The affects of Cyclone Nargis, which struck Burma on 2/3 May 2008, have caused tens of thousands of deaths and left hundreds of thousands more homeless. A state of emergency is in place in Rangoon and Irrawaddy. Supplies of water and fuel are very low. Visitors are advised to avoid these areas and to follow the advice of the local authorities.

In September 2007, protests led by Buddhist monks agianst the government took place in cities across Myanmar. There were violent clashes between protestors and the security forces. The security forces used violence, tear gas and gun shots to disperse the crowds and there were a number of fatalities, including a foreign journalist, and numerous injuries.

The political situation in Myanmar continues to remain unsettled. A curfew was imposed in September 2007 and this was lifted on 20 October 2007. Visitors should continue to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, and avoid taking photographs or video of the military, the police or demonstrations as doing so could be interpreted as provocative. Visitors should keep themselves informed of developments.

Anyone visiting or resident in Myanmar should exercise caution in public places and ensure that they are comfortable with, and regularly review security arrangements.

Travellers should exercise caution when travelling to border areas in Myanmar, particularly those close to the Thai/Myanmar border where there is a risk from ongoing military activity and landmines. The government restricts travel to most border areas and there are only a limited number of legal crossing points, which often close without notice. Visitors should not attempt to cross borders illegally or enter restricted areas without permission from the authorities.

Travellers should be aware of the threat from terrorism in Myanmar.

Since April 2005, there have been a number of bomb explosions in Myanmar. Targets have included commercial interests, public transport and places tourists may visit. On 11 and 15 January 2007, four detonators were found wrapped as parcels in post offices in Rangoon. One exploded causing minor injuries. In January 2008, there have been bomb explosions in Pyu, north of Rangoon and at the railway stations in Rangoon and Pyinmana outside Nay Pyi Taw. The explosions killed two people and injured several others.

Those visiting or are resident in Myanmar should exercise caution in public places and ensure that all security arrangements are sufficient and regularly reviewed.

The political situation in Myanmar remains unsettled and there are stringent restrictions on freedom of movement and speech. British Embassy officials are not allowed to travel freely outside Rangoon without prior permission from the government, except to a limited number of destinations. Consular assistance in an emergency may therefore be restricted or delayed.

Visitors should avoid any demonstrations and large crowds, especially on or around public holidays such as Armed Forces Day (27 March) and Martyrs Day (19 July) as these have the potential to turn violent.

Typhoons occasionally occur in Myanmar between April and October.

In 2007, there have been confirmed outbreaks of Avian Influenza in poultry farms in several north and north-western suburbs of Rangoon and in the states of Bago, Mon and Shan. No human infections or deaths have been reported.

Dengue Fever is endemic in Myanmar and can occur throughout the year, particularly during the rainy season (December to April). There is no vaccination or immunisation. Since the beginning of 2007, reports have indicated a significant increase in the number of Dengue Fever cases. The authorities are taking measures to combat the disease.

Travellers should bring enough US Dollars to fund their stay. Credit cards and travellers’ cheques are unlikely to be accepted and there are no ATMs in Myanmar.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel