This is an annual report produced in
conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon
(Yangon). OSAC encourages travelers to use
this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Burma
(Myanmar). For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Burma country page for original
OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may
be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.
Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of
State Travel
Advisory at the date of this report’s publication
assesses Burma at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to areas of civil unrest
and armed conflict.
Do not travel to:
·
Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Maungdaw, Minbya, Mrauk-
U, Ponnagyun, and Rathedaung townships in Rakhine State due to civil unrest and armed conflict.
·
Paletwa township in Chin State due to civil unrest and armed conflict
·
Hpakan, Momauk, Sumprabum, Tanai, and Waingmaw
townships in Kachin State due to civil
unrest and armed conflict.
·
Hpapun township in Kayin State due to civil unrest.
·
Hseni, Hsipaw, Konkyan, Kutkai, Kyaukme,
Laukkaing, Matman, Mongmao, Muse, Namphan, Namtu, Pangsang, and Pangwaun
townships in Shan State due to civil
unrest and armed conflict.
Reconsider travel to:
·
Ann, and Myebon townships in Rakhine State due
to civil unrest and armed conflict.
·
Matupi township in Chin State due to civil unrest.
·
Bhamo, Mansi, and Mogaung townships in Kachin
State due to civil unrest.
·
Hopang, Lashio, Mongkaung, Namhsan, Nanhkan
townships in Shan State due to civil
unrest.
·
Lashio township in Shan State due to civil unrest.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the
Consular Travel Advisory System.
Overall
Crime and Safety Situation
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Rangoon
as being a LOW-threat location for
crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Although the
police do not issue crime or arrest statistics, the rising cost of living,
increasing expatriate presence, and rapidly expanding tourism sector appear to
have led to an uptick in crime. In Rangoon, Burmese nationals experience
nighttime robbery, petty street crime, home invasion, and homicide at rates
similar to other major cities in Southeast Asia. Many reports of crime are
unverifiable due to third-party sources that are difficult to corroborate.
The most common crimes expatriates report are
non-violent crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing, theft of unattended
possessions in public places, and bag snatchings. Exercise the same level of
caution you would in any major city in the U.S. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should
Leave Behind.
Incidents of financial fraud are increasing. While
Burma is still largely a cash-only society, this is changing, particularly in
the larger urban areas where many stores, hotels, and restaurants catering to
tourists accept credit cards as a form of payment. You can find ATMs in larger
urban areas, but it is common for them to run out of money, especially on local
paydays. Travelers must often
carry large sums of local currency, especially to more rural locations.
Avoid flashing large sums of currency in public. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s
Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.
Avoid responding to unsolicited opportunities
to make money, including business opportunities that seem too good to be true. Beware
of merchants selling gems, gold, and/or semi-precious stones; purchasing these
items could result in substantial loss of money and/or a violation of local
laws. Do not purchase gems or minerals from an unlicensed source.
Violent crime and the use of weapons in the
commission of crimes are not common. In the event of an armed confrontation,
immediately hand over the desired property to avoid escalation or injury.
There were
only three break-ins of diplomatic or foreign owned residences in Rangoon’s Bahan
Township in 2019. Proper use of door and gates locks would likely have
prevented these crimes. Supervise all workers in your residence. Keep doors and
windows of residences and hotel rooms secured. Do not store valuable items and
large amounts of currency at home; they may attract the attention of criminals. Review
OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and
Outs and Considerations for
Hotel Security.
Cybersecurity Issues
Authorities may prosecute, fine, and/or
imprison you for posting negative or derogatory comments on social media,
including Facebook, under the 2013 Telecommunications Law, which criminalizes
“extortion of any person, coercion, unlawful restriction, defamation,
interfering, undue influence, or intimidation using a telecommunications
network.”
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for
Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile
Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones:
Critical or Contraband?
Other Areas of Concern
Internal ethnic conflicts, communal violence,
and religious tensions make certain areas outside of Rangoon off-limits for
Embassy personnel. You must obtain permission to visit
sensitive areas from the Burmese government prior to travel. Foreigners
traveling overland outside of Rangoon or other major cities/tourist
destinations may experience problems without a Burmese interpreter to
facilitate interaction with non-English speakers.
