Myanmar Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Myanmar trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Myanmar is currently under a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory from multiple Western governments due to ongoing civil war, military crackdowns, and the risk of arbitrary detention. While major tourist sites like Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake have remained relatively stable, armed conflict is widespread in outlying regions. Travel requires very careful planning, up-to-date research, and risk acceptance.
Myanmar, the Golden Land, captivates with thousands of ancient temples in Bagan, the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda, and rich Buddhist heritage. From bustling Yangon to serene Inle Lake, experience authentic Southeast Asian culture largely unchanged by mass tourism.
Current Advisory
Multiple governments including the US, UK, Australia, and Canada advise against all travel to Myanmar citing armed conflict, arbitrary detention, and unpredictable military enforcement. Visitors who do travel should register with their embassy, avoid demonstrations, and have exit plans. The situation can change rapidly.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Do not travel to Myanmar due to civil unrest, armed conflict, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and the risk of wrongful detention of US nationals
UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
The FCDO advises against all travel to Myanmar due to the ongoing military coup and armed conflict
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs
Do not travel to Myanmar overall. Armed conflict, political instability, arbitrary detention risk.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxis at Yangon airport and near tourist sites quote inflated rates to newcomers, sometimes 3-5x the fair price.
Gem shop commission scam
Tuk-tuk or taxi drivers take tourists to gem and jewellery shops where they earn commissions. Pressure to buy overpriced items using stories about 'government gem export quotas'.
Fake monks soliciting donations
Individuals dressed as monks approach tourists outside pagodas requesting donations for Buddhist projects. Legitimate monks in Myanmar do not solicit cash from foreigners.
Currency exchange fraud
Informal money changers offer attractive rates but may short-change customers or give counterfeit kyat notes. ATM skimming has also been reported.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Check current travel advisories before any travel plans
Armed conflict ongoing in many regions outside major cities
Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations
Dual nationals may be subject to military conscription
Embassy assistance is extremely limited or unavailable
Register with your embassy if you must travel
Always carry a photocopy of your passport; hand over copies not originals at military checkpoints
Use Grab app for transparent taxi pricing in Yangon and Mandalay to avoid overcharging
Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice at street stalls outside major cities
Dress modestly when visiting temples: cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and socks before entering all pagodas
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Solo travel in Myanmar's main tourist areas (Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Ngapali) is generally manageable when current safety warnings are factored in. Register with your embassy before travel, keep detailed emergency contacts, and maintain situational awareness. Avoid travel at night in unfamiliar areas and keep up with news daily.
Female Travelers
Solo female travellers have historically found Myanmar welcoming and relatively safe in tourist areas. Dress conservatively (covered shoulders and knees) which is both respectful and reduces unwanted attention. Use Grab app for taxis at night. Current political instability adds risk for all solo travellers regardless of gender.
Families
Families with children aged 8+ can travel Myanmar's main circuit (Yangon-Bagan-Mandalay-Inle) with careful planning. Main challenges are heat, long travel times, basic facilities, and current travel advisories. Fly between major cities rather than taking long bus journeys with young children. Hotel pools are essential. Carefully evaluate the current advisory before booking family travel.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are technically illegal under colonial-era penal code Section 377, with potential imprisonment. While enforcement against tourists is rare, public displays of affection between same-sex couples should be avoided. The LGBT community in Myanmar faces significant social stigma and legal risk. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise caution and discretion throughout the country.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Japanese Encephalitis (for rural areas), Rabies (if animal contact likely), Malaria prophylaxis for certain regions
Water Safety
Not safe to drink. Drink bottled or filtered water only. Avoid ice in drinks unless from reputable establishments. Brush teeth with bottled water
Food Safety
Medical Facilities
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Myanmar
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide