Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Natural Disasters and Climate
- Additional Information
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
Overview
Security Status
Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Latest Travel Alert
The Embassy continues to monitor the ongoing situation in Myanmar since the February 2021 military coup.
There is significant violence and conflict across much of Myanmar. Irish citizens in Myanmar should be extra vigilant.
While daily life has resumed in many urban centres, explosions or attacks remain likely and have increased in frequency and intensity in many areas. Roadblocks and military operations are likely to become more prevalent in Yangon and throughout the country. The Embassy advises citizens to avoid public gatherings and limit their outside activities.
The current advice to ‘Avoid non-essential travel’ is the second-highest level issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Irish citizens should not travel to Myanmar unless for essential reasons and if already there, should leave as soon as it is safe to do so. Travel to Myanmar is subject to onerous entry restrictions, which are subject to frequent change at short notice. Confirmation should be sought from the relevant Myanmar Embassy or Consulate well in advance of your departure.
As a result of these conditions, if you experience an emergency, the Embassy of Ireland is limited in the assistance it can provide.
Political Unrest
On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar Military detained officials from the elected government and announced a State of Emergency, effectively seizing control of the country’s governance. The situation remains tenuous and unstable.
A general nationwide curfew imposed between 8pm and 4am (Yangon 10pm to 4am) remains in place until further notice. There is a ban in effect at all times against gatherings of more than 5 people in public spaces. Political tension and unrest is widespread since the military takeover with regular large demonstrations against the military rule being held by protestors. This has seen a significant increase in the level of violence with many deaths, injuries and arrests. There are reports of significant military movements in several regions of the country. Conflict can escalate quickly. Citizens should continue to monitor local media closely.
Foreigners in Dawei, Laung Lone and Thayet Chaung townships in the Tanintharyi region have been instructed to leave for their own safety. Explosions and attacks are occurring regularly in Yangon and other parts of the country, and have included police stations, ward administration offices township electricity offices, civilian facilities and shops.
The military regularly shuts down access to various internet platforms and reports of disruptions to wider internet, phone networks and ATMs are frequent and widespread across the country. A number of areas in Myanmar are currently under a state of martial law, whilst others have curfews and ‘Stay at Home’ orders in place. Citizens should ensure they are fully aware of local rules and restrictions. The majority of townships in Yangon are currently under a ‘Stay at Home’ order as are many other areas. You should confirm with the local ward administrator if you are unsure whether an area is subject to a ‘Stay at Home’ order. Anyone wishing to travel to or from an area subject to a ‘Stay at Home’ order may need to contact the relevant local authorities to confirm the requirements for travel.
There are several active conflicts between armed groups and security forces following the military takeover. There is increased usage of explosive devices with daily occurrences of incidents now occurring. Citizens are reminded to take extra precautions and care, as the threat of being accidentally injured in one of these incidents is possible.
Fighting between armed groups occurs in a number of areas in Myanmar, including in areas previously unaffected by violence. We advise against all non-essential travel to:
- Rakhine State
- Sagaing, Magway and Chin States
- Shan State
- Kachin State (except the towns of Myitkyina, Bhamo and Putao)
- Kayin and Kayah States
- Tanintharyi Region
- Border areas with Thailand, Laos or China.
International Flights
There are limited international flights departing Yangon. It is advisable to book directly with airlines or through your travel agent. Myanmar authorities have directed airlines that all bookings to depart Myanmar must have been made at least 10 days prior to the intended date of departure and be shared with Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
You should also check with the Embassy of the country your flight is landing in about their local COVID-19 requirements for entry and transit. The International Association of Travel Agents (IATA) website Travel Centre section also gives a useful indication of the various requirements for each country.
COVID-19 testing in Myanmar is limited and sites and availability are subject to change at short notice. We advise that you make contact with your local clinic to get the latest information on testing availability and processing times.
The situation remains uncertain and could deteriorate quickly. Demonstrations and further civil unrest could occur.
If you are in Myanmar:
- stay indoors and maintain a low profile
- avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
- avoid areas cordoned off by the security forces
- monitor local media to stay informed about the evolving situation
- follow the advice of local authorities, including stay at home orders and curfews
COVID-19
Covid-19 is still a significant threat in Myanmar and you should be aware that there are significant obstacles to accessing adequate health care in Myanmar at this time. Medical services in Myanmar are more difficult than usual to obtain, and the Embassy is aware of reports that both public and private hospitals are lacking available beds for COVID-19 positive patients, or for patients seeking other medical care. Oxygen and other supplies needed to treat patients with COVID-19 are in short supply. Medical evacuations to neighbouring countries such as Thailand are not permitted at this time. Please take these factors into account when deciding if it is in your best interest to remain in or travel to Myanmar. As a result of these conditions, if you experience a medical emergency, the Embassy of Ireland is limited in the assistance it can provide.
Consular Assistance
Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, you may contact any EU Member State Embassy for consular services and information.
The following EU Member States have embassies in Myanmar:
We have also confirmed with the British Embassy in Yangon that they can provide consular services to affected Irish citizens in Myanmar at this time.
Travel to Myanmar from Ireland
Travel to Myanmar is subject to onerous entry restrictions which are subject to frequent change at short notice. Confirmation should be sought from the relevant Myanmar Embassy or Consulate well in advance of your departure.
We recommend that all visitors or residents of Myanmar follow the Embassy of Ireland social media channels as we can post updates there more frequently than on this page.
Facebook: https://fb.me/IrishEmbassyThailand/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IrlEmbBangkok
All travellers to Myanmar must present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival to Myanmar. Children under 12 years are exempt from this requirement, provided they are travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians.
Passengers who are not fully vaccinated must present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued at most 48 hours prior to arrival in Myanmar. Children under 12 years are exempt from this requirement.
Travellers must purchase COVID-19 medical insurance from Myanma insurance. Diplomats, UN officials and their families can submit health insurance from their respective countries instead.
Travellers are required to present a Health Declaration form upon arrival in Myanmar. This will be provided by either your airline or the airport authorities.
General Travel Advice
Political tension and unrest could happen at short notice. You are advised to be aware of your surroundings, make decisions to travel based on your own personal safety and follow the instructions of local authorities.
As there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in Myanmar, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Bangkok on +66 201 61360 (out of office hours please leave a clear message with your contact details).
We suggest you learn as much as you can about Burma/Myanmar before your trip from travel agents, tour operators and guide books and websites. The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems when you're in Myanmar, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Safety and security
Political Situation
On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military detained officials from the elected government and announced a state of emergency, effectively seizing control of the country’s governance. This situation still persists with the military in control of the country and the State of Emergency remains in place.
The political situation may be volatile and there is always a possibility of civil unrest. You may find your security unexpectedly at risk. Due to high levels of political tension, acts of politically motivated violence may occur at any time. Avoid concentrations of police and security forces, avoid gatherings and remain informed of current issues.
Restrictions on freedom of speech, movement, religion, and political activity remain, and under current laws criticism of the government can result in imprisonment, detainment and deportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.
Irish citizens in Myanmar should exercise caution and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. You should avoid taking pictures of demonstrations, police or military, including any police stations or military installations, as this may be prohibited by the authorities.
Internal Conflicts
Myanmar has suffered from prolonged internal conflicts, involving a number of non-state armed groups from Myanmar’s border areas. Ten Ethnic Armed Groups and the Government have signed a Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. Additional armed actors have bilateral ceasefire agreements with the government. However, even where there are ceasefires in place, the possibility of violent clashes remains in some areas of all Border States.
Rakhine
We advise against non-essential travel to Rakhine State due to tension from serious civil unrest in several locations and the risk that the situation could worsen. There are restrictions on access to certain areas and a curfew is in force. If you must travel to this area, check the situation and curfew timings locally and follow any instructions.
Border Areas
We also advise against all non-essential travel to the border areas with Thailand, Laos or China, and against non-essential travel to Kachin State. We recommend that you avoid sectors affected by instability entirely.
Political Unrest
There are several active conflicts between armed groups and security forces following the military takeover. There is increased usage of explosive devices with daily occurrences of incidents now occurring. Citizens are reminded to take extra precautions and care, as the threat of being accidentally injured in one of these incidents is possible.
Fighting between armed groups occurs in a number of areas in Myanmar, including in areas previously unaffected by violence.
Landmines
Landmines pose a threat in conflict areas so exercise extreme caution if you are travelling in these areas. Do not stray off main routes, particularly in rural areas, and always check with your local contact before travelling to affected regions.
Crime
You should take sensible precautions to protect yourself from crime while in Myanmar:
- Do not carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
- Do not carry your passport unless necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
- Be aware of your surroundings and have situational awareness at all times.
Reporting Crime
If you are a victim of a crime while in Myanmar, report it to the local police immediately.
Driving
If you are planning to drive in Myanmar, you should be extremely careful. Road safety is poor and traffic is heavy and chaotic in urban areas. Poor road conditions, poorly maintained vehicles, and inadequate street lighting can make driving dangerous. Potholes, pedestrians, animals, abandoned vehicles, and vehicles travelling and parked at night without lights also pose risks.
If you want to drive, bring your full Irish and international drivers licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance.
Vehicle Hiring
If you are hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you are allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).
Local Laws and Customs
Local Laws and Customs
Local laws and customs
Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.
Illegal Drugs
Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, ranging from a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment. Do not use, share or distribute drugs.
Local Culture
Myanmar is a majority Buddhist country and Myanmar people take religion very seriously. There have been recent cases of foreign tourists being arrested for being disrespectful of religious practices, so we advise you to be cautious and sensible. Respect religious custom when visiting Buddhist religious sites – shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops will cause offence. Shoes and socks should be removed before entering a pagoda or monastery. Using the image of the Buddha for decoration, including tattoos, is considered very offensive.
LGBT
Homosexuality is technically illegal in Myanmar, although these laws are rarely enforced in practice.
Natural Disasters and Climate
Natural Disasters and Climate
Natural disasters and climate
Earthquakes
Myanmar can experience extreme weather conditions and earthquakes. A strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck northeast India near the border with Burma/Myanmar and Bangladesh, on 4 January, 2016. A 6.8 Magnitude struck in the Bagan region in August 2016 and 4.7 most recently on the border with China in April 2017. If you're travelling to or living in Burma/Myanmar, make sure you know what to do in the event of an earthquake.
Cyclones
Myanmar/Myanmar is prone to cyclones, which can be devastating in their strength. Burma/Myanmar's rainy season generally runs from the end of April to October, during which time cyclones may be frequent. Monitor local and international weather updates during your stay, particularly if you're planning to travel throughout the country and always follow local authorities' instructions about security and evacuation. Be aware that certain areas or roads, including major roads between towns, may become impassable due to localised flooding in this period
Additional Information
Additional Information
Additional information
Entry requirements (visa/passport)
Irish citizens require a visa for Myanmar and can apply for a tourist or a business e-visa online.
Passports must be valid for at least six months from date of entry into Myanmar.
Border requirements
You must leave Myanmar by the same border crossing you entered. Don't enter restricted areas without the appropriate permissions from the authorities. The Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Sport maintains a list of approved destinations.
Health
Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for Burma/Myanmar. The health services in Myanmar are of a much lower standard than Irish hospitals and services. Ensure you have good travel insurance before your journey.
Embassy contact
Embassy Contact
After business hours, Irish Citizens seeking emergency consular assistance should contact the Duty Officer number at +662-016-1360.
Please leave a message with your name, contact number and details of the emergency.
Embassy of Ireland
12th Floor, 208 Wireless Road
Lumpini, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330
Tel: +66 2 016 1360
Fax: +66 2 675 3933
Monday to Thursday 09:30-12:00 and 14:30-15:30, Friday 09:30-12:00
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