The Burmese military regime deposed elected leaders and officials in a February 2021 coup d’état. Protests and demonstrations against military rule can occur on significant dates and have the potential for violence.
Unrest
Due to the ongoing armed conflicts and civil unrest in Burma, U.S. government employees working in Burma may not be allowed to travel within the country.
Due to safety risks, minor dependents cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Burma.
Armed Conflict
Armed conflicts occur throughout Burma. Instances of civil unrest are common. The amount of armed conflict and civil unrest varies across states and regions. The situation may change at any time.
- Opposition militias often attack facilities affiliated with regime security forces and administrative authorities in Rangoon and other areas.
- Local opposition militia groups operate throughout the country.
- Be aware that the regime may limit access to highways and airports. This could lead to isolation.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations .
Improvised Explosive Devices
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are used in the ongoing armed conflicts, including within the municipal Rangoon area.
- From January to December 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon calculated an average of 6 explosions per month. These blasts targeted regime personnel and facilities in Rangoon.
- Outside of Rangoon, IED attacks have hit checkpoints, as well as military, administrative, and police facilities.
Unexploded Ordnances
Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Burma. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked nor easy to recognize.
Arbitrary Enforcement of Laws
The military regime will often arbitrarily enforce local laws, including detaining individuals without fair treatment or a transparent legal process.
- This affects Burmese citizens and foreigners, including Americans. Americans traveling or residing in Burma may be detained, and regime authorities may deny a prisoner access to U.S. consular services or information about the alleged crime. Prisoners do not have regular access to legal counsel.
- Local law enforcement officials may also detain or deport Americans for speaking out or demonstrating against the military regime, including on their personal social media accounts, and for sending private electronic messages critical of the military regime, regardless of whether they were physically in Burma at the time.
- Remember that in countries around the world the U.S. embassy will work to monitor your health and safety in detention but cannot guarantee your release. Most Americans who are convicted of committing a crime overseas serve out their sentences in prisons in that country.
Healthcare
Burma has limited or inadequate healthcare and emergency medical resources.
Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on Travel Insurance .
Conscription Laws
As of April 2024, the Burma military regime implemented a military conscription law. It applies to males up to age 45 and females up to age 35.
- The military regime might prevent people they view as eligible for conscription from leaving the country. This includes Burmese-born Americans.
Crime
Violent crime against foreigners is rare. But there have been incidents of muggings and attacks by taxi drivers.
Scam Centers
Foreign nationals, including Americans, have been trafficked into Burma.
- They have been forced to work in internet scam centers. These are often located in active conflict zones along Burma’s eastern borders.
- Victims often respond to ads promising jobs in Thailand. They are then forced or unwittingly lured into working at scam centers in Burma.
- Review our information on Americans Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime .
- Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas .
- Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Burma.
For Americans in Burma:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate reach you or your designated contact in an emergency. Follow the Embassy’s Consular Section on Facebook .
- Review the Dual Nationality for Burma.
- Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to the risk of unexploded ordnance, and don’t touch unknown metal objects for the same reason.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
- Review local laws and conditions.
- Review our website on Dual Nationality .
- Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones. This is so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Review this list of documents to prepare for your trip.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization.
- Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups. This includes your social media, cameras, laptops, or other electronic devices.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Burma.
- Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist .
- We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Rangoon, Burma
(+95) (1) 753-6509
Embassy website: https://mm.usembassy.gov/
Email: ACSRangoon@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Burma Country Information
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
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