Myanmar (Burma)
Regional risks
This section has safety advice for regions of Myanmar. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice. You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
Border areas
Myanmar has suffered from prolonged internal conflicts, involving a number of ethnic armed organisations in the country’s border areas. Violence is severe and the situation is unpredictable in most ethnic states and border areas.
The Myanmar authorities restrict travel to most border areas. There are active military operations involving the use of air strikes, artillery bombardments and ground troops.
FCDO advises against all travel to:
- Mon State
- Kachin State
- Chin State
- Kayah State
- Kayin Sate
- Sagaing and Magway regions
- northern and central Rakhine State
- Tanintharyi Region, excluding Myeik township, and the archipelago and townships south of Tanintharyi township
- Shan State North
- North Mandalay Region – the townships north of Mandalay City and Pyin Oo Lwin
- East of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago region
In October 2023, ethnic armed organisations launched a military offensive in Shan State North. Travellers on the Mandalay-Lashio road should remain vigilant and exercise caution due to a heightened risk of attacks – particularly after dark.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- Shan State South and East
- Mandalay Region
- Tanintharyi Region south of Tanintharyi township
- southern Rakhine State
- the rest of Bago region
Yangon Region
While FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Yangon Region, there is still a heightened risk.
The security situation remains volatile and can change at short notice. If you are visiting Yangon Region, remain vigilant, exercise caution and seek local advice, especially if travelling to townships which are under martial law. The townships under martial law are subject to change and include:
- Hlaing Thayar
- Shwe Pyithar
- North Okkalapa
- North Dagon
- South Dagon
- Dagon Seakkan
Security incidents in Yangon, like in the rest of Myanmar, continue primarily to target military locations and personnel affiliated to the military. Attacks may affect civilians and bystanders, including in areas regularly frequented by foreign nationals. This may include hotels, restaurants and accommodation complexes. Military installations, such as checkpoints, are also targets.
If you encounter a threatening or intimidating situation, do not try to make your way through it. Turn around and move to safety.
Yangon-Mandalay Expressway
There are recent reports of attacks on the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and National Highway 1 that links Yangon to Mandalay. Attacks have included the use of landmines and improvised explosive devices. There is an increased risk of attacks after dark, and an unofficial curfew is in place. Take care and use these roads during daylight only.
Police and military checkpoints
If you travel in Myanmar, you are likely to pass through police or military checkpoints. Always carry your passport containing your visa.