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Home » Southeast Asia » Travel Safety

Is Myanmar Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

Myanmar is an undiscovered gem of Southeast Asia. A cultural wonderland, a huge mix of ethnic groups, rich history, and stunning nature definitely make it a favourite of ours.

But it’s not complete paradise. There has been a n ongoing,   70-year-long ethnic civil war , the persecution of  Rohingya Muslims,  landmines, bandits, and the  opium trade,  to name the biggest. All of these issues may have you asking yourself, “is Myanmar safe at all?”

It’s ok to be concerned about safety in Myanmar. This is exactly the reason why we have created this insider’s guide on  staying safe in Myanmar. 

There are a whole lot of things that we are going to be covering in our epic guide, from whether it’s safe to visit Myanmar right now(fair question), if you should go there as a solo female traveller, to whether or not the food is safe or not. Our guide will have you covered.

So you may be wondering about the safety of Myanmar in general, or you may be wondering about the state of the healthcare in Myanmar – whatever your concerns may be, we are here to help you travel smart and stay safe so you can get the most out of your Myanmar voyage.

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How Safe is Myanmar? (Our take)

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Long an isolated, off-limits country, Myanmar (aka Burma ) is now open for business.

And that’s good news for you: the ancient temples of  Bagan , crumbling colonial streets of  Yangon,  and the former royal capital of  Mandalay  are all available for you to visit.

And, despite a buffet of  no-go areas  present throughout the country, Myanmar IS safe. Myanmar may not appear safe at times, because of on-going ethnic “issues”, but, as a tourist, these hardly affect you.

Petty theft is almost non-existent. Hassle levels are low. Crimes against tourists are actually  super rare.  Often, the worse that you’ll have to deal with is the occasional overcharging, which is tourists should be used to by now.

People in Myanmar are very friendly and – in most places – refreshingly not jaded when it comes to tourists.

However, you do need to be responsible when you travel…

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is Myanmar Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Myanmar. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Myanmar.

If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!

It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂

Many people arrive or visit Myanmar as a part of a tour, but independent travel is totally doable.  Myanmar is definitely becoming a popular spot for backpackers.

Myanmar is not a model country though, let’s be honest. Poverty and corruption are rife, the military still practically rule the country, and armed inter-ethnic conflicts continue. Myanmar is also the world’s second-largest producer of opium after Afghanistan.

As of February 2021, the situation in Myanmar is a bit precarious. The Military Staged a coup and has imprisoned the lawfully elected government. It is not certain how the situation will play out, for at the time of writing there is rioting, civil unrest and martial law – not the best time to visit.

The grand majority of Myanmar is safe to visit right now, BUT certain parts of the country  AREN’T. We’ve got a full section on that later.

Since independence from the UK in 1948, the internal conflicts in Myanmar have been ongoing as  the world’s longest civil war.

Border areas are tricky. Whilst the Indian border  seems to be ok,   anywhere between Myanmar and China, Thailand or Laos  can be volatile. For example, the  Karin  and  Mon States – on the Thai border – should be approached with caution.

Given the volatile nature of these areas, wandering off on your own or trekking by yourself is inadvisable. Not only are there snakes to deal with, but unexploded ordnance, mines and travelling into differently controlled areas can REALLY get you into serious trouble.

With all these things in mind, we can confidently say that visiting Myanmar is safe, especially once the political situation has improved. As of February 2021, we’d recommend waiting just a little bit longer to book your trip.

When choosing where you’ll be staying in Myanmar, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, we’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Myanmar below.

Many travellers backpacking Myanmar will start their route in Yangon, arriving on a cheap flight from Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. It’s an incredibly busy place and can definitely be a culture shock, but it’s totally worth the experience. 

One thing we have to note though: watch your belongings! Yangon is known for pickpocketing and petty theft. As long as you keep your eyes open and your valuables close by, visiting the city is pretty safe. But as we mentioned – it’s busy! 

Exploring the city is easy and it’s a fun place to walk around although you may want to catch a cab for longer distances – taxis don’t have a meter and you need to negotiate before getting in, it’s always possible to score a discount. From Yangon, you can head East to the famed Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo, West towards Mrauk U, or you can head north to Bagan or Inle.

Mandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar and an important economic and cultural hub. It’s often considered to be the center of Burmese culture, which is why it’s a popular destination for travelers who want to experience other cultures.

This is a city with a rich and intoxicating culture and history that can be incredibly rewarding for travelers. It’s also a famously busy city, so don’t let that dissuade you. Mandalay can seem intimidating at first, but once you arrive, you’ll find incredible religious and cultural sites, friendly people, and an interesting mix of foods.

Bagan is one of the most ancient and archaeologically exciting places in the whole world. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest archaeological zone in the world, Bagan lies in the historic Mandalay Region of Myanmar. It goes without saying that this place is overflowing with history, so it’s the best place to visit if you want to dive into the past.

But if you also want to see the modern side of this incredible region, look no further. There are loads of modernised areas with bustling streets and eclectic markets. The region has lots of vast open spaces as well, with the glorious countryside surrounding it. It’s the best place to visit in Myanmar for your fill of culture as well as nature.

With its more laid-back vibe, it’s also one of the safest regions to visit in Myanmar. That being said, it’s still smart to keep your wits about you. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Places to avoid in Myanmar

As we mentioned before, there are plenty of no-go areas in Myanmar. And to make sure you’ll have a safe trip, we’ve listed the worst ones below. That being said, you should always keep your eyes open and stay aware of your surrounding no matter where you are.

The northern parts of Shan State, the state of Kachin above that, Southern Chin , and Rakhine State (home to Rohingya Muslims ) are hectic to visit and sometimes totally off-limits.

Certain towns within these areas, like Hsi Paw in Shan are ok to travel to but, overall, the areas around them are generally not safe. The UK government advises “all but essential travel.”

You can still attempt to visit these areas – just be sure to contact a local agency or expert and check what the situation is like first.

Border areas can be a bit tricky as well, especially when there’s increased military. However, there’s not much to see in that region anyway, so you definitely won’t be missing out. 

It’s important to know that Myanmar isn’t the safest place, so a bit of caution and research before you start your travels will go a long way. If you want to increase your safety during your stay, read on for our insider travel tips. Stick to those and you won’t have a single issue in Myanmar.

Myanmar Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Myanmar is a  land of wonders  with a myriad of interesting sights. And just because there are zones which people say you should avoid, doesn’t mean you should write the entire country off. You can go to Myanmar and have a safe, fun, and definitely memorable trip.

But it’s important to travel smart . That means understanding the culture and social norms as much as the current situation.

• Stay away from any kind of demonstration  – It’s not advised for foreigners to be a part of a political rally as anything can happen at anytime
• Be careful when discussing politics with a local  – you might think that you know about the Rohingya situation, for example, but a local could see it a whole other way.
• Watch out for snakes  – not just when trekking; lesser visited temples in  Bagan  are nice homes for slithery, dangerous snakes, like cobras.
• Traffic can be MORE than a bit crazy  – especially in  Yangon.  Take care when crossing, or even just walking along the road.
• Don’t take pictures of any government buildings  – or police, or military personnel, for that matter.
• When trekking, hike with a local guide  – not just a Burmese person, but an actual local to the area. They’ll know where not to go and be clued up on the local situation, too.
• If you have a tattoo with an image of Buddha…  – cover it up. People are actually deported for not showing respect.
• Don’t walk around flashing your wealth  – crime stats are low, but it’s best to be careful.
• Pack a money belt  – just in case. (You may not have to wear it.)
• Mosquitoes will pester you   – so cover up and use repellent. They can carry the zika virus, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis…
• Careful in monsoon season  – this runs from May to October. Floods and landslides can be pretty bad in this period. The weather could possibly turn into a full-blown cyclone as well.
• And earthquakes too  – it’s not unheard of in Myanmar. Knowing what to do in the event of a bad one is a good idea.
• Pollution can be a problem  – especially around quarries, such as those outside  Mandalay.
• Avoid swimming and wading in freshwater rivers, lakes, ponds  – the parasitic schistosomiasis , also known as snail fever, can be picked up in freshwater sources.
• Learn some Burmese  – also simply called ‘Myanmar.’ The language is not that hard either – it’s all about emphasis, no tonal stuff here.
• If you do have to use dollars somewhere, they HAVE to be pristine  – getting an  Indian Visa  in  Yangon,  for example, requires US dollars. Pristine. Crisp. No stains, no wrinkles, no rips.
• Don’t feed the monkeys  – they’re used to snacks and go mad for them. They can be pretty vicious too.
• Dogs can also be scary  – groups of them can be aggressive. Some of them may have rabies, so keep away.
• Swim in safe areas on the coast  – there can be strong tides, which are bad news even for a confident swimmer.
• Book accommodation ahead of time  – foreigners can only stay in certain places, making it a bit hard to come by in high season.
• Be careful walking around after dark  – streetlights aren’t ubiquitous and hazards can be numerous, especially in towns.
• Don’t be alarmed at red stains on the floor…  – you’ll see this everywhere. Thankfully, it ain’t blood – people chew  betel here, which takes on reddish color when chewed. It’s basically a drug and when you’re done, you spit it out.

We’re all for solo travel because there’s a lot you can get out of it. It’s not just a  challenge for yourself , which is when you grow the most as a person, but it’s an amazing way to meet new people and see the world.

No matter where you travel though – be it Myanmar or Malta – it’s always a good idea to be equipped with a few tips when it comes to travelling by yourself.

• When you’re by yourself,  things CAN get lonely. (It’s just bound to happen.) The best antidote to this is to  socialize.  Not only is it a good way to share travel tips, but you may also make a travel buddy or two.
• The best place to meet people is  a hostel  of course. Find yourself one with good reviews.
• That said,  there aren’t loads of hostels (Though there are quite a few good Mandalay hostels ) . Staying in a family-run guesthouse can be an amazing experience though. Feeling at home is much better than a much more impersonal hotel experience. Trust us.
• Try and blend in. You’ll notice that not many people wear trousers or shorts. Instead, they wear longyi,  which is traditional Burmese attire. A wrap-around skirt sort of thing that both men and women wear. Feel free to wear it as well.
• Getting yourself a  local guide  when you’re going off the beaten track is a great idea. This will help you understand more about the area you’re travelling through as well as Myanmar as a whole.
• Picking up a  sim card  at the airport is a good idea. With this, you’ll be able to use the data for maps, phone your accommodation ahead of time, book restaurants, and all sorts of other stuff. Most importantly though, you’ll be able to  keep in touch with your folks and friends back home .
• Don’t get crazy drunk. Busy places like Yangon are already difficult to navigate and getting blind drunk isn’t going to help the situation much.
• Don’t push yourself too hard.  You don’t need to see every place  and doing so is really going to wear you out. Give yourself days to chill.
• Oh and  Myanmar can get HOT.  Look after yourself in the heat and drink plenty of water . If you’re by yourself, getting heat stroke is not fun at all.

We’d say that Myanmar is absolutely safe for solo female travellers. It’s going to be a trip to remember, that’s for sure.

And honestly? There’s not a lot of hassle or high levels of sexual harassment to watch out for in Myanmar. But because society is still developing, women are still faced with certain limitations. So it’s definitely smart to know how to travel Myanmar like a pro…

• Dressing appropriately is definitely something you should do. Either going for a  longyi  and some sort of blouse, or baggy trousers and a top that covers your shoulders. Tight leggings will stick out.  Look at what the other women are wearing and follow suit. Chances are you’ll get a lot more respect if you’re dressed more like a local.
• Make a few travel buddies. Staying somewhere that has good reviews from other female travellers  is a smart move. Making friends with another woman travelling through Myanmar will allow you some company and be useful for bouncing stories and tips off of.
• We wouldn’t advise going out drinking alone. Not because it’s unsafe but because you probably will get attention. Places like  19th Street (Yangon),  or  beer stations  around the country are quite male-dominated and you may feel uncomfortable alone.
• If you’re travelling on a train, bus, or boat by yourself, we’d recommend  sitting with other women.  Women travelling alone can be seen as pretty odd by Burmese people – it’s just not done. So making friends with some local ladies, or just chatting to other female tourists, is a good way to make yourself more comfortable.
• Find yourself a tour if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all. Even if it’s just a  walking tour  of a town or city. This is a  great way to meet people.  Plus you’ll also get to learn more about Myanmar. Win-win.
• Don’t touch monks! Myanmar is a  deeply Buddhist country  and monks are off-limits to women. Even if you’re passing something to a monk, don’t do it directly – just place it within his reach. That’s just the way it is.
• With this in mind, be aware that  you can’t go to certain stupas or religious sites.  Women, for whatever reason, just aren’t allowed in some holy places in Myanmar.
• Stock up on sanitary products before you head out of  Yangon  or  Mandalay . The likelihood is you aren’t going to be finding them anywhere that’s even remotely off the beaten track.

Of course, travelling alone may make you seem ‘odd’ by the local people. But you’re a foreigner – you’ll be odd anyway. And the easy antidote to that is to make some friends, take a tour, or simply to chatting to some local ladies. You’ll have an amazing time.

We’ve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Read on for more detailed information on how to have a safe trip to Myanmar.

Is Myanmar safe to travel for families?

Travelling with children in Myanmar is not exactly  straightforward and probably not that easy.

The main concern? HYGIENE.

Sanitation levels aren’t always top-notch and definitely nowhere near Western standards. Because of this, we wouldn’t really recommend taking  small children  on a trip to Myanmar.

Cleanliness aside, here are some other things to consider when taking your family to Myanmar:

• There are a growing number of family-friendly places to stay which boast amenities for children. But for the most part, accommodation here isn’t really about families.
• Whilst there is a loads of temples to see, especially in Bagan ,  it might also be easy for your kids to get quite quickly  templed out.  This might even happen to you, but for children, lack of interactive museums or anything like that might be a little boring.
• Poverty, especially related to children,  can be upsetting to see. There are kids begging, ladies with babies begging, children working. Just a word of warning.
• Animals, as we spoke about earlier, can be pretty dangerous – some can be  REALLY dangerous.  Make sure your children know the dangers and  keep an eye out yourself.
• Keeping your children out of the sun and  making sure they’re hydrated  is a must since Myanmar gets hot and the heat hits kids more acutely than it does adults.
• When visiting Myanmar with children, we’d honestly recommend getting yourself on some sort of tour. At the very least, you should have some sort of transport organized for the entire trip. That way, there will be  less to think about. 

In general, whilst it’s not going to be the EASIEST place to travel with children, Myanmar is SAFE for children. What you’ll need are a relaxed mindset and some pretty chilled parenting. Travelling to Myanmar with your kids is going to be a real adventure, but we think you’re going to love it.

Is it safe to drive in Myanmar?

Driving in Myanmar is chaotic, not to mention difficult to organize, and we’d say that doing it on your own is dangerous and not worth the stress.

For one thing,  you need to get permission from the government to hire a car.  For another thing, we just wouldn’t say it was safe.

The roads are not in great condition and cities are often just jam packed with cars. Neither have a lot of rules in place.

Though scenic, the road from  Pyin Oo Lwin  to  Mandalay  is not something you’d want to drive. The road itself is precarious with huge dropoffs and cliffs that make you hold your breath.

Drivers recklessly overtake each other as well and blanket the entire route with dust, which doesn’t help the situation much. It’s a thrill, alright, and it’s just not something we’d EVER consider driving ourselves.

After night, we just wouldn’t recommend driving in Myanmar AT ALL. Not knowing the roads, armed bandits, animals in the road. Just not worth it.

If you feel like you need to travel quickly,  just hire a driver. Splitting the price of a private car between you and a few other travellers makes it pretty cost-effective, too.

Is Uber safe in Myanmar?

No Uber here.

There is  Grab,  however. It’s reliable and cheap and a good way to get around  Yangon. 

Just make sure you don’t get  charged twice.  Drivers may demand cash even if you’ve paid credit on the app. A simple complaint to Grab should have your money swiftly winging itself back to you, though.

But generally, Grab is safe in Myanmar.

Are taxis safe in Myanmar?

The taxis are  generally safe  in Myanmar.

By that, we mean that sometimes the taxis can be a little old and sometimes the drivers can be speedy.

At  Yangon International Airport  you’ll be able to get a taxi easily. Hop over to the taxi desk, say where you’re going (give an address) and you’ll get a receipt.

There are plenty of taxis in  large cities.  Hail one and they’ll stop. They won’t necessarily always let you get in – taxi drivers might refuse if your destination is too far out of town.

In addition, get ready to negotiate. Taxis aren’t metered and drivers will set a price according to their whim. If it’s too high, go lower. If haggling doesn’t seem to be working, accept the price or move on.

You can also get taxis  between major towns.  This is basically a  private car.  The guys driving these taxis can range from perfectly fine to maniacs. Private taxis can be arranged through your accommodation. It’s not guaranteed that you’ll get an amazing driver.

You can also shop around.  Nyaung Shwe,  a popular spot on  Inle Lake , has many taxi companies on its main street. It’s a great option if you’re travelling as a group since you don’t pay per person, you pay for the trip. 

Is public transportation in Myanmar safe?

Yes, public transport in Myanmar is safe.

For train geeks and people who just like train journeys alike, the trains in Myanmar are awesome. They aren’t exactly top of the range but for the experience alone, these really are a great way to get around the country.

The famous loop train line that runs from central to northern  Yangon  and back again is actually a fun day out. Buy your ticket, sit back, and watch locals hop on and off.

You can also get  buses around cities. Yangon has the best system and boasts a regular fleet plus the  Yangon BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), which is a good way to get around. The buses are  air-conditioned,  which is a lifesaver when it’s boiling. Both of these are safe.

Long distance buses are another way of getting around the country and these range in quality. From luxury night coaches that serve free refreshments and have TVs in the headrests, to not so good buses that have one TV that plays the same Burmese music videos and soaps on loop (if you’re lucky). Riding a bus is always an experience, though.

The best thing to do?  Research.  Companies vary and asking your guesthouse which company they’re using will at least prepare you.

There are also  boats  that you can use. The famous  Ayeyarwady River,  amongst others, allows ample opportunity to get your skipper on. From standard government boats to ultra luxury colonial-feeling cruises, there are a number of ways to get around.

Look ’em up and see where you can go.  Mandalay  to  Bagan  (or the other way round) is a popular route, for example.

In conclusion, public transportation in Myanmar is safe. That’s that.

Is the food in Myanmar safe?

Burmese food has an unfairly  bad reputation.  In reality, there’s plenty on offer that’s going to have most foodies floored and we mean that in a good way. From the peanut zing and soft textures of  shan noodles  to the crunch and bite of  lahpet thoke  (tea leaf salad), all the way to BBQ’d meats – it’s all tasty!

You should get sucked into everything, including the street food –  don’t be scared.  A lot of places look ropey as hell, but, the thing is, everyone eats in them, from locals to other tourists. So sit down with your  si beer  (draught beer) and a bowl of peanuts and wait…

• Food tends to  sit around all day.  The same stuff that gets cooked up for lunch is often what’s on the menu for dinner. Just for the sake of your stomach, we’d say  steer clear of street food in the evenings.
• With this in mind,  food is often oily.  But that’s a good thing: a nice layer of oil in dishes like  curries  usually keeps insects away.
• Try and look for busy stalls to eat at, especially on notorious  19th Street  in  Yangon.  The busier the place, the better and more likely cleaner it is. You may be tempted to sit somewhere that’s completely not busy, but that’s a) no fun b) could be an indicator that the food makes people ill.
• Don’t get too freaked out by the grilled meat. It starts out raw and ends up VERY WELL cooked. This will kill most germs that will give you a dodgy tummy.
• If you’re  prone to a bad stomach  or you’re just not used to Southeast Asian food (and the way it’s cooked), the best way to proceed would be to do some research. Go to places that are tried and tested or are talked about a lot.
• As a general rule of thumb, we would say  eat seafood by the sea, and regular food in the mountains.  Seafood can give you the worst tummy trouble (food poisoning can be dangerous ) and the best way to combat this is to simply ensure it’s fresh.
• If you’re scared of curries, head to  Chinese restaurants.  The food here is cooked hot and fast and will be fine for you to eat.
• Make sure to WASH YOUR HANDS. Take hand sanitiser with you. These seem like  no-brainers .
• Don’t be worried about sitting down at streetside stalls. These are on many corners or on the street and seem to be  permanent fixtures.  You can literally watch your food being cooked just a few feet away.
• Refresh yourself with  cane sugar juice  from the markets. It’s cane sugar, put through a steam-roller type device. They’re perfectly safe and a good energy boost.

Whilst it may not always LOOK safe, the food in Myanmar is safe to eat. You WILL be missing out if you don’t sit down at a  beer station  and try some of the food that’s on offer. Ease yourself in, don’t go too mad, and your stomach and tastebuds will thank you.

Can you drink the water in Myanmar?

No. Not really. Not at all, actually.

You CAN’T drink the water in Myanmar.

Stick to bottled water and make sure the seal hasn’t been broken. If you find a source of purified water, be sure to fill up your own water bottle to the brim – you never know when the next one will come.

Is Myanmar safe to live?

Myanmar is safe to live in and  a lot of foreigners from all over the world do.  On the whole, Myanmar is definitely an adventurous place to live.

You’ll often get the feeling  you’ve stepped back in time.  People are friendly, there are charming daily markets, and a load of nature to explore on your days off.

Yangon  will probably be the best place to base yourself. That’s down to the other foreigners working and living here, the embassies, and the amount of things you can actually do in the city.

Let’s reiterate: it’s totaly safe to live in Myanmar on a day to day level. You can walk around the cities at night without fear.

What’s not so great is the government.  You’ll have to be ok with living in a country run by a government accused of very recent atrocities and where a pretty brutal military often has the final say. You’ll also have to come to grips living in a country where  civil war continues  in many of its states.

It is a very good idea to do your research on Burmese society and history before you go. Knowing more can’t be a bad thing.

Of course, get on Facebook groups, Google groups (like  Yangon Expat Connections ), and make friends with expats and locals alike.

At the end of the day,  Myanmar is a developing country.  Being fine with everything that comes with that is key.

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Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Myanmar?

Unfortunately, Airbnbs can only be found in the major cities in Myanmar. The government restricts the places where tourists can live a lot, so don’t expect too many options. 

However, if you do score an Airbnb, you can expect super friendly hosts and great hospitality. Renting an Airbnb is perfectly safe, as long as you read the reviews. Staying at an Airbnb during your trip will also open up new possibilities and options to experience the country.

The local hosts are known to take great care of their guests and give the absolute best recommendations of what to do and what to see. Local knowledge always goes a long way, so be sure to reach out to your hosts if you’re unsure about how to fill up your Myanmar itinerary!

Is Myanmar LGBTQ+ friendly? 

Myanmar is a bit of a tricky destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. While tourists are generally respected, gay locals are facing way more discrimination and oppression. If you’re staying in bigger cities like Yangon, you’ll find a couple of gay bars and a small gay community. In the more rural areas, this will be harder, if not impossible to find. 

Keep in mind that Myanmar is a very conservative and religious country with around 89% of the population practising Buddhism. Public affection is a rare sight, no matter what kind of relationship you’re in. Unless you’re okay with keeping yourself and your partner on the low while travelling through the country, you might not have a super pleasant trip. However, as long as you respect the local culture, you won’t have to face any issues.

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Myanmar.

Is Myanmar safe for female solo travellers?

While Myanmar is not necessarily safe in itself, female solo travellers are overall very safe in Myanmar. There is not much sexual harassment, and if you explore attractions with a local guide, you’ll hardly have anything to worry about. Dress appropriately if possible, so you don’t draw unwanted attention to yourself.

What should you avoid in Myanmar?

These are the things you should avoid in Myanmar: – Don’t participate in demonstrations – stay away! – Don’t share political opinions with a local – Don’t cross the street blindly – Avoid trekking or walking exploring without a guide

What are the most dangerous areas in Myanmar?

These areas are the most dangerous in Myanmar: – The northern parts of Shan State – The state of Kachin Southern Chin and Rakhine State – Any border regions (apart from Indian border)

Is Myanmar safe for inexperienced travellers?

We wouldn’t say that Myanmar is safe for first-time travellers. Mainly because you need to have at least some experience with different cultures, how to react and behave in certain situations and keep your head down if it’s needed. A curious tourist could easily get into real trouble in Myanmar.

Myanmar is a strange case. It can be safe if you come prepared and at the right time. Its military, the  Tatmadaw,  are fighting against and oppressing ethnic groups all over the country. There’s practically a  genocide  happening against the  Rohingya  people, which has been widely condemned across the globe.

Violent crime against tourists and even petty theft are virtually unheard of. You can walk around safely at pretty much any time of the day.

Myanmar is an awesome place to explore, and a lot of the time you will feel like you’re actually discovering Myanmar rather than being on a backpacking conveyor belt. There are tons of place that have yet to become overrun and Burmese people are super, super nice.

The biggest issue is coming to grips with the politics and current events of Myanmar. It may feel weird to be in a country where so much conflict is going on, but you can overcome this dilemma by  giving back to local people. By staying in guesthouses, hiring guides, and working with communities, you can help out in a small way. And that makes it worth it.

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Monique MacPhail

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18 Comments

Hi Is there anyone in Myanmar travelling at the moment. I am planning an extensive Far East trip in Jan/Mar and have always wanted to go to Burma. I plan to fly in to Mandalay from Bangkok then fly to Yangon then fly out Any comments from anyone there at the moment ? Cheers Steve [email protected]

Hi, I’m planning to cross Myanmar as part of a trip from Thailand to India at the end of 2023. Do you think it’s doable? Thanks!

I actually did some serious research into this a few years, at the time it was possible, abet with a list of caveats. These included but were not limited too, obtaining the correct visa/permits, using government approved guides, using approved borders open to tourist, not all are. Things are always changing tho, so some current research into this will certainly be required particularly for the Myanmar side, due to the current situation there.

Hi, is it safe to travel to Yangon for business now? Thanks!

Things do seem calmer there at the moment, I would recommend posting on some Myanmar specific forums and looking up some local English language new sources to get a better picture of the current situation.

I am scheduled to travel to Myanmar in the middle of November this year; the “do not travel” notice from the state department scares me, but I understand that tourists, especially Caucasian, have little to fear. I plan to fly from Bangkok to Yangon in the early morning, then travel by car-with-driver to Bagan the next morning around 4 am, then fly from Bagan to Mandalay the following morning, then fly back to Bangkok the 4th day. Your thoughts… 1) safety in November 2022 , 2) WHERE can I find a car and driver for the trip to Bagan, and 3) should I change money to local currency, or just use US $ for everything ?

Hi Michael,

While tourists don’t generally encounter problems travelling in Myanmar, the travel you plan leaves almost no room for problems you might encounter, such as a cancelled flight, road closure or bad weather. If this is all the time you have, I would suggest you go for it, and be prepared with the mindset to basically throw money at any problems you may encounter along the way , to carry out your travel plan. I would suggest bringing enough pristine USD with you so you don’t have to waste time trying to get local currency if you have problems with ATM on the ground.

Can you do an update on this article regarding the current safety of the political situation in Myanmar for travel as of January 2022 once COVID restrictions are lifted?

In any hotel in Yangon, yes, have clean crisp notes but make sure the notes you receive in change are clean and crisp too. When hiring a car / driver make sure the vehicle you have negotiated over is the vehicle that comes and picks you up.

Hello I think you may want to update this article. It is NOT currently safe in Myanmar because of political uproar and this is not the time to be visiting

Yes we have been following the news and this article will be updated as soon as we are able. As I am sure you can appreciate, Safety situations do change quite a lot, quite fast and we can’t possibly keep up date to the minute!

Did you have problems with snakes?? Just curious I’d like to go but I am scared of them

Hi Eimeara, No problems with snakes that I encountered. But it’s one of those things. If you go wandering off piste into long grass and the like, who knows what you may find in there. Stay alert about where you are walking and you should be fine. It is an amazing country and I highly recommend you visit if you can.

Thank you for this excellent informative article. we travel to Myanmar in November and you have given me lots of information to work with

Its a fascinating place, have a great time!

Nice article though. However, the word genocide is quite unfairly exaggerated all around the world. Military operation against ethnic minorities could be, to some extent, true( although the federal military and the ethnic military are teaming up just to continue war for the funds). But the case for Rohingya is completely different. The Rakhine State is rich in culture and history mainly of Buddhism. You will find a lot of thousand years old Buddhist monuments and statues in the region where the conflict occurred. And yet, it’s been claimed the homeland for Rohingya people, who are Muslims.(I bare no ill will to Muslim people). A land with full of historical Buddhist monuments could be homeland for millions of Muslims ? Anyway, this article is an excellent one. Enjoyed that.

wow, wholly informative…except th one thing I needed to know, which pertains to th paperwork for getting INTO myanmar to visit. other than that, amazing article ! I’m psyched

How are you? – Shin ne-kaùn-yéh-là? “Shin ” is used by female. “ne-kaùn-yéh-là” is enough in general

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Burma.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Burma.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Burma take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Burma.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Burma. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Burma, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Burma. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• Mosquito bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Burma, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Burma. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Burma include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Burma. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Burma’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Burma. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Burma may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Burma, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Burma (Myanmar) for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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January 26, 2024

Supplemental Business Advisory Highlighting Continued Risks and Considerations for Businesses and Individuals with Exposure to Entities Responsible for Undermining Democratic Processes, Facilitating Corruption, and Committing Human Rights and Labor Rights Abuses in Burma (Myanmar) 1  

On February 1, 2021, Burma’s military overthrew the country’s democratically elected civilian government and established a military-controlled State Administration Council. The military’s actions constitute a rejection of the will of Burma’s people, as expressed in their November 2020 elections. In response to widespread resistance to this military coup, the military of Burma has committed human rights and labor rights abuses and engaged in other repressive and antidemocratic actions, including violently suppressing peaceful protests, unjustly detaining many leaders of the democratically elected government, outlawing the National League for Democracy political party, disbanding labor unions, and conducting aerial attacks harming civilians.

The military coup and the military’s subsequent violence against people in Burma have fundamentally damaged the economic and business environment in Burma, reversing the gains achieved since the country held parliamentary elections in 2011. Since the military coup, Burma’s business environment has become more opaque, allowing the military to draw upon multiple revenue sources to support its military operations without civilian oversight or accountability.   Given significant additional developments in Burma since the previous advisory was issued in January 2022 , the U.S. Departments of State, the Treasury, Commerce, Homeland Security, Labor and the U.S. Trade Representative are publishing this Supplemental Advisory to highlight additional sectors and activities of concern in the country, as well as actions taken under various federal authorities and multilateral authorities to address destabilizing conduct involving the military regime or private entities located in or operating in Burma. This supplemental information builds on and adds to the previous advisory, and is intended to inform individuals, businesses, financial institutions, and other persons, including investors, consultants, non-governmental organizations, and due diligence service providers (hereafter “businesses and individuals”) of the continued risks and considerations for businesses and individuals with exposure to entities responsible for undermining democratic processes, facilitating corruption, and committing human rights and labor rights abuses in Burma.

  The additional sectors and activities of concern within Burma highlighted in this Supplemental Advisory are:

• Rare earth elements;
• Base metals and gold;
• Timber; and
• Aviation services, components, and fuel.
• Potential diversion to military end uses and end users;
• Financial and related services to state-owned banks; and
• Ongoing abuses of Burmese workers' internationally recognized labor rights.

  The economic sectors listed above generate revenue for the military, often operating under state monopolies or monopoly-like concessions, and/or are linked with corruption and human rights or labor rights abuses. As described in further detail below, businesses and individuals should be wary of reputational, economic, and legal risks associated with conducting business and utilizing supply chains involving these sectors and activities because of their links to Burma’s military.   Conducting business in Burma may also be complicated by ongoing deficiencies in Burma’s anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. This Supplemental Advisory also focuses specific attention on labor rights abuses and the risk of diversion of computer chips and other export- controlled products from Burma/Myanmar to military end users in the PRC and Russia.

