Burma

Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

BB - Regulated state with high corruption and a medium frequency of crime risk against foreigners. The terrorism risk is high. The workplace HSE risk is high.The country scored 157/177 on the corruption perception index, with a score of -0.372 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes).

 

 

Genvisec advises against all but essential travel to Rakhine State except for the tourist resort of Ngapali and travel to/from the resort via Thandwe airport. 

 

Genvisec also advises against all but essential travel to Kachin State (except the towns of Myitkyina, Bhamo and Putao) due to continued risk of armed conflict. 

 

Movement to other areas and the capital city can continue ensuring that all visiting personnel are briefed prior.

 

There is potential for the national census on 28 March – 10 April to result in an increase in isolated disturbances. 

 

There is a high threat from terrorism. There were a number of small bomb explosions in Rangoon, Taungoo and Sagaing between 11 and 15 October. 

 

Take care in the border areas with Thailand, Laos or China. The situation in ethnic states where armed groups operate is volatile. There is ongoing conflict in the far north of Shan State and recent low level conflict in Mon State. 

 

Crime

 

There are no accurate crime statistics, but anecdotal evidence suggests that muggings, burglaries and petty thefts in Rangoon have increased as the economic situation has deteriorated. Homes occupied by foreigners and hotels have been targeted in the past. You should take extra care of your belongings.

 

There have been occasional instances of violent crime against foreigners. Take sensible security precautions at all times.

 

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. A range of domestic groups operate in Burma. Previous attacks have targeted government buildings, commercial premises, public transport, festivals, hotels and cinemas.

 

There were a number of small bomb explosions in Rangoon (Yangon), Taungoo and Sagaing between 11 and 15 October, including an explosion at the Traders Hotel Rangoon on the evening of 14 October, where one foreign national was injured. Four further bombs were reportedly disarmed by police between 11 and 15 October, including in 2 restaurants visited by foreigners in Rangoon and Mandalay. Arrests have been made although the motivation for the attacks remains unclear.

 

The last large-scale attack occurred on 15 April 2010 when 3 bombs exploded injuring over 170 people celebrating the Burmese (Buddhist) New Year and water festival in a park near the Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon.

 

Take care in public places and regularly review your security arrangements.

 

 

Political situation

 

Since the appointment of the government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in March 2011, headed by President Thein Sein, there have been encouraging political reforms. The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, was able to re-register as an official political party in late 2011. The NLD took part in largely free and fair by-elections in April 2012, winning the majority of the seats contested. Several hundred political prisoners have been released, though many still remain in jail. The government has signed initial peace agreements with a number of ethnic armed groups, but there is no formal ceasefire as yet in Kachin State.

 

Burma has suffered from prolonged internal conflicts, involving a number of non-state armed groups from Burma’s ethnic States. Most of these groups have now signed ceasefires with the Burmese government after years of fighting. There is no formal ceasefire as yet in Kachin State.

 

Censorship has been significantly eased. New legislation passed by Parliament offers greater freedoms of assembly and movement, and the right to form trade unions.

 

However, the political situation remains potentially unsettled. Restrictions on freedom of speech, movement, religion, and political activity remain, and foreign nationals have been arrested, imprisoned and deported in the past for criticising the government in public. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, and don’t take photographs or videos of the police, military installations military personnel, or demonstrations. An increase in isolated disturbances may occur around the time of the national census, beginning on 28 March, especially during the count or following the announcement of results.

 

In the past, there have been acts of politically motivated violence around public holidays like Armed Forces Day (27 March) and Martyrs Day (19 July). On other anniversaries, like the 8 August 1988 uprising against the government and the September 2007 protests, you can expect to see an increase in security forces in Rangoon and elsewhere in Burma.

 

There is potential for the national census on 28 March – 10 April to result in an increase in isolated disturbances.

 

Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and don’t take photographs or videos of the military, the police or demonstrations. 

 

There are restrictions on freedom of movement and speech. Foreing Embassy officials are not allowed to travel freely outside Rangoon without permission from the Burmese government, except to a limited number of destinations. Consular assistance in an emergency may be restricted or delayed.

 

Local travel - Rakhine State

 

Genvisec advise against all but essential travel to Rakhine State, except the tourist resort of Ngapali only and travel to/from the resort via Thandwe airport. This is due to continued tension following serious civil unrest in 2012. The latest outbreak of violence occurred in an area near to the town of Thandwe between 30 September and 2 October 2013. However, more widely in Rakhine State there remains a risk that the situation could worsen. A night-time curfew remains in place in parts of central and northern Rakhine State, including Mrauk U, between 10pm and 5am. On 10 April the curfew in Sittwe was amended to 9pm - 5am. Timings of the curfew are liable to change at short notice. Seek local advice and follow any official instructions.

 

There is potential for the national census, beginning on 28 March, to exacerbate tensions in Rakhine State, resulting in an increase in isolated disturbances or civil unrest, especially during the count or following the announcement of results. On 26 March there were violent protests directed against international NGO staff in Sittwe, Rakhine State, including the ransacking of offices. No injuries were reported. Further violence could be directed against foreigners. You should take sensible security precautions at all times.

 

If you’re travelling to Ngapali you should only access the resort via Thandwe airport which is located next to the resort itself. You should monitor local developments and keep in close contact with your tour operator in case the security situation there changes. British nationals working for NGOs and other companies should keep in close contact with those organisations.

 

Local travel - Kachin State

 

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to Kachin State (except the towns of Myitkyina, Bhamo and Putao). Although fighting in the area has recently reduced, there remains a continued risk of armed conflict. If you are travelling to Myitkyina, Bhamo and Putao, you should monitor local developments and keep in close contact with your tour operator in case the security situation there changes. The Burmese authorities are currently restricting travel between Myitkyina and Bhamo in Kachin state: travel to and between these two towns is permitted by air only.

 

Local travel - Mandalay region

 

After violence earlier this year in Meiktila, the government imposed a state of emergency and a night-time curfew. Although the state of emergency in Meiktila has been lifted the night time curfew remains in place. Timings of the curfew are liable to change at short notice. Be alert to further announcements by the Burmese government and monitor local developments. Keep in close contact with your travel company or employer.

 

Local travel - Pago division

 

Following unrest in areas of Pago division from 24 March 2013, the government has imposed night-time curfews and other restrictions on public gatherings in several townships in western Pago division. Be alert to further announcements by the Burmese government and monitor local developments. Keep in close contact with your tour operator, or employer.

 

Local travel - border areas

 

Be particularly vigilant in border areas. There is ongoing military activity close to borders with Thailand, Laos and China especially in Shan, Karen, Mon and Kachin States. Land mines also pose a threat in conflict areas.The Burmese government restricts travel to most border areas. There are a limited number of legal crossing points, but these could close without notice: Tachilek (Burma Shan State) - Mae Sai (northern Thailand border), KawThoung (Burma Tanintharyi) - Ranong-Kawthoung (southern Thailand border), Muse (Burma Shan State) - Ruili (China border), Tamu (Burma Chin State) - Morei (India border), Myawaddy (Burma Karen State) - Mae Sot (western Thailand border).

 

Burmese immigration officers may ask to hold your passport until your visit is complete. Don’t attempt to cross any border illegally or enter restricted areas without the appropriate permissions from the Burmese authorities. Even after getting permission, you may experience difficulties with the local authorities.

 

Local travel - destinations subject to limitations

 

The Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Sport maintains a list of approved destinations. Tourists can visit Rangoon, Mandalay, Bago and Irrawaddy regions without restrictions. Other destinations are subject to limitations (eg access by air or train but not by road). For more information, contact the Burmese Ministry of Tourism.

 

Be particularly vigilant in border areas. There is ongoing military activity close to borders with Thailand, Laos and China especially in Shan, Karen and Kachin States. Land mines also pose a threat in conflict areas.

 

Air travel

 

An Air Bagan plane carrying a number of tourists crashed on 25 December 2012. A list of other recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety Network.

 

There are concerns over safety standards of some airlines operating within Burma. Genvisec can offer advice on the safety of individual airlines.

 

In 2010 the International Civil Aviation Organisation carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Burma.

 

Local flight schedules are subject to change without warning. You should leave sufficient time in your travel itinerary to accommodate this. Burmese domestic airlines sometimes use aircraft from outside their own fleet. Passengers are not advised in advance where this is the case.

 

Rail travel

 

Railway equipment is poorly maintained. Fatal rail crashes occur, although they may not always be reported.

 

Road travel

 

You can’t use a European licence or an International Driving Permit to drive in Burma. You must apply for a Myanmar Driving Licence at the Department for Road Transport and Administration in Rangoon.

 

Overland travel can be hazardous, particularly in the rainy season (May to October). Roads can become impassable and bridges damaged. Travel by road between many areas outside the key destinations of Rangoon, Mandalay, Bago and Irrawaddy regions is restricted. Check with your tour operator or the Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Sport before travelling.

 

Under Burmese law, the driver of a car involved in an accident with a pedestrian is always at fault. Many vehicles, including taxis, are in a poor mechanical state. Although Burma drives on the right, the majority of cars are right hand drive, which can make driving hazardous. 

 

 Genvisec advises to avoid travel where possible on the Naypyitaw-Rangoon road at night, due to bad lighting and poor road surfacing.

 

Many buses and taxis in Burma run on compressed natural gas. There have been reports of injuries to passengers caused by exploding gas cylinders.

 

Sea and river travel

 

Seek local advice about where it is safe to swim or dive in the sea. River transport may not meet internationally recognised safety standards and search and rescue facilities may be limited.

 

During the monsoon season (normally May to October), heavy rains can cause flooding. Check the weather before undertaking any river journey.

 

Mobile phones

 

International GSM roaming is not available in Burma.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

You can get routine medical advice and treatment in Rangoon and Mandalay, but elsewhere competent advice and treatment may not be available. Up-front cash payment is often required prior to receiving medical treatment in Burma. Avoid intrusive examinations, including emergency dental work, due to irregular hygiene standards and the danger of infection, particularly by hepatitis B and C and HIV/AIDS. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Poor sanitation and eating contaminated food can increase the risk of diarrhoeal illnesses. Drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

 

There have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in domestic poultry in Burma. There have been no confirmed human deaths in Burma.

 

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds, and make sure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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