Transportation
and Safety Situation
Road Safety and Road Conditions
Although major thoroughfares (e.g. the Rangoon-Mandalay
highway) have received government attention and undergone safety improvements,
many roads throughout Burma are in poor condition and/or may be impassable
after heavy rains. Many roads lack pavement, lighting, shoulders, and/or grading.
Driving under these conditions has led to an increase in fatalities,
particularly on highways. U.S. Embassy personnel may not drive outside of major
cities after dark.
The monsoon season (May-October) presents
additional transportation and logistics challenges including mud, deep
potholes, flooding, and near-zero visibility at times. These challenges may
hamper the ability to drive safely. Drivers should familiarize themselves with
flood-prone areas and travel in high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Inclement weather
may add several hours to estimated travel time. Only travel during daylight
hours using road worthy vehicles. Those driving to remote areas should consider
using redundant vehicles and carrying vehicle recovery equipment in the event a
vehicle becomes stuck or breaks down.
Vehicle import restrictions have eased,
causing the number of vehicles on Rangoon’s streets to increase in recent
years. Narrow streets congested with vehicles, pedestrians, and animals; poor
road maintenance; and inadequate traffic infrastructure can result in difficult
daily commutes. Many motorists are new to driving. Drivers are often impatient
and exhibit little consideration for pedestrians, other motorists’
right-of-way, or general safe driving practices. Drivers routinely cross into
oncoming traffic to pass, pull into traffic without looking, fail to merge properly,
and cut off other vehicles. Many vehicle accidents occur due to the erratic
behavior of local drivers. Exercise caution when driving. You
must have a Burmese government recognized driver license to operate a motor
vehicle in Burma. Burma does not recognize driver’s licenses from the United
States; an international driver license is only valid for one year.
Pedestrians often walk in the middle of roads
or stand on painted lane dividers, often only inches from passing vehicles,
seemingly unaware of the potential safety hazard. Many pedestrians wear dark
clothing, and local drivers tend to use high beams at night (or no headlights
at all), posing additional risks to other motorists and pedestrians. In 2017, a
passing motorist struck and killed a U.S. citizen attempting an ill-advised
crossing of a busy road at night. Another struck a U.S citizen pedestrian while
making an illegal turn, causing serious injuries. Pedestrians should maintain a
high degree of situational awareness and not assume they have the right of way.
By law, authorities permit no alcohol in one’s
system while operating a vehicle. Nevertheless, drunk or drug-impaired driving
is a major concern and poses a significant risk to visitors, especially at
night.
Drivers also must contend with motorbikes,
which often lack proper signals and safety gear; give them a wide berth. Always
keep adequate space behind the vehicle in front of you to ensure adequate
stopping distance. Bicycling can also be hazardous due to poor road conditions
and erratic drivers. Be aware of what is taking place outside of the vehicle. It
is common for beggars and street vendors to approach vehicles at stoplights. Always
keep your windows up and your doors locked. Always park in secure, well-lighted
locations. Do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.
Review OSAC’s
reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State
Department’s webpage on driving and road safety
abroad.
Public Transportation Conditions
Public transportation (e.g. taxis, bus, and
rail) is readily available in Rangoon and some parts of the country. Most
trains and buses are overcrowded; others are old and in poor condition,
frequently causing them to break down, for these reasons the U.S. Embassy
discourages the use of public transportation for its employees.
In Rangoon, taxis are a more reliable method
of transportation. They are generally safe, but many are in poor condition
and/or lack seatbelts. Take particular care when taking taxis late at night. To
avoid confrontation or overcharging, negotiate rates with the driver prior to
departure. Identify if the driver seems impaired due to drinking or drugs. When
in doubt, hail another taxi. The U.S. Embassy permits its employees to use licensed
taxis and app-based services such as Grab.
For more
information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public
Transport, and Overnights.
Aviation/Airport Conditions
In December 2018, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration audit assessed that Burma is compliant with International Civil
Aviation Organization safety standards. However, safety records of Burma’s
commercial air carriers are not readily available, and there is little
information available regarding government oversight of commercial aviation. Passenger
screening remains below international standards.