Note on Additional Actions Taken by the U.S. Government and International Organizations since January 2022

Since the previous U.S. advisory, the U.S. Government and certain international organizations have expanded restrictions on individuals and entities tied to Burma’s military regime.   Since February 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken actions against dozens of individuals and entities with a nexus to the military regime and the military coup leaders pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14014. These actions aim to promote accountability for the military coup and related violence and disrupt revenue to the military regime. These designations include individuals and entities connected to a range of sectors noted in the original advisory. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or otherwise exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. Additional information related to OFAC actions, policies, and responsibilities for U.S. persons seeking to do business in Burma can be found here: https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/burma .

Of note, on June 21, 2023, OFAC designated two state-owned banks, Myanma Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB), which have been instrumental in facilitating the military regime’s use of foreign currency to procure arms and jet fuel abroad and to access international markets using offshore accounts. MFTB, in particular, has served as an important bank for transactions involving several of the sectors referenced in this advisory. On October 31, OFAC issued Directive 1 under E.O. 14014 which prohibits U.S. persons from providing, exporting, or re-exporting, directly or indirectly, financial services to or for the state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) or its property or interests in property. These prohibitions went into effect on December 15, 2023.

Since the issuance of the January 2022 advisory, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has added several Burma and Russian entities to its Entity List (Supp. No. 4 to part 744 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 C.F.R. part 730-774) to address foreign policy concerns related to support provided to Burma’s military regime. In March 2023, BIS added two Burma commercial entities and one government entity to the Entity List that had provided surveillance equipment services to the military regime, thereby enabling the regime to carry out human rights abuses through the tracking and identification of individuals and groups. See 88 Fed. Reg. 13673 (March 6, 2023). Additionally, during the same month, Burma and Russian commercial entities were added to the Entity List for selling, procuring, and servicing military equipment that enabled the military regime to commit human rights abuses, as well as brutal aerial attacks killing and injuring civilians. See 88 Fed. Reg. 18983 (March 30, 2023).

BIS’s actions target these entities’ ability to receive items (commodities, software, and technology) subject to the EAR, recognizing, in particular, the increasingly key role that technology plays in enabling campaigns of repression and other human rights abuses.   The United States continues to coordinate with partners and allies on sanctions actions. Several countries and international organizations have also introduced new commercial restrictions since the January 2022 advisory, including the European Union, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom.   Businesses and individuals with potential exposure to, or involvement in operations or supply chains tied to, the military regime should continually review sanctions measures imposed with respect to Burma. Businesses and individuals that do not conduct appropriate due diligence run the risk of engaging in conduct or transactions that may expose them to significant reputational, financial, and legal risks, including violations of U.S. sanctions and export controls.   Burma also continues to present significant reputational, economic, and legal risks to the private sector, particularly financial institutions, as a result of gaps in its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter financing of terrorism (CFT) legal framework, in part because the regime cannot impartially prosecute financial crimes at this time. In October 2022, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed Burma on its “blacklist” and called upon its members and other jurisdictions to apply enhanced due diligence measures proportionate to the risk arising from Myanmar. The FATF has repeated these calls for action by its members as well as urged Burma to take urgent actions to resolve AML/CFT deficiencies. 2

  Businesses and individuals are advised to consider Burma’s AML/CFT deficiencies in their risk analysis, including evaluating their potential exposure to economic and legal risks that may include violations of U.S. AML laws and sanctions.  

I. Rare Earth Elements

  Burma has deposits of all 17 rare earth elements, including “heavy” rare earths like dysprosium and terbium that are used in refined products to power “green transition” technologies, including permanent magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines. Current conditions in Burma make it extremely challenging to implement the supply chain controls, environmental protections, and labor rights safeguards necessary to mine these rare earth materials safely and with appropriate due diligence as to all involved entities.

Reports by non-profit research organizations indicate that regime-linked militias operating in Burma are facilitating the extraction and export of rare earth elements, including heavy rare earths, to neighboring countries, principally the People’s Republic of China (PRC). 3 The reports further note risks that regional supply chains are mislabeling rare earth elements from Burma as originating from mines in other nearby countries. The export of raw rare earth elements from Burma to the region is estimated to generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually, much of which is reportedly flowing to militias allied with the military regime. 4 

Further, in June 2023, OFAC designated Burma’s Ministry of Defense, which has command and control of border guard forces, some of which are involved in rare earth extraction. 5 The involvement of regime-linked militias – including border guard forces under control of the regime’s Ministry of Defense – in rare earth extraction heightens the risks of corruption, abuses, and environmental harm.

The most common method in these militia-controlled areas for extracting rare earth elements – known as in-situ leaching – is associated with severe risks of permanent environmental degradation, labor rights abuses, and negative health outcomes for individuals who come into contact with caustic chemicals used to extract the ores. Businesses and individuals who trade in rare earths extracted from Burma may face reputational risks from association with these harmful activities.

Businesses and individuals procuring rare earth elements and products made from rare earth elements from supply chains in the Burma region, including recycled and refined products, are encouraged to conduct enhanced due diligence and to contract with reputable third parties to reduce the risks that the rare earths (potentially marketed as being of PRC-origin) originated in Burma. Businesses should not rely on unsupported assurances, but rather should request documentation of products’ origin.   Businesses and individuals are encouraged to review their due diligence procedures commensurate with the severity and likelihood of risks, including to ensure that they are appropriate to the risks described in this Supplemental Advisory and previous advisories. There are many publicly available resources for businesses on due diligence for human rights abuses and related issues. The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights , the UN Development   Programme’s Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence for Business in Conflict- Affected Contexts: A Guide , the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises , the International Labour Organization (ILO) publication, “ Combating Forced Labour: A Handbook for Employers and Business ,” and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights guide on “ The Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights ” (OHCHR guide) and others provide guidance for heightened due diligence in high-risk regions and factors to be considered in determining appropriate action, including whether and how to responsibly end relationships when a business lacks the leverage to prevent or mitigate adverse impacts, and how to mitigate the risk of human rights abuses through the business value chain.   The U.S. Embassy in Burma and Department of State in Washington, DC, can assist if businesses or individuals have questions about rare earths potentially sourced from Burma or a sanctioned person in Burma. Please refer to the Department of Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons List (SDN) for a list of sanctioned individuals and entities in Burma.

II. Base Metals and Gold Mining and Gems

  Burma’s 2021 military coup and steady global demand for the country’s base metals and gold have compounded historical oversight challenges tied to Burma’s metal mining sector.   Although overall exports of base metals from Burma have declined relative to pre- coup levels, according to industry and media reports, 6 regime-controlled state- owned enterprises, Mining Enterprise No. 1 and Mining Enterprise No. 2, continue to extract these resources at low volumes in partnership with PRC firms, among others. Both mining enterprises were designated by OFAC in January 2023 pursuant to E.O. 14014 for being a political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the Government of Burma. Because of the lack of regulation, transparency, and accountability, doing business with Burma’s metal mining sector involves risk of money laundering, corruption, and human rights and labor rights abuses, including forced labor.

In Salingyi, three PRC-run copper mines – Letpadaung, Sapetaung and Kyesintaung – are run by Wanbao Mining subsidiary Yangtse, in partnership with military- owned Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd (UMEHL). Wanbao is a subsidiary of PRC state-owned arms manufacturer China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO), identified under E.O. 13959, as amended. In July 2021, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security listed Wanbao and two of its subsidiaries on its Entity List. BIS took such action to limit the entities’ access to items subject to the EAR that might be used in copper mining operations, particularly in light of existing revenue-sharing arrangements with a Burma entity previously added to the Entity List in connection with the February 1, 2021, military coup.

Meanwhile, poorly-regulated gold mining in Kachin State and other parts of the country expanded following the military coup, accelerating a deleterious trend of larger commercially run enterprises using heavy equipment to dredge rivers year-round. 7 The lack of sufficient regulatory action by local or national authorities has created incentives for armed actors, including some linked to the military regime, to allow commercial interests access to areas they control in exchange for a share of profits. Labor standards, including safety standards, are not enforced in the gold mining sector, posing extreme occupational risks to vulnerable local populations who provide labor.

