Before you go to Myanmar (Burma): what to know
Must know
- Australia and Canada advise against all travel; armed conflict, arbitrary detention and sudden travel restrictions remain serious risks.
- Banking is disrupted: do not rely on international cards or ATMs.
- A tourist visa does not give permission to visit restricted areas.
Entry and visas
British visitors need a visa in advance and can apply for a tourist eVisa. A tourist eVisa permits 28 days and cannot be extended. Nationality eligibility and permitted entry ports must be checked on the official portal. Do not assume visa-on-arrival availability or that a visa makes travel safe.
Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival.
At the border you may be asked for
- Carry your approved visa and accommodation details.
Customs
- Declare foreign currency worth more than USD 10,000.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, evisa.moip.gov.mm ↗, smartraveller.gov.au ↗, kdmid.ru ↗
Money
Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
Where to exchange money
- Check availability at banks or official money changers.
ATMs: Many ATMs reject international cards and withdrawals can be limited; do not rely on them.
- Carry clean, unmarked US dollar notes if travel is unavoidable; damaged notes may be refused.
- Confirm payment arrangements with accommodation in advance.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, tourism.gov.mm ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Insulting religion, including disrespectful Buddha images or tattoos, can be prosecuted.
- Illegal drug possession and trafficking carry severe prison penalties.
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Travel restrictions and checkpoints can change without notice.
- Defamation charges can arise from online reviews.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Primarily Buddhist, with other religious communities.
Clothing: Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites; remove shoes and socks before entering pagodas or monasteries.
Etiquette
- Respect religious images and follow site instructions.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
Climate
Monsoon rains usually run May–October. Cyclone risk rises around April–May and October–November. Highlands are cooler than lowlands.
Month by month
- January: Jan: drier season
- February: Feb: drier season
- March: Mar: hot; heat risk rises
- April: Apr: very hot; cyclone risk
- May: May: monsoon onset; cyclone risk
- June: Jun: monsoon rain
- July: Jul: monsoon; flooding risk
- August: Aug: monsoon; flooding risk
- September: Sep: monsoon; flooding risk
- October: Oct: monsoon retreat; cyclone risk
- November: Nov: drier transition; cyclone risk
- December: Dec: drier season
Best season: Weather alone is not a reason to travel: review current conflict advisories first.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: tourism.gov.mm ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
What to pack
- Prescription medicines and a first-aid kit
- Cash arranged in advance if travel is unavoidable
- Copies of travel documents
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Illegal drugs
- Disrespectful religious images
Practical
Plugs: Mainly UK-style plugs; 230V. Confirm adapters with your hotel.
Water: Use sealed bottled or safely treated drinking water.
Traffic: drives on the right
Mobile and eSIM: Local SIMs need registration; communications can be disrupted or monitored.
Health: Healthcare is under severe strain. Serious illness may require evacuation; cash payment is often required.
Insurance: Confirm that cover remains valid under current government travel warnings.
Emergency: Police 199; ambulance 192; fire 191.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cs.mfa.gov.cn ↗, gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.