Other Travel Conditions
Fuel stations and police assistance are
limited outside of Rangoon and other major towns/cities; motorists should plan
accordingly.
Terrorism
Threat
Local, Regional, and
International Terrorism Threats/Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Rangoon
as being a MEDIUM-threat location
for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The
government is sensitive to the threat of terrorism and engages with
international partners on this issue. There is no evidence to suggest that
terrorist organizations have operational capacity in Burma. The government is
not a state sponsor of terrorist activities and does not knowingly allow
foreign fighters to transit the country. However, terrorists can target
Westerners anywhere in the world. Consider that any large public gatherings
could become attractive targets for terrorists. While both Al-Qa’ida in the
Indian Sub-Continent (AQIS) and the Islamic State in the Philippines (ISIS-P)
have threatened to launch attacks in Burma in response to the Rakhine crisis,
so far those threats are largely aspirational.
Burma has hosted numerous recent large public
events, including a Papal visit, the Pan-Asia Games, and an Association of
South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, all of which took place without major
security incidents.
Political,
Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence
Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Rangoon
as being a HIGHthreat location for
political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
There is a higher risk of political violence in other parts of the country.
This political violence is limited primarily to states in Burma’s periphery.
Fighting between the Burmese military and various ethnic armed groups (EAGs)
and militia forces continues in several border regions, including parts
of Kachin, Shan, Rakhine, and Chin states. Exercise caution when traveling
to these areas. Fighting generally does not occur in the destinations most U.S.
citizen visitors frequent, including Rangoon, Bagan, Kalaw-Inle Lake region,
Ngapali Beach, Naypyitaw, and Mandalay.
Burma has one of the world’s longest-running
internal armed conflicts, between the ethnic-Bamar dominated central government
and nearly two dozen EAGs. These conflicts are rooted in political grievances
and ethnic minorities’ desire for greater rights and protections; the EAGs also
clash with the government and with each other over territory and resources. In
2015, ten EAGs signed a ceasefire agreement with the government, but some armed
conflict continues in parts of Kachin, Shan, Rakhine, and Chin States. This conflict is often sporadic in nature and
tends to spike during dry season (November through February). Starting in
January 2019, the most sustained fighting has occurred between the military and
the Arakan Army, an ethnic-Rakhine EAG, in northern Rakhine State. In August
2019, due to an eruption of fighting in northern Shan State, fifteen U.S.
citizens were isolated for several days until roads closed due to the fighting
could reopen. Avoid traveling in border areas where armed conflict has occurred
or is occurring. The EAGs have not shown any desire to target U.S. interests.
Burma held historic national elections in
2015. No significant civil unrest or political violence occurred during the
elections. There remains a bifurcated system of authority, where the civilian
government does not have oversight or control of the military or the security
services. Leading up to the November 2020 general elections, there is a
possibility of localized intercommunal tension or violence.
Intercommunal conflicts, public
demonstrations, and outbursts of violence may challenge U.S. private-sector
organizations and could jeopardize U.S. investments and operations, even if
they are not direct targets. Avoid large crowds, demonstrations, and political
activity, and maintain a high level of situational awareness. Be careful about
messages posted on social media; statements supporting one political cause or
another could create a serious online backlash that could have real
consequences outside of the social media sphere.
In Burma, protests are not uncommon. The
government has arrested protestors for contravening the Peaceful Assembly Act
by protesting without permission. Although public protests, often in response
to human rights violations, interethnic tensions, or to support religious
freedom, education, and labor rights, are normally peaceful, spontaneous
violence may occur.
In February 2019, police injured 21
protestors when using rubber bullets and water cannons to break up a protest of
Karenni people in Loikaw, Kayah State. In May 2018, police forcibly broke up an
anti-war protest and arrested several protestors for disturbing the peace and
for protesting without a permit. In January 2018, police fired upon protesters
in Mrauk-U, north-central Rakhine State killing nine people and injuring 19 others.
The crowd was protesting the cancellation of an Arakan festival.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest
Religious/Ethnic Violence
Burma has 135 officially recognized ethnic
groups. While Burma’s ethnic diversity is a source of national pride, it has
also suffered from a long history of ethnic and sectarian conflicts. Most
ethnic-based violence is the result of fighting between the Myanmar military
and the EAGs or between the different EAGs in Kachin, Shan, Rakhine, and Chin
States.
