U.S. Embassy Rangoon
110 University Ave
Kamayut Township,
Rangoon, Burma
Telephone: (95) 1-753-6-509
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (95) 1-753-6-509
Fax: (951)-751-2124
Email: ACSRangoon@state.gov

Review the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Burma for information on U.S.-Burma relations.

Visit the Embassy of Burma or the Ministry of Immigration and Population websites for the most current visa information. You may also visit the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism web page for additional information.

Since the February 2021 military coup in Burma, the military regime controls travel to, from, and within Burma. To enter Burma, you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity remaining and a valid visa. You should apply for your visa through an embassy or consulate of Burma in the United States, abroad, or through the eVisa program before you arrive in Burma. When in Burma, you must show your passport with a valid visa at all airports, train stations, and hotels, and at security checkpoints throughout the country.

Visa Information: Burma's eVisa program allows tourists and business travelers to apply for a visa online rather than physically applying at an embassy or consulate:

• You are generally notified within a few days whether you have been approved for a visa.
• Once a visa’s approved, you must use it within three months. You must present the eVisa approval letter at Immigration when you enter Burma.
• Apply at: Myanmar eVisa (Official Government Website). Be aware that non-official websites may be fraudulent; beware of scams.

There is also a Meditation Visa for visitors planning long-term studies at monasteries and meditation centers.

Dual Nationals: The law in Burma forbids citizens of Burma from possessing dual nationality. Anyone entering Burma who has claim to citizenship in Burma, regardless of any other citizenship held, may need to meet all obligations of citizens of Burma, including any required military conscription and service.

On February 10, 2024, Burma’s military regime began enforcing the People’s Military Service Law, requiring male citizens of Burma aged 18 to 35, and female citizens of Burma aged 18 to 27, to serve in the military for a period of two to three years, if notified by the military regime in Burma. The law extends the conscription age to 45 years old for males and 35 for females with specific expertise in certain professional occupations if called upon by the regime. For more information, please refer to the Myanmar People’s Military Service Law (State Peace and Development Council Law No. 27/2010), also known as the Public Military Service Law. The military regime may refuse to acknowledge dual nationals’ U.S. citizenship, prevent their departure from Burma, and/or conscript them into the military. U.S.-Burmese nationals should consider this issue before traveling to Burma. Visitors must show a passport with a valid visa at all airports, train stations, and hotels. Security checkpoints are commonplace outside of tourist areas and will also require showing a valid passport and visa.

Visit CDC’s web site for immunization information.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Burma.

U.S. Military Travelers: Personal travel by U.S. military personnel to Burma is restricted at this time. U.S. military personnel must refer to the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide and their chain of command for information before planning any travel.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Messages regarding security-related events in Burma are posted on the Embassy’s website.

Fighting between Burma’s regime military forces and ethnic minority armed groups (EAOs) and other opposition militia forces continues throughout the country. Prior to the coup, fighting between the country’s military and various EAOs and other militia forces within the country persisted in several regions, including parts of Kachin, Shan, Rakhine, and Chin states. Immediately after the coup, a nationwide pro-democracy protest and civil disobedience movement (CDM) attempted to disrupt Burma’s governing institutions. As the regime responded with mass arrests of political opponents and the employment of violence against peaceful protesters, fighting between EAOs and pro-democracy militias and the military escalated.

Fighting between the military regime’s forces and EAOs and opposition militia forces continues in parts of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Shan, Rakhine, Mon, and Chin States, and in Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, and Tanintharyi Regions. You should avoid travel to these areas. Attacks by opposition militia on locations connected to the military and security authorities also regularly occur in Yangon and the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw. Local opposition militia groups actively operate around the country. Fighting is not limited to clashes between regime and opposition groups, and travelers are cautioned of the potential for the regime to limit access to highways and airports, causing an isolating situation. In October 2023, a group of 23 U.S. travelers were isolated in northern Shan State after a sudden increase in fighting. They were isolated for several days while coordinating with several local groups to navigate around numerous conflict areas. See our Travel Advisory for more information.

Do not travel in border areas between Burma and neighboring countries.  Those areas have a history of fighting. While armed opposition groups have not demonstrated any intent to target U.S. personnel interests, you may find yourself caught in the crossfire. Some groups have warned the populace in advance of planned or impending attacks. 

The regime’s military and security forces continue to respond against civilian areas with military force, including artillery and air bombardments. The regime’s military and security forces also establish frequent checkpoints and engage in arbitrary arrests, detention of journalists and others, and conduct nightly neighborhood raids searching for pro-democracy actors and members of opposition forces.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance: Contested areas are of greatest concern for landmines, but landmines and unexploded ordnance have become an issue across Burma. The locations of landmines are not typically marked. In 2016, two German tourists were injured by a mine near rural Kyaukme township in northern Shan State. In 2019, two foreign travelers were injured after stepping on a landmine near the town of Hsipaw, a hiking spot for backpackers.