Further, the environmental impacts of gold mining are numerous and severe and have negatively impacted UNESCO-designated heritage and other culturally significant sites. Gold mining has polluted waterways with mercury, tailings, and other contaminants; Burma is not a party to the Minamata Convention on mercury, which seeks to reduce and eliminate mercury usage in gold mining.

As noted in the January 2022 Advisory, given the insufficient reporting requirements in Burma for cross-border transfers of goods and funds, the U.S. government continues to recommend that metal importers undertake heightened due diligence to better understand their supply chains and to avoid sourcing from or brokering through Burma military-owned or affiliated entities, even if their supply chains appear to be completely outside of Burma. It is the responsibility of businesses and individuals to ensure that their sourcing does not violate sanctions; verifying that sourcing is consistent with what is being reported from vendors and suppliers can be a means to mitigate potential liability for sanctions violations.

In addition to the OECD MNEs and UNGPs, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, formally adopted by the OECD in 2011 (the OECD published the current 3rd edition of the Guidance in 2016), provides an overarching, five-step due diligence approach for metals, with Annex II of the OECD Guidance setting out a “model” corporate policy for a responsible global supply chain. The five steps are to:  

• Establish strong company management systems;
• Identify and assess risk in the supply chain;
• Design and implement a strategy to respond to identified risks;
• Carry out independent third-party audits of supply chain due diligence at identified points in the supply chain; and
• Report on supply chain due diligence.

The 2012 amendment to the OECD Guidance added a separate Gold Supplement to focus more specific attention on the unique concerns related to gold. The OECD framework and Gold Supplement undergird the numerous industry frameworks that have been developed in gold and other base metals sectors and provide an overarching approach to due diligence for all companies.

Gem industries in Burma were also identified by the Department of Labor’s List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor as utilizing forced labor and child labor. 8 According to the 2022 release of the Department of Labor’s List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor , rubies and jade mining are linked to these abuses.  

III. Timber

  Burma has the largest expanse of tropical forest in mainland Southeast Asia and has some of the world’s largest natural teak and other hardwood forests. Timber remains an accessible and significant source of revenue for the military regime.   While the military regime does not control much of the country due to general breakdown of the rule of law, the regime still is able to profit from the timber trade through control of the seaports and through its ties to timber brokers in neighboring countries, including the PRC, India, and Thailand. Although OFAC designated Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE) in April 2021 pursuant to E.O. 14014, MTE continues to auction timber products to private buyers. To be clear, U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with MTE, regardless of whether the sales are of products that MTE had “stockpiled” before or after the imposition of sanctions in 2021.   Such auctions have likely contributed to a steady stream of largely unreported follow-on exports. Between the February 2021 military coup and January 2023, Burma’s trade partners imported approximately $500 million worth of timber and processed lumber from Burma, with sales generally processed through MFTB. 9 The regime, however, officially reported only $70 million worth of timber exports as of July 2022, and it has underreported transactional details from its auctions.

Experts attribute the significant gap between the volume of timber exports reported by the regime and the volume of timber imports reported by trade partners to illicit market activities, coupled with mismanagement, corruption, and sanctions evasion activities by regime authorities. 10   Businesses and individuals sourcing timber products from Burma or its immediate neighbors should be on the lookout for direct and indirect linkages to Burma’s military regime and to sanctioned Burma individuals and entities, including banks. Businesses should conduct due diligence when dealing in supply chains of high- value timber commodities like teak and ironwood, where Burmese products may be mislabeled as of Burma origin. Such diligence should account for the significant likelihood that any timber sourced from Burma has uncertain provenance in terms of an original legal right to cut or harvest timber and may be connected to labor abuses, corruption, and broader environmental degradation. Logging and other commodity-driven deforestation remain a key driver of tree cover loss in Burma, and the logging industry has been tied to instances of forced labor in teak cultivation. 11 The U.S. Embassy in Burma and Department of State in Washington, DC can assist if a business or individual has a question about timber sourced from Burma or a Burmese entity.  

IV. Aviation Services, Components, and Fuel

  Burma’s commercial aviation sector – including services, components, and fuel – is deeply intertwined with the military’s aviation operations. For example, Myanma Petroleum Products Enterprise (MPPE) and its sub-entity, National Energy Puma Aviation Services (NEPAS), exercise monopoly control over Burma’s jet fuel sector. NEPAS jet fuel depots are located on joint military-civil airfields throughout Burma such that aviation kerosene or Jet A1 is commingled by MPPE and NEPAS between military and civil end users. As a result, it is currently impossible for suppliers to ascertain the end user of aviation kerosene destined to Burma.   On August 23, 2023, OFAC expanded its use of Burma-related sanctions authorities by issuing a determination that identifies the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14014. This determination allows for sanctions to be imposed on any foreign individual or entity determined to operate in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy. At the same time, OFAC designated two individuals and three entities involved in the procurement and distribution of jet fuel to Burma’s military.

  In addition to the 20 ATR fixed-wing aircraft that make up the Burmese commercial airline fleet, the military operates roughly ten ATR aircraft to move personnel and equipment around the country. U.S. businesses and individuals that supply spare parts for ATR aircraft in Burma, or for common models of Bell, Alouette, and PZL-Swidnik rotary aircraft, should be aware of the potential for diversion of those spare parts for use by the military and should consider the reputational and regulatory risks associated with such potential diversion. Such businesses and individuals may wish to consider limiting the quantity of components and parts shipped to entities in Burma and whether rotary and fixed- wing aircraft can be serviced outside of Burma to limit such shipments. Finally, given the risk of diversion through shell companies using proxy management or personnel affiliated with entities and persons in Burma, businesses and individuals conducting transactions of military goods and parts through Singapore and Thailand should also conduct due diligence to ensure that diversion to Burma’s military will not occur.  

V. Potential Diversion to Military End Uses and End Users

  The military operates an extensive network of corporate affiliates that are often registered in Thailand, Singapore, India, and the UAE, in addition to Burma. Businesses and individuals who supply any aviation parts and services to Burma, including those ostensibly destined for commercial operators, should conduct appropriate due diligence to limit both regulatory and reputational risks. The U.S. Embassy in Burma and the Department of State in Washington, DC, can assist if a business or individual has a question about an aviation product or service destined to Burma or a Burmese entity.   Given the close supply connections between the militaries and defense industries of Russia, the PRC, and Burma, there is a substantial risk that computer chips in ICT equipment, including routers and servers, and mature-node computer chips embedded in appliances and vehicles with an end user or destination in Burma are at substantial risk for diversion to the PRC and Russia for military use. U.S. companies that manufacture inputs into arms and ammunition production, including smokeless powder, as well as brass, polymer and plastic composites, industrial lathes, mills, and bullet assembly presses, that are shipping to Southeast Asia should be aware of the risk of diversion to Burma of inputs and equipment used in the manufacture of small arms and small and large caliber ammunition.

  Russia, the PRC, and their respective defense industries supply military equipment, including weapon systems, training, logistical and maintenance support for this equipment, to Burma’s military. These same countries and entities may also purchase small and large caliber ammunition and seek replacement parts, particularly for obsolete arms and equipment, from Burma’s military. U.S. businesses and individuals should be aware of reputational and regulatory risks in shipping such products to Burma and to unverified freight forwarders or third parties in Southeast Asia. They should consult with the Department of State and BIS when needed to assist in preventing military end use in Burma and/or diversion of components to Russia and the PRC’s defense industries.

Individuals and businesses should also be aware that BIS continues to maintain military end use and end user controls, as well as military-intelligence end use and end user controls, under the EAR in connection with the export, re-export, and transfer (in-country) of items (as noted above, commodities, software, and technology) subject to the EAR that are destined for Burma. See Section 744.21(a)(1) (military end use and military end user controls) and Section 744.22 (a) (military-intelligence end use and end user controls) of the EAR. Notably, BIS has designated Burma’s Office of Chief of Military Security Affairs (OCMSA) and the Directorate of Signal as military-intelligence end users. See Section 744.22(f)(2)(i).