Intercommunal tension remains high in Rakhine
State between the ethnic Rakhine and the Rohingya, a group that is not one of
the officially recognized ethnic groups and which many in Burma view as illegal
immigrants. As the Rakhine are Buddhist and the Rohingya Muslim, this conflict
sometimes takes on a religious dimension, but the Rakhine also deeply resent
the perceived oppression by their Bamar co-religionists who run the central
government. Because the government does not recognize Rohingya as a minority,
they must undergo verification to receive Burmese citizenship and are often
unable to obtain identification cards or travel documents. In addition, they
face abuse, institutionalized discrimination, and restrictions on freedom of
movement, as well as a lack of access to education, livelihoods, and basic
services. As a result, many have fled to Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, and
Malaysia. The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacks in 2017 and the
military operations that followed led over 700,000 Rohingya refugees out of an
estimated population of 1.1 million to flee into Bangladesh. The governments of
Bangladesh and Burma continue to work on a repatriation process, but progress
has been slow. The situation is now more complicated due to ongoing conflict
between the military and the Arakan Army. Fighting has spread across central
and northern Rakhine and southern Chin States. Tensions remain high.
Post-specific
Concerns
Environmental Hazards
During the monsoon season (May-October),
street flooding is pervasive throughout southern Burma. Low-lying villages are
susceptible to floods, resulting in food shortages and other health concerns. Rangoon
lacks the drainage infrastructure to accommodate storm water runoff. As a
result, low-lying parts of Rangoon including major vehicle thoroughfares suffer
from flash flooding. A prolonged monsoon season in 2017 led to one of the worst
outbreaks of dengue fever in recent history. Additionally, heavy rains can down
power lines, creating an electrocution hazard. Avoid areas where power lines
are down.
Burma is prone to cyclones during two seasons,
which peak in May and November. These violent storms can overwhelm an already
weak infrastructure, causing widespread destruction. Major earthquake fault
lines are also present; consider them when developing contingency plans. Areas
of Rangoon and Bago experienced a 6.0-magnitude earthquake in January 2018.
Critical Infrastructure
The former military junta chronically
mismanaged the economy and failed to invest in critical infrastructure
projects, allowing the country’s transit infrastructure, electrical grid, tele-communications
network, and tourism facilities to fall into disrepair. Burma’s infrastructure
is substandard compared to regional neighbors and will require significant
investment and years of updating. An old, inadequate electrical power grid is
one of the biggest challenges causing frequent blackouts, even in major urban
centers, as demand continues to outpace supply.
Burma’s telecommunications and Internet
infrastructure is substandard in rural areas, but is standard in major cities
and continues to grow and expand throughout the country. Travelers may not have
access to cellular networks and should consider redundant or alternative forms
of communication, especially outside the major cities.
Economic Concerns
According to Transparency International’s 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index,
Burma improved its global ranking from 156 in 2016 to 130 in 2019. However,
corruption remains a serious barrier to commerce and investment, and permeates
the government and economy. U.S. companies may find competitors are able to
obtain an advantage when proposing or bidding on projects, although the
government has taken clear steps to improve the transparency and evaluation of
major tenders and to tackle official corruption. U.S. companies generally find
that government officials and businesspeople are less likely to seek or expect
“facilitation payments” or other gifts than elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
U.S. firms consider the lack of clarity
surrounding commercial laws and regulations, and the lack of adequate
infrastructure (especially reliable electricity) to be the most serious
impediments to doing business. A non-transparent and protectionist import
permit system often blocks imports, particularly for agricultural products. A
bright spot is that the government has focused on drafting and passing
commercial laws, including the 2016 Investment Law and the 2017 Companies Act.
The limitations of rule of law are an
impediment for U.S. private-sector organizations. The judicial system is
archaic, and decisions are often made through personal relationships or bribes.
Burma suffers from an antiquated legal system and outdated legislation; many
laws are vague and often subject to manipulation. According to the 2019 World
Bank Doing Business report, Burma ranked number 20th out of 25 in
the East Asia and Pacific Region for starting a new business in the Ease of
Doing Business Report, last for protecting minority investors, and 24th
out of 25 for enforcing contracts. The country has introduced reforms,
including a 2019 decision to allow full foreign ownership in the life insurance
sector. Globally Burma ranks 165 out of 190 in the World Bank ease of doing
business rankings.
