Safety and Security

Conflicts between the government and various ethnic minority groups continue in several border regions in Burma. In some border areas, anti-personnel landmines pose an additional danger. Occasional fighting continues to occur in Kachin State and northern Shan State, including along the Burma-China border. In the past, fighting between government forces and rebel groups has occurred along Burma’s borders with India and Thailand as well.

In February 2015, intense fighting broke out in the Kokang self-administered region of northern Shan state between the Burmese military and armed groups. The government subsequently declared a state of emergency and imposed martial law in the Kokang self-administered region. Numerous civilians have fled the area and sought refuge in Lashio, the largest town in northern Shan State, and across the border in China. Attacks on Myanmar National Red Cross convoys in the Kokang area have injured humanitarian workers.

Additionally, recent clashes in Kachin State between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burmese military continue to endanger civilians. 

Ongoing violence in Rakhine State has displaced thousands, and has resulted in civilian casualties. Violence in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, in March 2014 resulted in widespread property destruction and prompted many international non-governmental organizations’ employees to temporarily leave Rakhine State.

Burma has experienced sporadic bombings, primarily targeting government buildings and vehicles. In October 2013, a hardline faction of an armed ethnic group planted five bombs in public areas in Rangoon and Mandalay. The explosions killed two and injured four, including one U.S. citizen. In 2014, IEDs exploded or were otherwise discovered throughout Burma, including in Mandalay Division and Kayin and Mon States.

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Burma to the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for November 2015. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise caution and remain abreast of the security situation in the period leading up to the elections.

The State Department recommends U.S. citizens maintain a high level of security awareness. U.S. citizens should avoid crowded public places, such as large public gatherings, demonstrations, and any areas cordoned off by security forces. Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can quickly become violent and unpredictable. While in country, U.S. citizens should closely follow media reports and public information about the security situation, which changes daily, in Burma.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism retains a list of regions where tourists are permitted that can be found here. Due to travel restrictions placed on U.S. diplomats by the Government of Burma, our ability to assist U.S. citizens affected by incidents in remote areas of Burma may be limited.

To stay connected:

• Bookmark our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts and the Worldwide Caution ;
• Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook;
• Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada. If from other countries, call 1-202-501-4444, a regular toll line. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays);
• Take some time before travel to improve your personal security. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Crime rates in Burma, especially involving foreigners, are lower than those of many other countries in the region. Nevertheless, the crime rate has been increasing. Violent crime against foreigners is rare.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, but if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport;
• For violent crimes such as assault or rape, help you find appropriate medical care;
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and contact family members or friends;
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys (however,, although the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime).

There is no equivalent number to the “911” emergency line in Burma.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.