The regime’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism publishes information on restricted areas.

Due to the security situation, the U.S. Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in remote and/or conflict-affected areas of Burma is limited.

Crime: Crime rates in Burma, especially involving foreigners, are low. Nevertheless, the crime rate has been increasing, particularly home burglaries and petty crime. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but there have been incidents involving attacks by taxi drivers and muggings. Take particular care when taking taxis late at night.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. 

Report crimes to the local police at 199 or in person at the police station in the district where the crime took place. Contact the U.S. Embassy at +(95) (1) 7536-509, ext. 4240, Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(95) 1 7536-509. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

Review our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. 

Some social media and chat platforms are blocked by the military regime in Burma and can only be accessed while using a VPN. 

GPS navigation apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Disaster Preparedness: Cyclones may occur in two, three-month seasons peaking in May and November during which travel conditions may deteriorate significantly. In addition, intense rainfall and squalls may occur during the rainy season (approximately June to October annually). Travelers are encouraged to prepare for cyclone emergencies and monitor local news stations when cyclones are forecast. The Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has a color-coded system for storm systems: red for storms approaching landfall in Burma, orange for storms moving towards Burma, yellow for developing storms, and brown for current storms. Additional information on storm preparedness may be found on our Crisis and Disaster Abroad webpage.

Earthquakes occur throughout Burma. Check here for information about disaster preparedness.

The Department of Homeland Security has numerous resources on emergency kits, preparing for disasters, and developing emergency plans.

Tourism: The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our webpage on crimes against minors abroad and the U.S. Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Law enforcement officials do not routinely notify the U.S. Embassy of the arrest of U.S. citizens, and prison officials have been known to obstruct regular access by consular officers to U.S. citizen detainees. Review our webpage for further information.

Should you be detained, especially outside of Yangon, we may not be able to assist quickly. Few police officers speak English. Police capability, responsiveness, and professionalism may appear inconsistent with U.S. standards. Police units are often under-funded, under-staffed, poorly equipped or trained, and suffer from limited resources and corruption. Many crimes go unreported or are not fully investigated.

Dual Nationality: The laws of Burma forbid citizens of Burma from possessing dual nationality. On occasion, Burmese authorities have detained and pursued criminal proceedings against Burmese-Americans who returned to Burma on U.S. passports with evidence of Burmese citizenship, such as a National Registration Card of Burma, in their possession.

Tourists Must Reside in a Registered Hotel or Guesthouse: Burmese law requires that foreign tourists reside in registered hotels or guesthouses. Criminal penalties, including multiple years of imprisonment and deportation, apply for non-compliance.

Illegal drugs: Illegal drugs, including marijuana, carry severe penalties. Expect long jail sentences under harsh conditions, heavy fines, or even execution for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs.

Insulting Religion: Under the law in Burma, insulting religion is a prosecutable offense. ‘Insult’ is a very broad term that could include tattoos or other religious representations in a non-religious context. Images of the Buddha can be particularly sensitive. In 2016, a tourist was deported for allegedly having a tattoo of the Buddha on his leg. In 2020, a Facebook user who criticized monks on social media was sentenced to over a year imprisonment. Two individuals were arrested for drawing graffiti of a skull wearing a monk’s robe. In 2023, a Swiss national and 14 others were arrested after posting a film online that authorities said insulted Buddhism. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of local customs when visiting religious sites.

Drones: Importing unmanned aerial systems (drones) without prior permission from authorities and flying them can result in criminal penalties, including jail time and the permanent confiscation of the drone. Particularly sensitive areas include government buildings, famous tourist sites, and religious buildings. Because it is rarely clear what constitutes a sensitive area, all recreational use of drones is inadvisable. Multiple foreigners have recently been detained, and 2 tourists were recently sentenced to a year in prison for flying drones over a park.

Social Media: The 2013 Telecommunications Law criminalizes “extortion of any person, coercion, unlawful restriction, defamation, interfering, undue influence, or intimidation using a telecommunications network.” You may be prosecuted for posting negative or derogatory comments on social media, including Facebook, under this law. If convicted, you may face a fine and/or imprisonment.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Burma under section 377 of the penal code, which has provisions against “sexually abnormal” behavior and entails punishments up to life imprisonment. Laws against “unnatural offenses” apply equally to men and women. These laws are rarely enforced; however, LGB persons have reported police using the threat of prosecution to extort bribes. LGB activists have also reported allegations of rape by security forces in some cases, arbitrary arrest (for example for loitering), detention, and broad societal and familial discrimination.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Burma prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is not regularly enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Individuals with disabilities should be prepared to face difficulties throughout Burma. Roads and sidewalks are often difficult to cross. Ramps or handicapped-accessible facilities are rare. 

Students: Review our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: Domestic violence against women in Burma, including spousal abuse, remains a serious problem. Abuse within families is prevalent and considered socially acceptable. Spousal abuse or domestic violence is difficult to measure because the military regime in Burma does not maintain comprehensive statistics and survivors are unlikely to report it. NGOs report regime investigators are insensitive to survivors of rape and sexual assault and rarely follow through with investigations or prosecutions.

Rape of women and men remains a significant problem. Rape of a woman outside of marriage carries a standard sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in Burma, dial 119.

Ambulance services are:

• not present throughout the country or are unreliable.
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

See our Health Abroad page for more information.

• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Burma.
  • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Embassy of Burma to ensure that the medication is legal in Burma.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

World Health Organization Travel advice page

U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health page

Air Quality: Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses AI, historical data, and global pollution models to create a 3-day air quality forecast for Burma.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health Facilities in General: Most medical facilities in Burma are inadequate for routine medical care.

Hospitals and doctors require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit cards are not accepted in most health care facilities and insurance will not be billed.

Adequate emergency medical services, including ambulance care, are not reliably available. Patients who are admitted to public hospitals typically need a family member or friend to assist them with care in the hospital, and food and medical supplies must be purchased for use in the hospital. Few medical personnel in Burma are trained to U.S. standards.

U.S. citizens needing urgent medical care have been denied treatment at private hospitals due to a lack of funds. Additionally, private hospitals will not provide care to victims of crime and certain types of accidents where questions of liability need to be investigated. Patients will be treated at public hospitals while law enforcement investigates the underlying liability questions. In an emergency, you would likely need to be medically evacuated to a hospital outside Burma. Medical evacuation from Burma is expensive and is most often transacted in cash, therefore medical evacuation insurance is advised.

Pharmaceuticals: Many pharmaceuticals on sale in Burma are counterfeit or adulterated. Some common medications may not be available. Travelers should bring their own medications for the duration of their stay in Burma.

Water Quality & Food Safety: Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are safer.

Road Conditions and Safety: Yangon traffic is congested throughout the day. Slow-moving vehicles, bicycles, animals, and heavy pedestrian traffic create numerous hazards for drivers on Yangon's streets. If you drive in Burma, remain alert to avoid hitting pedestrians. If you are a pedestrian, remain alert even when you believe you have the right of way.

Although major thoroughfares (e.g., the Yangon-Mandalay highway Expressway) have received government attention and undergone safety improvements, many roads in Burma are in poor condition and/or may be impassable after heavy rains. Many roads outside of Yangon have 1 to 2 lanes, are potholed, often unpaved, and unlit at night. Many truckers on these roads reportedly drive under the influence of methamphetamines and other stimulants. Drunken and/or drugged drivers are common during the 4-day, mid-April Buddhist water festival.

Driving at night is particularly dangerous. Drivers often do not turn on their headlights until the sky is completely dark. Many do not use headlights at all. Many cyclists use no lights or reflectors.

Traffic signage is minimal. Basic safety standards are not enforced.

Roadside assistance and ambulances are generally unavailable.

Traffic Laws: Vehicles drive on the right side of the road as in the United States. However, most vehicles still have the steering wheel positioned on the right side of the car. The “right of way” concept is generally respected, but military convoys and motorcades always have precedence. Vehicles generally lack seat belts. Child car seats are unavailable.

Most accidents are settled between the parties on site, with the party at fault paying the damages. In the event of an accident with a pedestrian, the driver is always considered to be at fault and subject to fines or arrest.

Public Transportation: Public transportation (e.g., taxis, bus, and rail) is available in Yangon and some other parts of the country. Many trains and buses are overcrowded and can be old and poorly maintained. Because of nighttime curfew regulations throughout the country, intercity night buses often pull over to the side of the road during curfew hours with passengers remaining on the bus. The buses resume travel once the curfew is lifted. For these reasons, the U.S. Embassy discourages the use of these intercity night buses for its employees.

In Yangon, taxis are a more reliable method of transportation. They are generally safe but can be in poor condition and/or lack seatbelts. Take particular care when taking taxis late at night. To avoid confrontation or overcharging, negotiate rates with the driver prior to departure. Observe whether the driver seems impaired due to drinking or drugs. When in doubt, hail another taxi. Plan to return to one’s domicile 1 or 2 hours before curfew since taxis become scarce near curfew hours.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Burma’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Burma should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.