Is Myanmar Safe to Travel to in 2026?
Risk level: Extreme risk
Last updated
Overview
Country in the midst of a major civil conflict following the 2021 military coup. Large parts of the country are affected by fighting between the junta and various armed groups. Tourism is extremely limited and risky in most areas.
Best time to visit
Cooler dry season roughly November to February is traditionally preferred where travel is possible.
Safety
High risk across most of the country. Ongoing armed conflict, junta airstrikes, and fighting between military forces and resistance groups. Kidnapping, extortion, and arbitrary detention are serious risks. Even relatively stable areas can see sudden violence.
Recommendations
Do not travel to Myanmar unless absolutely necessary. If you must go, limit travel to Yangon only and avoid all other regions. The security situation is fluid and dangerous across much of the country.
Health and tap water
Tap water: Not recommended — use bottled or filtered water.
Very limited healthcare outside major cities. High risk of disease in conflict-affected areas. Medical evacuation is extremely difficult in most regions.
Entry and exit
Visa required. Many land borders are closed or highly restricted. Air travel is possible but the overall security situation makes entry risky.
Laws
Martial law is in effect in many areas. Criticism of the military junta can lead to arrest. Foreigners have been detained. Laws are inconsistently and arbitrarily enforced.
Other notes
Myanmar has incredible cultural and natural heritage, but the ongoing civil war has made most of the country inaccessible and dangerous for travelers. Tourism has collapsed outside of a few limited areas.
Emergency numbers: Police 199, Ambulance 192, Fire 191.
Regional risk notes for Myanmar
- Yangon Region — High risk: Largest city and relatively most stable area. Still carries risks of crime and arbitrary detention. Most practical entry point if travel is unavoidable.
- Mandalay Region — Extreme risk: Major city with frequent junta airstrikes and fighting in surrounding areas. High risk.
- Shan State — Extreme risk: Active armed conflict in multiple areas with junta airstrikes. High risk across much of the state.
- Kachin State — Extreme risk: Ongoing heavy fighting and junta airstrikes. Very high risk. Avoid.
- Kayah State — Extreme risk: Significant fighting and frequent junta airstrikes. Very dangerous. Avoid.
- Kayin (Karen) State — Extreme risk: Long-standing conflict with active fighting and airstrikes. High risk.
- Chin State — Extreme risk: Heavy fighting and junta airstrikes. Very dangerous. Avoid.
- Rakhine State — Extreme risk: Ongoing conflict, airstrikes, and severe humanitarian crisis. Extremely dangerous. Avoid.
- Sagaing Region — Extreme risk: One of the most active conflict zones with frequent junta airstrikes. Avoid.
- Magway Region — Extreme risk: Significant fighting and junta airstrikes. High risk. Avoid.
- Bago Region — Extreme risk: Active conflict with junta airstrikes in multiple areas. High risk.
- Tanintharyi Region — Extreme risk: Active resistance and junta operations with airstrikes. High risk.
- Ayeyarwady Region — Extreme risk: Areas affected by conflict and airstrikes. High risk outside limited zones.
- Mon State — Extreme risk: Active conflict and airstrikes in parts of the state. High risk.
Independent assessment — not a government advisory. Feedback: [email protected]