How to Stay Safe in Myanmar
1. Introduction & Travel Advisory
| WARNING — DO NOT TRAVEL: Myanmar is rated DO NOT TRAVEL by most Western governments following the February 2021 military coup. Active armed conflict between the military junta (SAC/Tatmadaw) and resistance forces (People’s Defence Force, ethnic armed organisations) is occurring across much of the country. Civilians face arbitrary detention, airstrikes on civilian areas, and forced conscription. The humanitarian situation is severe. This guide is intended for those who must travel — journalists, aid workers, diplomatic staff. |
Myanmar borders China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India. The capital is Naypyidaw (administrative) with Yangon being the largest city and former capital. The currency is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK). Since the coup, the US Dollar and Thai Baht are widely preferred. The official language is Burmese. Myanmar was formerly one of Southeast Asia’s most popular emerging tourist destinations — Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, and the Irrawaddy Delta are extraordinary cultural heritage sites that remain largely off-limits to safe tourism.
2. Security Landscape
2.1 Armed Conflict
Following Operation 1027 in late 2023, resistance forces (Three Brotherhood Alliance: MNDAA, TNLA, AA) took control of significant territory in Shan and Rakhine states and along the Chinese border. Fighting is ongoing in Sagaing, Magway, Chin, Kayah (Karenni), Karen (Kayin), Kachin, Rakhine, and northern Shan states. Aerial bombardments on civilian areas occur. The junta has implemented forced conscription since 2024.
| WARNING — Airstrikes: Myanmar military conducts airstrikes on resistance-held towns, villages, and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Airstrikes have hit hospitals, schools, religious sites, and civilian gatherings. No civilian area in junta-controlled or contested territory can be considered safe from aerial attack. |
2.2 Arbitrary Detention
| WARNING — Detention Risk: Foreign nationals, including journalists and aid workers, have been arbitrarily detained by the junta. Long prison sentences under broadly worded security laws are used. Dual nationals of Myanmar face particular risk. If detained, demand consular access under the Vienna Convention immediately. |
3. Relatively Safer Areas
Yangon remains under junta control and has relatively less active fighting than other regions, though protest crackdowns, bombings, and arbitrary arrests occur. The Irrawaddy delta region is currently quieter. Some Karen (KNU) controlled areas along the Thai border have functioning civil society and IDP camps. Mandalay city is tense — check current situation. Bagan (Mandalay Region) has seen less combat but is under junta control.
| WARNING — No Safe Zone: There is no area of Myanmar that can be considered genuinely safe for foreign tourists or casual visitors. Even Yangon has seen bombing incidents targeting junta facilities in civilian areas. |
4. Practical Safety Measures
For those who must travel — journalists, humanitarian workers, or diplomats: obtain comprehensive security briefing from specialist security firms with Myanmar expertise (Control Risks, Kroll, G4S). Use vetted, trusted local contacts with current situational awareness. Carry minimum identifying documentation while keeping copies secure. Maintain low profile — avoid anything that identifies you as a foreign national where possible. Have a clear evacuation plan and know land border crossing conditions into Thailand (Mae Sot-Myawaddy), China, or India.
5. Health & Medical
Myanmar’s healthcare system has collapsed under the military junta — most qualified healthcare workers went on strike (Civil Disobedience Movement) after the coup. Yangon General Hospital and other government facilities are severely degraded. Private clinics operated by junta-aligned operators only. Medical evacuation to Thailand (Chiang Mai, Bangkok) is the only reliable option for serious conditions. Ensure medical evacuation insurance that explicitly covers conflict zones.
6. Common Scams & Threats
| Scam Name | How It Works | How to Avoid It |
| Junta Checkpoint Extortion | Military checkpoints demand payment or valuables from travellers. | Travel with experienced local fixer who knows checkpoint protocols. Carry official travel documentation. |
| Fake Permits | Individuals sell fake travel permits for restricted zones. | Obtain permits only through official channels or resist-zone civil administration depending on who controls your destination. |
| Currency Exchange Fraud | Parallel exchange rates (street vs official) create confusion and fraud. | Use trusted money changers known to your local contact network. The official junta rate is unfavourable — parallel market rates are used in practice. |
| Fake Aid Organisation Staff | Criminals impersonate NGO or UN staff to gain access to aid supplies or information. | Verify credentials of anyone claiming to represent an international organisation. |
| Phone/Device Confiscation | Security forces confiscate phones and laptops at checkpoints and inspect content. | Encrypt devices. Use Signal with disappearing messages. Do not carry devices with sensitive content through checkpoints. |
7. Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number / Details |
| Yangon Police (limited reliability) | 199 |
| Ambulance Yangon (limited) | 192 |
| UK Embassy Yangon | +95 1 380 322 |
| US Embassy Yangon | +95 1 536 509 |
| Australian Embassy Yangon | +95 1 251 810 |
| ICRC Myanmar | +95 1 513 213 |
| MSF (Medecins Sans Frontieres) | +95 1 503 533 |
| UN OCHA Myanmar | +95 1 542 910 |
8. Safety Checklist
- Do not travel to Myanmar for tourism — DO NOT TRAVEL advisory applies
- If travel is essential: obtain specialist security briefing from Myanmar-experienced firm
- Register with your embassy before travel and maintain daily check-ins
- Carry minimal identification — keep copies separate and secure
- Encrypt all digital devices and use secure communications (Signal)
- Know land evacuation routes to Thailand, China, or India
- Contract medical evacuation provider with conflict zone coverage
- Travel with vetted, trusted local contacts with real-time situational awareness
- Avoid all military checkpoints where possible
- Have contingency plan for sudden road or airspace closure
