When traveling to Myanmar, it's essential to follow health precautions, such as getting recommended vaccinations and maintaining food and water safety, while also staying updated with the latest travel advisories to ensure overall safety amidst the varying regional conditions.
Is it safe to travel to Myanmar?
The US Department of State issued a travel advisory for Myanmar (Burma) on January 22, 2024. The advisory is Burma (Myanmar) - Level 4: Do Not Travel
For more details here is a link to the US Department of State: Burma (Myanmar) Travel Advisory (state.gov)
The safety of visiting Myanmar depends on a number of factors, including the specific location you are visiting, the time of year you are traveling, and your personal safety precautions.
The political situation in Myanmar has been unstable since the military coup in February 2021. There have been reports of violence and unrest, and the security situation can change quickly. It is important to be aware of the latest developments before traveling to Myanmar.
Despite the current political situation, there are still many safe and beautiful places to visit in Myanmar. If you are careful and take all necessary precautions, you can still have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Here are some of the safety precautions you can take when visiting Myanmar:
Stay informed of the latest security developments. You can do this by following the news, checking government travel advisories, and talking to your tour company.
Avoid areas where there is known unrest. This includes protests, military checkpoints, and areas where there have been recent attacks.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means paying attention to your surroundings, being aware of who is around you, and avoiding walking alone at night.
Travel with a reputable tour company. A reputable tour company will be familiar with the security situation in Myanmar and will be able to help you plan your trip safely.
Hire a local guide. A local guide will be able to help you navigate the country safely and will be able to give you advice on the best places to visit.
Carry a copy of your passport and other important documents. This will help you if you lose your passport or other documents.
Health and Safety in Myanmar:
Vaccinations: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends being up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip, which include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Additional vaccinations recommended for Myanmar include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis. Depending on what you will be doing, you might also need vaccines for Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, and Yellow Fever. Always consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to determine what vaccines you might need.
Food and Water Safety: Stick to cooked food that is served hot and avoid street food if you're unsure about its preparation or hygiene standards. Drinking tap water is not recommended in Myanmar; always opt for bottled water, and use it for brushing your teeth as well. Avoid ice unless you can confirm it's made from purified water.
General Safety: Most travelers to Myanmar do not encounter serious safety issues, but the situation can change, and certain regions have ongoing conflict or unrest. It's important to stay up-to-date with travel advisories from your home country's foreign affairs department and avoid areas where travel is not recommended. Petty crime like bag snatching and pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Emergency Numbers: The general emergency number in Myanmar is 199. For fire emergencies, dial 191 and for an ambulance, call 192. However, response times and the level of care can vary.
Insurance Recommendations: It's highly recommended that you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, as medical facilities in Myanmar, especially outside of major cities, may not be up to the standards you're accustomed to. Make sure your insurance covers you for any activities you plan to undertake, like trekking or riding motorbikes.
Other Tips: Be aware of the risk of Dengue Fever, Zika virus, and other mosquito-borne diseases, especially during the rainy season. Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing to avoid mosquito bites.
