U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

Consular Information Sheet

Burma (Myanmar)

October 13, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Burma (Myanmar) is an underdeveloped, agrarian country ruled by an authoritarian military regime junta. The country's military government suppresses all expression of opposition to its rule.

After a long period of isolation the country has begun to encourage tourism. Foreigners can expect to pay at least five times more than locals do for hotels, domestic airfare, and entry to tourist sites. Tourist facilities in Rangoon, Bagan, Taunggyi Ngapali Beach, Inle Lake, and Mandalay are adequate but are very limited in most of the rest of the country.

Please note that visitors should bring cash necessary to cover their expenses for the duration of their visit, since traveler's checks, credit cards, and ATM cards will likely not be honored in Burma. (See "Currency" and "U.S. Treasury Sanctions," below).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: The Government of Burma strictly controls travel to, from, and within Burma. A passport and visa are required. Travelers are required to show their passports with a valid visa at airports, train stations, and hotels. There are frequent security roadblocks on all roads, immigration checkpoints, and domestic air flights in Burma.

The military government rarely issues visas to journalists, and several journalists traveling to Burma on tourist visas have been denied entry. Journalists, and tourists mistaken for journalists, have been harassed. Some journalists have had film and notes confiscated upon leaving the country.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

Information about entry requirements as well as other information may be obtained from the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, 2300 S Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone 202-332-9044/6, website: http://www.mewashingtondc.com, or the Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the U.N. 10 East 77th St., New York, N.Y. 10021, (212-535-1311). Overseas inquiries may be made at the nearest embassy or consulate of Burma (Myanmar).

SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens have been detained, arrested, tried, and deported for, among other activities, distributing pro-democracy literature, photographing sites and activities, and visiting the homes and offices of Burmese pro-democracy leaders. Burmese authorities have warned U.S. Embassy officials that future offenders of these vague restrictions will be jailed rather than deported. Should an emergency arise, it may be difficult for U.S. Embassy personnel to assist U.S. citizens quickly, because travel inside Burma can be slow and difficult.

Burma previously experienced major political unrest in 1988 when the military regime jailed and/or or killed thousands of Burmese democracy activists. In 1990, the military government refused to recognize the results of an election that the opposition won overwhelmingly. Burma experienced major demonstrations in 1996 and 1998. In May 2003, individuals affiliated with the Burmese government attacked a convoy carrying opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Sagaing Division. Dozens were killed or injured.

For the last decade, sporadic anti-government insurgent activity has occurred in various locations, such as an attack on a natural gas pipeline in the Tenasserim Division and bomb attacks against family members of senior military officials in Rangoon. Two small bombs exploded in downtown Rangoon in the spring of 2003 and again in the spring of 2004, and Burmese authorities reportedly found other explosive devices in 1999 and 2000. In early 2002, the military government tightened security around the international airport in Rangoon after two rocket-propelled grenade s devices were discovered near by the airport.

Ethnic insurgencies still smolder in regions along the Thai-Burma border and anti-personnel landmines pose a danger. Occasional fighting between government forces and various insurgent groups has occurred in Chin and Rakhine states and along the Thai-Burma border area in Burma's southern Shan, Mon, and Karen states. In February 2001, several people were killed and some tourists were stranded during shelling and cross-border gunfire in the town of Tachileik, Shan State. From time to time, the Thai government has closed the border with Burma due to increases in insurgent activity.

U.S. citizens traveling in Burma should exercise caution and check with the U.S. Embassy for an update on the current security situation. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry their U.S. passports or photocopies of passport data and photo pages at all times so that if questioned by Burmese officials, they have proof of U.S. citizenship readily available. Americans in Burma should avoid demonstrations, large public gatherings and any area cordoned off by security forces.

Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

FOREIGNER TRAVEL WITHIN BURMA: Burmese authorities require that hotels and guesthouses furnish information about the identities and activities of their foreign guests. Burmese who interact with foreigners may be compelled to report on those interactions to the Burmese Government. Travelers must assume their actions are being closely monitored, particularly in hotel lobbies and rooms, when meeting Burmese citizens, and when using the telephone.

Travelers are not generally required to obtain advance permission to travel to the main tourist areas of Bagan, Inle Lake, Ngapoli Ngapali and other beach resorts, and the Mandalay area. However, some tourists traveling to places where permission is not expressly required have reported delays due to questioning by local security personnel. Additionally, the military government restricts access to some areas of the country on an ad hoc basis. Those planning to travel in Burma should check with Burmese tourism authorities to see if travel to specific destinations is permitted. Even if travel is allowed, it may not be safe.

CRIME: Crime rates in Burma, especially toward foreigners, appear to be lower than those of many other countries in the region. Nevertheless, because of the difficult economic situation in Burma, the potential exists for an increase in street crime. Violent crime against foreigners is rare.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the U.S. Embassy. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_pub_safetrip.html via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov or at the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in Burma are inadequate for even routine medical care. There are few trained medical personnel. Most foreign drugs on sale have been smuggled into the country, and are often counterfeit or adulterated and thus unsafe to use. HIV/AIDS is widespread among high-risk populations such as prostitutes and illegal drug users. Malaria, as well as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases are endemic in most parts of the country.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Furthermore, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, U.S. citizens should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have, when a medical emergency occurs, found it life-saving. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Some insurers will authorize payment only for medical evacuations (medevacs) performed by companies with whom they have pre-existing agreements. Not all medevac companies can operate freely in Burma. Medevac companies connected to the government can operate freely and effectively, while unconnected companies cannot. Precious time has been lost during medical emergencies while unconnected medevac companies tried to negotiate with the government for permission to land their air ambulances. Look for an insurer that has pre-existing arrangements with a medevac company and has a proven record operating in Burma.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at: http://www.cdc.gov/.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Burma is provided for general reference only, and may not be accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Safety of Public Transportation: Unavailable
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Unavailable

Rangoon's main roads are generally in fair condition. Traffic in the capital is increasing rapidly, but serious congestion is still uncommon. Some roads are in serious disrepair. Slow-moving vehicles, bicycles, animals, and heavy pedestrian traffic create numerous hazards for drivers on Rangoon's streets. Drivers must remain extremely alert to avoid hitting pedestrians, who do not fully appreciate the risks they take in walking and darting into traffic.

Most roads outside of Rangoon are one lane and a half, potholed, often unpaved, and unlit at night. Truck drivers traversing from China to Rangoon are known to drive under the influence of methamphetamine-spiked betel nuts. Drunken and/or drugged drivers are common on the roads during the four-day Buddhist water festival in early spring.

Driving at night is dangerous. Few, if any, streets are adequately lit. Most Burmese drivers do not turn on their headlights until the sky is completely dark; many do not use headlights at all. Many people ride bicycles that have no lights or reflectors.

Vehicles are required to drive on the right side, as in the United States. However, over 80% of the vehicles have the steering wheel on the right. The speed limit in the area of schools is posted at 48 kph, or about 30 mph. No other speed limits are posted in Burma. The “right of way” concept is generally respected, but military convoys and motorcades always have precedence.

Most vehicle accidents are settled between the parties with the party at fault paying the damages. Accidents that require an investigation are concluded quickly and rarely result in criminal prosecution. There is no roadside assistance, and ambulances are not available. Vehicles generally don't have seat belts. Child car seats are also not available.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: Currently, there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers, or economic authority to operate such service between the U.S. and Burma. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has not assessed Burma's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards of Burma's air carrier operations.

For further information, travelers may contact the U.S. Department of Transportation within the United States at 1-800-322-7873 or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at (618) 229-4801.

Due to serious safety concerns regarding state-owned Myanmar Airways, including two fatal air crashes in 1998, the U.S. Embassy has advised its employees to avoid travel on this carrier whenever possible.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Customs regulations are restrictive and strictly enforced, including on items such as, firea rms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, business equipment, currency restrictions, ivory, and others. Travelers have reported that customs authorities closely searched their luggage upon arrival and departure. It is illegal to take many items, including antiques, out of Burma. Foreigners have been detained, searched and imprisoned for attempting to take Burmese gems out of the country. Customs officials also strictly limit what is brought into the country, including pornography and political material critical of the regime or supportive of the opposition.

The military government restricts access to outside information. Newspapers are censored for articles unfavorable to the military government. Any publications that could be viewed as pro-democracy and/or anti-junta will be confiscated. Travelers have also reported problems bringing in high tech electronic devices and equipment, from toys to computers. However, the military government has not provided a complete listing of prohibited imports. For information on restricted items, it is best to consult the nearest Embassy of the Union of Myanmar.

It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar in Washington or Burma's Mission in New York or one of Burma's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.

Computers, Internet, and E-mail: The military government carefully controls and monitors all Internet use in Burma. The government has made available a censored version of the Internet and has allowed several cyber cafes to open. However, access to the Internet is very expensive, and the government prohibits access to most “free” international e-mail services. It is illegal to own an unregistered modem in Burma. Tourists may bring in one laptop computer per person and must declare it upon arrival. Limited E e -mail service is available at some large hotels. All e-mails are read by military intelligence. It is very expensive to send photographs via e-mail. One foreign visitor was presented a bill for 2,000.00 U.S. dollars after transmitting one photograph via a major hotel's e-mail system.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Burmese laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession or use of, or trafficking in, illegal drugs in Burma are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Under the Protect Act of April 2003, it is a crime prosecutable in the U.S. for American citizens or permanent resident aliens to sexually exploit children via pornography, the Internet or other means or to travel to a foreign country to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18. This Act no longer requires that law enforcement officers prove that the traveler had prior disposition to engage in international child sex tourism. Under the Protect Act of April 2003, it is a crime prosecutable in the U.S. for U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens to engage in illicit sexual conduct, sexually exploit children via pornography, the Internet or other means, with a person under the age of 18 in a foreign country, regardless of whether there was intent.

Some foreigners have been denied even minimal rights in criminal proceedings in Burma, especially when suspected of engaging in political activity of any type. This includes, but is not limited to, denial of access to an attorney, to court records, and family and consular visits. The criminal justice system is controlled by the military junta, which orders maximum sentences for all offenses. Torture has been reported in Burmese jails, and in 2000, a foreigner was tortured so that he would surrender his personal possessions to his jailers.

CONSULAR ACCESS: U.S. consular officers do not always receive timely notification of the detention, arrest, or deportation of U.S. citizens. In addition, the Burmese government has on occasion refused to give Embassy consular officers access to arrested/detained U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens who are arrested or detained should request immediate contact with the U.S. Embassy. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry their U.S. passports with them at all times so that if questioned by local officials they have proof of identity and U.S. citizenship readily available.

CURRENCY: Executive Order 13310, signed by President Bush on July 28, 2003 imposed a ban on the exportation of financial services to Burma. Traveler's checks, credit cards, and ATM cards may not are not be honored in Burma.

Although moneychangers sometimes approach travelers to offer to change dollars into Burmese kyat at the market rate, it is illegal to exchange currency except at authorized locations such as the airport, banks and government stores.

Foreigners are required to use U.S. dollars, other hard currency, or Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) for the payment of plane tickets, train tickets and most hotels. growing gap in market value between the FEC and U.S. dollar, many hotels and other businesses will not accept FECs at par with dollars. Burmese kyat is accepted for nearly all transactions.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Photographing people in uniform or any military installation is prohibited by Burmese authorities and could lead to arrest or the confiscation of cameras and film. It is also advisable to avoid photographing power plants and bridges.

TELEPHONE SERVICES: Telephone services are poor in Rangoon and other major cities or non-existent in many areas. Calling the United States from Burma is difficult and expensive.

U.S. Treasury Sanctions: As of August 27, 2003, U.S. Treasury sanctions ban the import of almost all goods from Burma into the United States. This ban includes Burmese-origin products, including such items as gifts, souvenirs, and items for personal use, even if carried in personal luggage. The sanctions were renewed in J These latest sanctions are part of a much larger U.S. sanctions regime for Burma, which includes a ban on new U.S. investment, among other measures. For specific information, contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) home page on the Internet at http://www.treas.gov/ofac, or via OFAC's Info-by-Fax service at 202-622-0077.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living in or visiting Burma are encouraged to visit the U.S. Consular Section to register and obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. The Consular Section is located at 114 University Avenue, Rangoon; telephone (95-1) 538-036, 538-037, or 538-038; e-mail consularrangoo@state.gov; or website: http://rangoon.usembassy.gov. Please note that the Consular Section is not located at the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy is located at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon, telephone 95-1) 379-880 and (95-1) 379-883; fax (95-1) 379-883. The after-hours emergency number is (95-1) 370-965.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 08, 2004, to update sections on Country Description, Safety and Security, Crime, Computers and Internet, Currency, and Economic Sanctions.