Myanmar (Burma) Travel Safety

General safety

Good hotel facilities exist in Naypyidaw, but transportation is limited. Foreign tourists rarely visit Naypyidaw and may be viewed with suspicion. Tourist facilities are adequate in Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Ngapali Beach, Yangon and Taunggyi, but limited elsewhere. Foreigners can expect to pay several times more than locals for accommodations, domestic flights and entry to tourist sites throughout the country. Long-distance calls can be extremely expensive. Telephone services are unreliable in Yangon and are difficult to find in other areas. There are Internet cafe's in Yangon ( identification is required), but access to certain websites is restricted and records of which websites users have visited are kept. Electronic communications, including email, may be monitored by local authorities.

Road safety

Driving can be hazardous, especially after dark. Some roads can become impassable, particularly during the rainy season. Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe-driving practices. It is common for pedestrians and livestock to walk on roads. A driver involved in any accident with a pedestrian is always at fault and is liable to be detained. 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. The general condition of automobiles does not meet minimal international standards. There is a combination of both left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles in use throughout the country.

Scuba diving

Exercise caution when considering diving excursions in Myanmar. Rented diving equipment may not meet internationally acceptable safety standards and may not be maintained adequately.

Swimming

Exercise caution at beach resorts in Ngwesaung, Chaungtha and Ngapali as there are strong underwater currents and riptides. There are no lifeguards and drownings have occurred.

Border crossings

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

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.

Marine transportation

Boat and ferry accidents causing deaths are common. Vessels may be in poor condition and overloading is a common problem.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Myanmar, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Scams

In known scams involving gems and jewellery, merchants sell lower-quality items at inflated prices with promises that the items can be resold at a profit. The guarantees that merchants offer are not always honoured. Carefully consider all purchases if you are not knowledgeable about gems and jewellery.

Crime

There have been incidents of violent crime against foreigners. There is also a risk of street crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging. Bomb explosions have occurred throughout the country, including in major cities such as Yangon (Rangoon), Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw. Further attacks could occur at any time. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Culture

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

LGBT

The laws of Myanmar prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can fac lengthy imprisonment. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Myanmar.

Driving

International Driving Permits are not recognized in Myanmar. It is illegal to drive without a Myanmar driver's licence.