As a general matter, if a person knows (positive knowledge or awareness of a high probability of the existence of a circumstance) that certain items subject to the EAR are destined for a defined military end use/user or military-intelligence end use/end user, a license requirement may apply to a contemplated export, reexport, or in-country transfer. Furthermore, U.S. persons generally require a license to provide any “support” to military intelligence end users in Burma, regardless of whether such activities involve any items subject to the EAR. See Section 744.6(b)(5) of the EAR.

VI. Financial and Related Services to State-owned Banks

  On June 21, 2023, the United States designated two of Burma’s military regime- controlled banks, Myanma Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB), pursuant to E.O. 14014. MFTB and MICB have been instrumental in facilitating the regime’s use of foreign currency to procure arms and other materials abroad and to access international markets using offshore accounts. While MFTB and MICB allow MOGE and other state-owned enterprises access to foreign markets for revenue generation, these financial institutions also enable Burma’s Ministry of Defense and other sanctioned military entities to purchase arms and other materials from foreign sources. The United States will continue to carefully monitor compliance and scrutinize transactions with an MFTB or MICB nexus to counter evasion or other behavior that contravenes the intent of these designations and U.S. policy.   In addition to MFTB and MICB, the regime exercises influence over other state- owned banks including the Myanma Economic Bank (MEB) and the Central Bank of Myanmar. All transactions and services for state banks, including but not limited to insurance and claims underwriting, issuance, and settlement of currency options in U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies, deposit guarantees for state bank nostro accounts held in foreign correspondent banks, commercial paper, and the sale and support of financial software and IT hardware for central banking activities, should be closely examined for possible U.S. sanctions avoidance and circumvention. There also remain inadequate anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) controls in place at state banks that heighten the associated risks for any transactions with persons and/or entities in Burma as noted in the Financial Action Task Force’s October 2022 decision to add the state to its list of “High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action” (blacklist).  

VII. Labor Rights Abuses

Since the 2021 coup, the military regime has repeatedly denied citizens the human rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, exacerbating the longstanding and growing need for better labor rights protections in Burma. Since the military coup, the military regime has targeted the labor union movement, arrested numerous union leaders and members, and outlawed at least 16 labor unions. As a result, the UN International Labor Organization (ILO) reports that workers’ rights abuses have increased, and trade unions are unable to operate in garment and other factories. Workers who protest poor working conditions, particularly in the garment and footwear sectors, face continued risk of severe retaliation by employers, and arrest and incarceration by the military regime, which is openly hostile to ILO activities in Burma. Consequently, ILO has reduced its presence and activities in Burma. 12   Further pressuring the labor force, Burma’s economy has remained in a low- growth, high-inflationary state relative to pre-coup levels, and poverty rates and food insecurity have increased substantially since the military coup. Many workers still earn Burma’s legally mandated minimum wage of 4800 kyat ($1.41 at current market exchange rate) 13 per 8.5-hour day. Workers who protest their wages are often brutally repressed and jailed by the military regime. 14 The minimum wage is not pegged to the cost-of-living and has not increased since the last legislative revision in 2018. Given inflation and currency depreciation, the equivalent purchasing power today would be at least 7400 kyat per day. 15   The confluence of fewer labor rights protections and weak economic conditions have encouraged some businesses in Burma to reduce compensation and protections for workers. An August 2023 report by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, for example, indicates that garment workers have faced wage reduction and theft since the coup without adequate means to raise concerns through robust stakeholder engagement mechanisms, like unions. 16 Meanwhile, the Department of State 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report highlights Burma’s state-owned enterprises are still significantly involved in industries that have been tied to human trafficking, child and forced labor, and the targeting of labor unions. 17 Forced labor, including use of drug addicts paid in narcotics, and child labor have both been implicated in Burma’s extractive industries, particularly in labor-intensive mining and timber activities.

Labor rights protections have continued to decline in Burma since the previous advisory because of regime actions and worsening economic conditions. In October 2023, the UN ILO Myanmar Commission of Inquiry found deteriorating labor conditions led to widespread violations of the Freedom of Association and Forced Labor Conventions. 18 Businesses should be aware the Commission of Inquiry report may cause EU regulators to reexamine its trade preferences, including the “everything but arms” scheme.   Given these conditions, businesses and individuals employing workers in Burma, including through subcontractors and affiliates, should take appropriate measures to identify practices and labor conditions that may not comply with international standards. The U.S. Embassy in Burma and the Department of State in Washington, DC, can assist if a business or individual has a labor question or concern.

______________________ 1 This advisory is explanatory only and does not have the force of law. It does not supplement or modify statutory authorities, executive orders, or regulations. It is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, comprehensive or as imposing requirements under U.S. law, drawing any legal conclusions about specific fact scenarios regarding particular businesses or entities, or otherwise addressing any particular requirements under applicable law. Its sole intent is to provide information to businesses and individuals that they may consider in assessing their potential exposure to involvement with entities engaged in human rights abuses, as part of a risk- based approach to due diligence. Please see the legally binding provisions cited and other relevant legal authorities. 2 The FATF’s “black list” places a jurisdiction identifies jurisdictions with serious strategic deficiencies to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and financing of proliferation. For all countries identified as high-risk, the FATF calls on all members and urges all jurisdictions to apply enhanced due diligence. under increased monitoring when the country has committed to resolve the identified strategic deficiencies within agreed timeframes and is subject to increased monitoring. For the latest information about Burma’s status in the FATF monitoring process visit the FATF’s website on High-risk and other monitored jurisdictions (fatf-gafi.org). 3 For more information, please see: https://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/natural-resource-governance/myanmars-poisoned-mountains/ https://apnews.com/article/technology-forests-myanmar-75df22e8d7431a6757ea4a426fbde94c https://ejatlas.org/conflict/rare-earth-mining-in-mountains-of-myanmar >https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/weapons-power-and-money-how-rare-earth-mining-in-kachin-enriches-a-< tatmadaw-ally/ 4 >https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/weapons-power-and-money-how-rare-earth-mining-in-kachin-enriches-a-< tatmadaw-ally/ 5 https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1555 6 For more information on copper exports, please see: https://tradingeconomics.com/myanmar/exports/copper#:~:text=Myanmar%20Exports%20of%20copper%20was,u pdated%20on%20August%20of%202023. For more information on overall mineral exports, see: >https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/collapse-in-minerals-exports-robs-junta-of-key-revenue/< 7 https:/ /w w w.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/mining-04262023173338.html

8 List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor. See https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/reports/child- labor/list-of-goods ; https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/resources/reports/child-labor/burma 9 According to Forest Trends, Burma’s trade partners imported approximately $500 worth of forest products. For more information, see: https:/ /w w w.forest-trends.org/publications/myanmars-timber-trade-since-the-coup/ 10 For more information, see: https:/ /w w w.forest-trends.org/publications/myanmars-timber-trade-one-year-since- the-coup/ 11  https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/reports/child-labor/list-of-goods 12 ILO Myanmar Labor Market Update 2023 https:/ /w w w.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/--- ilo-yangon/documents/briefingnote/wcms_888644.pdf 13 Myanmar kyat/US dollar market rate is 3400 kyat/dollar as of July 26, 2023 14 https:/ /w w w.ilo.org/gb/GBSessions/GB349/ins/WCMS_894548/lang--en/index.htm 15 World Bank Myanmar Economic Monitor https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents- reports/documentdetail/099062823041522943/p1791060533bdb01b0ae0a0c82f34c1c320 16 For more information, see: https:/ /w w w.business-humanrights.org/en/from-us/briefings/falling-out-of-fashion- garment-worker-abuse-under-military-rule-in-myanmar/ 17 https:/ /w w w.state.gov/reports/2023-trafficking-in-persons-report/burma/ 18 https:/ /w w w.ilo.org/gb/GBSessions/GB349/ins/WCMS_894548/lang--en/index.htm  

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News / / 01.29.24

US Expands on Myanmar Business Advisory

US Expands on Myanmar Business Advisory Additional sectors and activities identified as high-risk, as third coup anniversary nears

January 29, 2024 (Washington, DC) – The United States announced updates to the first business advisory for Myanmar. The supplemental advisory , jointly issued by the Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, Labor, and Homeland Security, and the Office of the US Trade Representative, includes the identification of additional sectors and activities of concern, notably mining, timber and jet fuel. Businesses, including financial institutions and individuals, are advised to adopt heightened compliance and due diligence measures to reduce risks of exposure to the junta and its enablers.

