purchases. It is possible to find some internationally linked ABMs in Myanmar, but the daily withdrawal limits are low and the machines are often out of service. Cash advances via credit or debit card and cheque-cashing services are not available.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Myanmar. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Seismic activity

Myanmar is located in an active seismic zone and minor earthquakes are common.

Monsoons and typhoons

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to November. Severe rainstorms can cause flash flooding and landslides.

Cyclones usually occur between April and October. Severe rainstorms can result in significant loss of life, extensively damage infrastructure and hamper the provision of essential services.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Useful links

• Earthquakes - What to Do?
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons