Myanmar (Burma)
🏛️ Capital: Naypyidaw
👥 Population: 54.5 million
💬 Language: Burmese
💰 Currency: Burmese Kyat (MMK)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Ancient temples, Inle Lake, cultural festivals, scenic landscapes, traditional crafts
📈 High Season: November to February
📉 Low Season: May to September
☀️ The warmest month: April
❄️ The coldest month: January
🌧 The rainiest month: August
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Do not travel
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 35/100
Rank: 122nd/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Myanmar:
- Chikungunya
- Cholera
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese encephalitis
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases in Myanmar with no vaccine currently available:
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Malaria
- Schistosoma
- Scrub typhus
- Zika
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
A vaccination certificate is required upon entry if arriving from a country at risk, or after transiting for more than 12 hours at a country at risk.
Would you like to learn more about Myanmar?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Myanmar is already available there.
Myanmar FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Myanmar in terms of health risks?
Yes, Myanmar can be safe for travelers, but health risks vary depending on the region and access to medical facilities. Mosquito-borne diseases, foodborne illnesses, and limited healthcare in rural areas are common concerns. By following vaccination guidance, practicing food hygiene, and using mosquito protection, you can reduce your risk significantly.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Myanmar?
Recommended vaccines for Myanmar include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Depending on your travel plans, you may also need hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies. Some travelers may benefit from the cholera vaccine. MyGlobdoc can provide a personalized vaccination plan based on your itinerary, activities, and health profile.
Are there any common diseases in Myanmar that travelers should know about?
Yes. Common diseases in Myanmar include dengue fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, and traveler’s diarrhea. In certain rural or border regions, malaria and Japanese encephalitis may also pose risks. Being informed about these diseases helps guide preventive measures.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Myanmar?
Eat freshly cooked food from clean and busy vendors or restaurants. Avoid raw or undercooked meats, unwashed produce, and tap water, and be cautious with ice. Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol-based sanitizer before eating.
Is malaria a risk in Myanmar, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
Yes, malaria is present in many rural and forested areas of Myanmar, especially along the borders with Thailand. Urban centers like Yangon and Mandalay have lower risk. MyGlobdoc can assess your travel route to determine if anti-malarial medication is needed.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Myanmar?
Mosquito-borne illnesses in Myanmar include dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis. The risk is higher during the rainy season and in rural or jungle regions. Use insect repellent with DEET, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets where needed.
Do I need travel health insurance for Myanmar?
Yes, travel health insurance is highly recommended. Medical facilities in major cities are limited compared to neighboring countries, and serious cases may require evacuation to Thailand for advanced care. Insurance ensures you can access quality treatment without unexpected costs.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Myanmar?
Pack oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medicine, insect repellent, sunscreen, adhesive bandages, pain relievers, and prescription medications. If traveling to remote areas, bring a small first aid kit and water purification tablets. MyGlobdoc can create a custom kit checklist based on your destinations and activities.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Myanmar?
Stay hydrated, avoid overexertion in the heat, and protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in rural areas. Eat only from clean, busy food stalls or restaurants and take breaks during long journeys. Carry a small medical kit to handle common travel illnesses.
Is Myanmar safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Pregnant travelers should reconsider traveling to Myanmar, mainly because of the risk of malaria and the lack of high-standard medical care. Those with chronic conditions should bring enough medication, carry a doctor’s letter, and ensure that their travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions.
What should I do if I get sick in Myanmar?
For minor illnesses, pharmacies and local clinics are available in most towns. For more serious conditions, seek care in private facilities in Yangon or Mandalay, or consider evacuation to Thailand for advanced treatment. Always keep your insurance details and emergency contacts accessible.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Myanmar?
Most travelers do not need special health documents to enter Myanmar. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a country where the disease is endemic. Always check the latest health and entry requirements before departure.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map By Valegos Mangenuit – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90421408 / edited in Canva
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/myanmar
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
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