Privacy Concerns
Government interest in the activities of
foreigners persists. Visitors conducting sensitive political or commercial
business should assume the government monitors their actions, especially in
public places. Because the government controls the country’s telephone network
and Internet providers, it can intercept calls and emails. Depending upon the
government’s level of interest, it may employ overt surveillance. U.S. private-sector
organizations should be aware that the “no expectation of privacy” policy could
make the discussion of proprietary information and sensitive information
difficult. Protect all financial and
personal information. Do not discuss travel plans or other business in an open
venue. Be alert to any unusual surveillance or activity near the places you
frequently visit. Vary your routes and times.
Personal Identity Concerns
Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal
under the Burmese penal code, which has provisions against “sexually abnormal”
behavior and entails punishments up to life imprisonment. Laws against “unnatural
offenses” apply equally to men and women, but are rarely enforced. LGBTI
persons have reported that police used the threat of prosecution to extort
bribes. LGBTI activists have also reported allegations of rape by security
forces in some cases, arbitrary arrest (for example for loitering), detention,
and broad societal and familial discrimination. However, several officially
sanctioned Pride events have occurred in Rangoon without ill effect. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.
Individuals with
disabilities should prepare to face difficulties throughout Burma. Roads and
sidewalks are often difficult to cross. Ramps or handicapped-accessible
facilities are rare. Review the State Department’s webpage on
security for travelers
with disabilities.
Insulting
religion is a prosecutable offense. ‘Insult’ is a very broad term that could
include tattoos or other religious representations in a non-religious context.
Images of the Buddha can be particularly sensitive. In 2016, authorities
deported a foreign tourist for allegedly having a tattoo of the Buddha on his
leg. As in any country, be respectful of local customs when visiting religious
sites. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the
State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based
travelers.
Other Issues
Always
ask permission before taking a photograph. Local citizens may request a small
fee for taking a picture of them or their surroundings. Do not photograph
government buildings, embassies, military installations, airports, harbors, or
other locations or items of a possible security or intelligence interest;
cameras may be confiscated. Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and
Don’ts for Photography.
Importing
unmanned aerial systems (drones) without prior government permission and flying
them in sensitive areas can result in criminal penalties including jail time
and the permanent confiscation of the drone. Sensitive areas include government
buildings, famous tourist sites, and religious buildings. However, it is not
always clear what constitutes a sensitive area making all recreational use of
drones inadvisable. Authorities have recently detained several foreigners,
including a U.S. citizen, for flying drones in sensitive locations. If you wish
to bring a drone to Burma, seek official permission from the Burmese
government.
Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information
on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.
Police
Response
Police capability, responsiveness, and
professionalism is substandard compared to that in the U.S. Police units are
often under-funded, under-staffed, poorly equipped or trained, and suffer from
limited resources and corruption. Many crimes go unreported or are not fully
investigated. Authorities often cite a lack of adequate transportation as an
excuse for slow response. Few police officers speak English.
While Burmese may view foreigners as wealthy,
there continues to be a perception that police investigate crimes against U.S.
travelers and other Westerners more thoroughly and punish perpetrators more
rigorously. This belief has been reinforced with the government’s establishment
of a Tourist Police unit in 2013, a 2015 decision to reinforce and strengthen
that unit, and installation of billboards directing nationals to “warmly
welcome” and “take care” of foreigners. When in 2017, a vehicle struck and
severely injured a U.S. government employee, Tourist Police were the first on
the scene and, at the victim’s request, rushed the man to a medical facility.
Enforcement of traffic regulations is often
haphazard or a means to solicit bribes. Police will often signal motorists to
pull over for a donation or “tea money.” Low pay and low morale create an
environment in which even bribes of a few dollars can make allegations
disappear. Do not pay bribes, comply with requests for a gift, or pay
on-the-spot fines.