Denisse Rudich, Senior Policy Advisor at The Sentry , said: “Following the publication of the supplemental business advisory by the US Government, banks in the US and abroad, particularly in countries such as in Singapore, Thailand, and the UAE should monitor transactions to stop the flow of funds suspected of being linked to the military junta and carry out enhanced due diligence. They should engage with their correspondent banking networks, taking measures to prevent de-risking and ensure that humanitarian aid organizations, civilians, and essential sectors of the economy maintain unhindered access to the international financial system.” Oliver Windridge, Director of Illicit Finance Policy at The Sentry, said: “We welcome the supplemental advisory on Burma by the US Government. It complements the continued targeted sanctions policy adopted by the US to constrain and contain the Myanmar junta by restricting access to funds that finance its brutal war on the people of Myanmar. Targeted sanctions will not solve the crisis in the country on their own, but as essential financial tools of pressure, they must be wielded by the US and its like-minded partners in a coordinated manner and against networks of enablers to enhance their effectiveness. In addition to sanctions, the advisory identifies high-risk business sectors that companies will want to stay clear of to prevent their potential complicity in the atrocities of the Myanmar junta. It nevertheless encourages legitimate and responsible trade and investment flows that benefit the Myanmar population.” Yadanar Maung, Justice For Myanmar spokesperson , said: “It is positive that the US is continuing to advise companies in Myanmar to act responsibly and avoid key sectors that provide the junta with funds and resources that it needs to commit atrocities. However, this advice needs to be urgently backed up with more targeted sanctions by the US in coordination with its allies, including Australia, which remains exposed to Myanmar’s mining sector. There still are too many gaps in the sanctions that have been imposed and a large number of businesses and individuals that remain unsanctioned, despite evidence of complicity in the junta’s international crimes.”

The first US business advisory  on Myanmar, published in January 2022, was issued “to inform individuals, businesses, financial institutions, and other persons — including investors, consultants, and research service providers — of the heightened risks associated with doing business in Burma, and particularly business activity that could benefit the Burmese military regime.”

For media inquiries or interview requests for The Sentry , please contact: Greg Hittelman, Director of Communications,  [email protected]

For media inquiries for Justice For Myanmar , please contact: Yadanar Maung, Spokesperson,  [email protected]

About Justice For Myanmar

Justice For Myanmar is a covert group of activists using research, data visualisation, and reporting to expose and dismantle the business networks that fuel brutality, corruption and mass-scale suffering.

About The Sentry

(Short descriptor for press use: “The Sentry, an investigative organization that tracks corruption”)

The Sentry is an investigative and policy organization that seeks to disable multinational predatory networks that benefit from violent conflict, repression, and kleptocracy. Pull back the curtain on wars, mass atrocities, and other human rights abuses, and you’ll find grand corruption and unchecked greed. These tragedies persist because the perpetrators rarely face meaningful consequences. The Sentry aims to alter the warped incentive structures that continually undermine peace and good governance. Our investigations follow the money as it is laundered from war zones to financial centers around the world. We provide evidence and strategies for governments, banks, and law enforcement to hold the perpetrators and enablers of violence and corruption to account. These efforts provide new leverage for human rights, peace, and anti-corruption efforts. For more information: www.TheSentry.org

Update April 12, 2024

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• South Asia News

Amid ongoing clashes in Myanmar; India issues travel advisory, asks its nationals to register at embassy in Yangon

Visual Stories

By Mike Ives

Mike Ives reported from Myanmar several times in the years before the country’s 2021 military coup.

An escalating civil war threatens to break apart a country of roughly 55 million people that sits between China and India. That has international consequences, but the conflict hasn’t commanded wide attention .

Over the past six months, resistance fighters in Myanmar’s hinterlands have been defeating the ruling military junta in battle after battle, stunning analysts. That raises the possibility that the junta could be at risk of collapsing.

The resistance now controls more than half of Myanmar’s territory

Areas of control

Largely military junta control

Largely resistance control

Bay of Bengal

Source: The map is a simplified adaptation based on an effective control map produced by the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M). The original map provides more granular details of the situation of control.

By Weiyi Cai

The war is already a human rights catastrophe . Myanmar’s implosion since a 2021 military coup has wrecked its economy, throwing millions of people into extreme poverty. Its reputation as a hub for drugs, online scam centers and money laundering is growing. And its destabilization has created strategic headaches for China, India, the United States and other countries.

Here’s a primer.

A coup opened the path to disaster.

Myanmar is not a democracy. The junta allowed elections more than a decade ago, enabling Daw Aung San Suu Kyi , the daughter of an assassinated independence hero, to sit in Parliament . She later led a civilian government. But the junta controlled key levers of power through a military-drafted Constitution.

In 2021, the generals arrested Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi — who by then had lost her halo as a human rights icon — and staged a coup . That set off demonstrations, a brutal crackdown on mostly peaceful protesters, and waves of resistance from armed fighters.

The civil war is not new. Myanmar’s Army has been on a war footing since the former British colony gained independence in 1948. The recent fighting is unusual because many civilians from the country’s Bamar ethnic majority have taken up arms alongside ethnic groups that have been battling the army for decades.

Fighting has killed thousands of civilians.

In the years before the coup, Myanmar was emerging from decades of isolation under oppressive military rule. Companies like Ford, Coca-Cola and Mastercard made big investments . In Yangon, the largest city, tourists wandered among gilded pagodas and grand colonial-era buildings.

Now, bombings have put Yangon on edge, Western nations have imposed financial sanctions on members of the military regime, and thousands of middle-class people have fled to jungles to fight alongside ethnic insurgencies.

Civilians are bearing the costs. The fighting has killed thousands and displaced nearly three million others . The country is now littered with land mines, and extreme inflation has contributed to a drastic shrinking of the middle class , according to the United Nations.

The health sector is in crisis , partly because the regime has targeted doctors . Among the many problems, childhood vaccinations have essentially stopped, and malaria has increased substantially. Experts worry about the spread of H.I.V. and tuberculosis.

The rebels gain territory.

Rebels have seized large chunks of territory since October, the month an alliance of ethnic groups near the China border, in Shan State, captured several towns . Some have attacked the capital, Naypyidaw, with drones and made swift advances in several border regions. In recent weeks, rebels from the Karen ethnic group captured a trading town that lies east of Yangon along the Thai border — a once-unthinkable target. Neighboring Karenni State could be the first to entirely free itself of junta control.

There have also been advances in Kachin State, in the northeast, where the army controls lucrative jade mines , and in the western border state of Rakhine, where Myanmar soldiers and their militia allies once slaughtered members of the Rohingya Muslim minority, causing hundreds of thousands to flee to neighboring Bangladesh .

Some analysts say the Arakan Army, a powerful ethnic militia in Rakhine, could soon take Sittwe, the heavily guarded state capital.

The conflict reverberates internationally.

The war has regional and international consequences. Russia and other countries have sold the Myanmar army at least a billion dollars’ worth of weapons since the 2021 coup, according to the United Nations. China sees threats to the infrastructure projects it has funded across the country. And India, which has long feared chaos in its borderlands, is deporting Myanmar refugees .

Thailand, Myanmar’s eastern neighbor, is similarly concerned about the estimated 40,000 or more refugees that the United Nations predicts will cross the border this year. Bangladesh sees obstacles to its efforts to repatriate the Rohingya. And the United States has started to provide nonlethal aid to armed resistance groups.

So why doesn’t the war get more attention? One reason could be that Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi has gone from a Nobel Peace laureate, kept under house arrest by generals, to an apologist for their murderous campaign against the Rohingya.

Richard Horsey, an expert on Myanmar and an adviser to the International Crisis Group, said that her fall from grace killed the “democracy-versus-the-generals narrative” that would have helped to generate interest in the war.

“ The fairy tale narrative is gone,” he said. “And, you know, Sudan, right? Haiti? They don’t get as much attention either.”

Sui-Lee Wee contributed reporting.

Mike Ives is a reporter for The Times based in Seoul, covering breaking news around the world. More about Mike Ives