Southeast Asia
Myanmar
In civil war since the 2021 coup; the military-run 2025–26 election did not end the fighting. Yangon is reachable, but most regions are off-limits, internet is censored and cash rules.
- US travel advisoryLevel 4Do not travelDetails
- Visa9 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyMMKUS$1 ≈ K2,096.72Details
- Price level38%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, C, D, F, G, I230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency199Police 199 · Ambulance 192 · Fire 191
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water only; avoid ice outside good hotels and restaurants.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedA visible scene and Pride events existed before the coup but have shrunk.Details
- Internet25 MbpsMedian fixed broadbandDetails
- DrivingOn the rightSelf-driving is rare and roads have checkpoints; hire a car with driver. Carry an IDP and home licence if driving.
Where to go in Myanmar
4 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Myanmar
November–February is dry and coolest. March–May is very hot; the May–October monsoon floods roads, and cyclones hit the coast in April–May and October–November.
Good to know
Entry
- Most visitors need a tourist eVisa (US$50, up to 28 days) from evisa.moip.gov.mm before flying.
- eVisa holders must enter via Yangon, Mandalay or Nay Pyi Taw airports, or Kawthaung; most land borders are conflict zones.
- Staying over 30 days? Register your phone's IMEI on the CEIR portal or local networks block it.
- Declare foreign cash over US$10,000; overstay fines must be paid in US dollars.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Never photograph police, soldiers, checkpoints or protests.
- Visible Buddha tattoos or disrespectful religious images can lead to prosecution.
- Drones need permits in advance; unpermitted use can mean prison.
Etiquette
- Remove shoes and socks before entering any pagoda or monastery.
- Dress modestly; shorts and sleeveless tops offend at religious sites.
- Avoid political talk in public; it can endanger the people you talk to.
- Women should not touch monks or hand things to them directly.
Tipping
Not expected; small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are welcome.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Myanmar eVisa (Ministry of Immigration and Population)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Myanmar
- Speedtest Global Index: Myanmar
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.