If an officer persists, comply with
instructions, identify yourself as a U.S. citizen, and obtain the officer’s
name and badge number. Politely ask to speak with a supervisor or request they
take you to police headquarters for further processing. Police must notify the
Embassy when arresting or detaining a U.S. citizen; however, delayed
notifications are common. If arrested, assert this right and request to speak
with a representative from the U.S. Embassy by calling (95)-1-536-509. The U.S.
Embassy maintains a liaison with local law enforcement officials and is
available to assist U.S. citizens during emergencies.
The
emergency line in Burma is 192. However,
it is not operational outside of Rangoon and Mandalay. Download the State
Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Central police (Rangoon and Mandalay): 199
Fire emergency: 191 or 192
Tourist police: 01-378-479 (Rangoon);
09-448-539-507 (Mandalay)
Medical
Emergencies
Find
contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance
services on the U.S. Embassy to Burma’s Medical
Assistance website.
Medical facilities in Burma fall critically
short of Western standards; there are no 911-equivalent ambulance services
available. Trauma care is extremely limited; only use local hospitals in the
event of an extreme medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Many
primary health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack adequate
professional training. Instances of misdiagnosis, improper treatment, and the
administration of improper drugs have occurred. Quality, comprehensive medical
services are very limited in Rangoon, and are almost nonexistent for all but
the most minor treatment in other parts of the country. Medicines are in short
supply and may be counterfeit products of questionable quality. Due to
inadequate diagnostic equipment, lack of medical resources, and limited medical
specialty personnel, complex diagnosis and treatment are unavailable.
All visitors traveling to Burma should have current vaccinations prior to
arrival. For current advice on vaccinations, consult the Center for Disease
Control’s (CDC’s) website.
Visitors should bring their own supply of
medications, as the quality of medications in Burma is inconsistent, and
counterfeit drugs remain a problem. Commonly needed medications, such as
over-the-counter medication, antibiotics, allergy remedies, or malaria
prophylaxis, are limited or non-existent.
Although
it is gradually changing, Burma remains largely a cash-based society. The SOS
clinic, and Victoria hospital accept credit cards, but most health care
facilities in Burma require patients to pay cash before receiving medical
services. Foreigners may receive a higher rate than local residents for most
medical services.
There is no
dedicated medical air ambulance or helicopter in Myanmar. Expect delays; air
medical transportation requires diplomatic approval, and most flights come from
and return to Bangkok or Singapore. Flights may only be able to enter or exit
through the larger international airports.
Purchase medical
evacuation (medevac) insurance in case of a serious accident, injury, or
illness. Medevac can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending
on the severity of the situation; all travelers should ensure their policies
provide sufficient coverage. If you are traveling with a group, ensure your
fellow travelers know that you carry travelers insurance, and know where to
find the insurance information if you are unconscious. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.
Review
OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with
Medication, I’m Drinking What in My
Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of
Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad
Country-specific
Vaccination and Health Guidance
See a physician
prior to travel to ensure you have appropriate vaccines, immunizations, and
precautions. Gastrointestinal diseases, tuberculosis, dengue fever, malaria,
rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis pose serious risk to travelers in Burma.
Obtain information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe
food and water precautions and insect bite protection, from the CDC’s hotline
for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For more
information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the
infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website.
The CDC
offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Burma.
OSAC
Country Council Information
The OSAC Burma Country Council meets
regularly. Additionally, the Regional Security Office (RSO) provides country
briefings for representatives of U.S. businesses, non-governmental
organizations, academia, and faith-based organizations as requested. For more
information on the Country Council, or to connect with the RSO, contact OSAC’s East Asia Pacific team.
U.S. Embassy Contact Information
110 University Avenue, Kamayut Township,
Rangoon
Embassy Hours: Monday-Friday, 0800-1630
(except U.S. and local holidays)
Website: https://mm.usembassy.gov/
Embassy Operator (24-hour): +(95) 1-536-509
Emergency calls
after normal business hours: +(95) 1-536 509
American Citizen
Services: +(95) 1-536-509 ext. 4240
State Department Emergency Line:
+1-202-501-4444
Helpful Information
Before you travel, consider the
following resources:
·
OSAC
Risk Matrix
·
OSAC
Travelers Toolkit
·
State
Department Traveler’s Checklist
·
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
