Myanmar Bagan temple

Safety in Myanmar

Safety

Crime

In places open to foreigners, Myanmar is relatively safe, with very little crime. Still, you should take the usual precautions of using hotel lockers or safes for your valuables. Female travellers should not experience any harassment or different treatment.

Myanmar Bagan temple
Myanmar Bagan temple

No-go zones

Some parts of the country remain closed to foreigners due to ongoing conflict between the government and various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontiers with China and Thailand, and far from the major tourist destinations. Although some countries – including the UK and Australia – still advise against travel to Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar (following sectarian violence in 2012) Mrauk U is now seeing increasing numbers of tourists.

Accurate information on conflicts and closed areas can be difficult to come by. Check your government’s advice prior to travel, and ask about the situation once you are in Myanmar.