Asia and Oceania

Burma
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 17 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (consular assistance figures). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

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 16-17 September 2009, there were seven small blasts in a number of places on the outskirts of Rangoon although there were no reported casualties.
On 27 May 2009, there were three small blasts in Moulmein (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.
On 2 July 2009, a suspected terrorist was arrested in Pabedan Township, Rangoon.

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.

The trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi reached its climax on 11 August 2009 when a guilty verdict was delivered and Daw Suu Kyi sentenced to 18 months house arrest. Her subsequent appeal was also denied. As of this year Aung San Suu Kyi has now spent 14 out of the past 20 years under house arrest. Security forces are on increased 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.

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.

A Burmese military offensive took place in Northern Shan State in September 2009. The situation remains stable, but tense and many civilians in Northern Shan and Kachin States fear that there may be further fighting over the coming year, despite the fact that cease-fires have been in place for 2 decades.

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.

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 border areas. There is ongoing military activity close to borders with Thailand, Laos and China especially in Northern and Southern Shan, Karen and Kachin 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. More information can be found one the European Commission website.

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.