Myanmar’s reopening remains indefinite due to the worsening COVID situation and unstable political situation.
Only a week ago, the Burmese people received their first 1,5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. They were hoping this would lead to a prompt reopening of the economy but their plans have been crushed by the recent takeover.
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Myanmar Reopening to Tourism – Latest Updates
March 3
The COVID situation in Myanmar is under control and there are only between 15-30 daily cases reported in the last 7-days. (Source)
The political situation remains unstable with daily violent protests with casualties around the country.
February 2
The Myanmar government has been deposed by a military council (led by the commander-in-chief of the armed forces) that has declared a State of Emergency for a year.
The COVID-19 situation could get very ugly in the weeks to come with groups of healthcare workers in the country threatening strikes and international organizations promising multiple sanctions if the incarcerated government officials are not released and reinstated. (Source: CNN)
December 1
Myanmar government has decided to put off the international border reopening, ground all airlines and even suspend their domestic flights until 15 December.
The CDC has also moved Myanmar to a Level 4 risk. This means there is a higher level of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections at the moment.
November 15
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar announced that international flights and tourism will be banned until November 30.
As of November 15, Myanmar has 70,161 confirmed COVID cases and 1,599 deaths caused by the virus. Daily contagious rate is around 1000-1200 cases. (Source: Wikipedia)
CDC is still not recommending any non-essential travel to Myanmar and considering Myanmar as warning LEVEL 3. (CDC.gov, Covid in Myanmar)
What do the recent events in Myanmar mean for visitors?
As with most countries that already have or plan to open soon, Myanmar had devised protocols and policies that would have allowed it to do so safely.
Under The current circumstances it is hard to tell if the requirements and restrictions previously drawn will still apply in the new State of Emergency.
If you have come this far, you are probably considering, even slightly, a trip to this beautiful country. However, the situation in the territory is very volatile at the moment and travel is not possible nor advisable.
How to make it to Myanmar?
The best option may be by plane but as of right now it is not known if foreign travelers will be allowed entry at all.
How close was the country to reopening?
Very close. All hotels, motels, guest houses, inns and restaurants had been permitted to reopen as long as they complied with the tourism national guidelines of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.
Amusement parks, national parks, museums, recreational areas are still closed but vaccination campaigns could accelerate the creation of a reopening timetable.
Recommendations to stay and travel safely
- Wearing a face mask is mandatory in all public places, take into account that the violation of the measure makes subject to potential punishments, as set out in the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases Law according to the Minister of tourism.
- For updates about domestic and international flights, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- National authorities recommend you to download the official “Saw Saw Shar” Application for Coronavirus Prevention at www. Sawsawshar.gov.com
- In case of any emergencies, find here the contact details of embassies and consulates in Myanmar.
- Friendly warning! A several-day quarantine might be enforced upon arrival.
Are U.S. citizens allowed to enter Myanmar?
Only for essential travel. Check the full list of countries opened to Americans!
Covid-19 situation in Myanmar
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Myanmar has reported 142K positive cases and 3,199 deaths. When compared to their neighboring countries these figures looked rather optimistic.
In order to continue with their reopening plans, the government strengthened its containment measures by sending back home 1.2 million students and applying local curfews and semi-lockdowns in some areas, which goes to show the country’s commitment to both reactivating the economy and offering the safest of spaces to visitors and locals.