Is Myanmar Open for Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

Myanmar, the land of golden pagodas and traditional culture, has been a prime destination for tourists worldwide. However, in recent years, Myanmar has faced a lot of political turmoil that has affected its tourism industry.

So the question is – Is Myanmar open for tourism? Let’s dive deeper into this topic.

Background

Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian country with a population of approximately 54 million people. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. The country has been through a lot over the years, including military coups and ethnic conflicts that often made headlines worldwide.

The impact of political instability on tourism

Over the past few decades, Myanmar’s tourism industry has faced many hurdles due to political instability. The military regime in Myanmar was responsible for numerous human rights violations that led to international condemnation and sanctions. Consequently, many countries issued travel advisories warning their citizens against traveling to Myanmar.

The travel warnings had a significant impact on the tourism industry in Myanmar as it contributed to a decline in tourist arrivals. However, since 2011 when the military junta was dissolved and replaced by an elected government, things have gradually started changing.

Current situation

Currently, Myanmar is open for tourism; however, there are still some restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic. Tourists must obtain visas before traveling to Myanmar and must adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols while in the country.

The government of Myanmar is working hard to promote tourism by easing visa restrictions and improving infrastructure like airports, roads and accommodations. With these initiatives underway, it is expected that the number of tourists visiting Myanmar will increase significantly in the coming years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite facing numerous challenges due to political instability over the years, Myanmar remains one of Southeast Asia’s top tourist destinations. Today tourists are once again allowed to visit Myanmar, and the government is actively working towards promoting tourism. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Myanmar, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest travel advisories and adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols.