Myanmar

We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the outbreak of COVID-19, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.

The global situation remains complex and rapidly changing. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly. Should you decide to travel despite our advice, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
All travellers to New Zealand must undertake 14 days of government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.

Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
All travellers to New Zealand (excluding those from Antarctica, Australia and most Pacific Islands) must show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result before departure. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against Covid-19 website here.

We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.

View Larger Map Close/Open map <!—->

Myanmar

Post Closure
Due to the increasing suspension of airlinks and unprecedented operational pressures, New Zealand has temporarily withdrawn staff from its Embassy in Myanmar. Consular services in country are unavailable until further notice.

New Zealanders who require emergency consular assistance should contact the 24/7 Consular emergency line on 0800 30 10 30 (within New Zealand) or +64 99 20 20 20 (outside of New Zealand) or email cons@mfat.govt.nz.

Ethnic tensions
Myanmar has experienced prolonged internal conflicts involving a number of ethnic and non-state armed groups. Most of these groups have signed bilateral ceasefire agreements with the government, and a number of groups, mainly those located along the Thai border, signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement in October 2015.

However the security situation in some border states remains volatile and unpredictable. In February 2019 active armed conflict between ethnic groups and military forces escalated in Paletwa township in southern Chin State.

There are sporadic outbreaks of armed violence between government forces, ethnic armed groups, and militias in Kachin and Shan. In November 2019, mis-directed rocket fire landed in civilian areas and on the runway at Lashio airport. There is an ongoing threat from improvised explosive devices and unmarked landmines in conflict areas. In November 2019, a foreign tourist was killed by a landmine while travelling outside of Hsipaw township in Northern Shan State.

Active fighting between government forces and a local ethnic armed group in Rakhine State continues. These clashes sometimes result in the death or injury of civilians, security forces, and non-state armed fighters. In December 2019 three small explosions took place on Manaung Island in Rakhine State, coinciding with a high level government visit to the area. There are no reports of casualties.

There is a risk of kidnapping in or nearby conflict areas. In October 2019, ethnic armed groups kidnapped travellers on a public bus in Mrauk-U and on a public ferry in Ratheduang, resulting in civilian casualties. Foreigners were also caught up in an abduction between Paletwa (Chin State) and Kyauktaw (Rakhine State) in November 2019.

Civil unrest/political tensions
Myanmar is a country in transition with many political and structural reforms underway. In Myanmar, civil unrest could occur with little warning, often with associated violence, including in main centres.

Attacks by armed groups on police outposts in northern Rakhine state in late August 2017 were followed by large-scale security operations that have seen civilians killed, villages burned and more than 700,000 people displaced across the border into Bangladesh. Tensions remain in Northern Rakhine State and further  intercommunal violence is likely. Curfews and restrictions on movement may be imposed at short notice, in addition to those already in place, including to tourist destinations due to security concerns.

In the past, there has been politically-motivated violence on or around public holidays such as Armed Forces Day (27 March) and Martyrs Day (19 July). Significant anniversaries, such as the 8 August 1988 uprising and the September 2007 protests, may be accompanied by an increased security presence in Yangon and elsewhere.

New Zealanders in Myanmar are advised to monitor the media for any developments that may affect the security situation. We recommend avoiding all protests, marches and demonstrations, as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent. We also recommend complying with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews.

Terrorism
Small scale bombings in November 2016 targeted government buildings and supermarkets in Yangon, resulting in several fatalities. Further small-scale bombings targeted public places in Rakhine, Shan and Kachin States, which have resulted in injuries and sometimes death. Further incidents cannot be ruled out. New Zealanders in Myanmar are advised to be security conscious in public and crowded places.

Border areas/crossings
There are a limited number of legal land crossing points into Myanmar, and these are subject to closure without notice. Permission to cross these borders may be required in advance through a separate process to a visa application. Travel restrictions placed by the Myanmar government apply for most border areas. We advise New Zealanders against attempting to cross any border illegally or enter restricted areas without the appropriate permission from Myanmar authorities.

General travel advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social/cultural traditions in Myanmar to avoid offending local sensitivities and potentially breaking the law. Shorts and sleeveless tops will cause offence when visiting Buddhist religious sites.

We advise against taking photographs of any protests, demonstrations or government or military installations, as this could result in arrest and/or detention. This includes the use of drones.

Travellers visiting Myanmar have experienced difficulties accessing their money. Myanmar remains a predominantly cash-based society and although credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in major tourist areas some cards do not work.

New Zealanders travelling to Myanmar are advised to check with their bank before travelling to confirm that your debit, credit or ATM cards will allow them to withdraw cash or make payments in Myanmar. You should take enough cash (US dollars in pristine condition) to last throughout the duration of your stay in Myanmar.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Myanmar should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Myanmar are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Yangon, Myanmar

Street Address No. 43 (C), Inya Myaing Road, Shwe Taung Kyar (2) Ward, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar Telephone +95 1 230 6046 Alternate Telephone +95 1 230 5805 Fax +95 1 230 5805 Email Yangon.Office@mfat.govt.nz Web Site www.mfat.govt.nz/myanmar Hours Mon-Fri 0830-1230, 1330-1630 hrs Consular – legal and Notarial service: by appointment, Monday to Friday

See our regional advice for South East Asia

Source