Is Myanmar Open to Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia. It is famous for its natural beauty, ancient temples, and unique culture.

However, Myanmar’s political situation has been a concern for tourists in recent years. Many people wonder whether it is safe to travel to Myanmar or not. In this article, we will explore the current situation in Myanmar and whether it is open to tourism.

Current Situation in Myanmar

Myanmar has been under military rule for many years. However, in 2015, the country held its first democratic elections after decades of military dictatorship. The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, won the elections and formed the government.

The NLD government made some significant changes to improve the country’s economy and tourism industry. They eased travel restrictions and made it easier for foreigners to obtain visas. As a result, there was a surge in tourism.

Unfortunately, the situation took a turn for the worse when a military coup took place on February 1st, 2021. The military arrested Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian leaders and declared a state of emergency.

Since then, there have been widespread protests against the military rule across the country. The protests have been met with violence from the security forces resulting in many deaths and injuries.

Is Myanmar Open to Tourism?

The short answer is no; Myanmar is not currently open to tourism due to the ongoing political turmoil and civil unrest.

The United States Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory – Do Not Travel – due to civil unrest and armed conflict throughout the country.

Myanmar’s borders are closed to foreign visitors at this time as well as domestic travel within Myanmar disrupted by protests and roadblocks throughout major cities such as Yangon (formerly Rangoon) or Mandalay which are among the top tourist destinations.

What Are the Prospects for Tourism in Myanmar?

It is difficult to predict when Myanmar will reopen to tourism, given the current situation. The military government has not provided any clear timeline for lifting the travel restrictions.

However, once the situation stabilizes and travel restrictions are lifted, Myanmar is expected to become a popular tourist destination again. The country has immense potential for tourism due to its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and friendly people.

The government has also made significant investments in infrastructure development and tourism promotion campaigns over the last few years. This investment will undoubtedly pay off when tourists return to Myanmar.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, Myanmar is currently not open to tourism due to its unstable political situation. Travelers should avoid all nonessential travel to the country until further notice.

However, once the situation stabilizes, Myanmar has fantastic potential as a tourist destination. Its natural beauty and cultural heritage are unmatched in Southeast Asia, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this beautiful country.