BURMA TRAVEL WARNINGCANADA GOVERNMENT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT8 June 2007 Burma
1. INTRODUCTION AND GEOGRAPHYBurma (Myanmar) (capital: Naypyidaw) is located in Southeast Asia, bordering China, Laos, Thailand, the Andaman Sea, the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, and India. The government announced that the capital was moved to Naypyidaw. There are reports of foreigners being deported after trying to visit Naypyidaw without permission. Tourist facilities do not exist in Naypyidaw. The official language is Burmese. Tourist facilities are adequate in Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Ngapali beach, Rangoon, and Taunggyi but limited elsewhere. Foreigners can expect to pay several times more than locals for accommodations, domestic flights, and entry to tourist sites. 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONSOFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. You are advised against all travel to border areas with Thailand or neighbouring areas where rebel groups may be active due to ongoing insurgency, banditry, and risk of landmines. Border crossing points may close without notice. Tensions between pro-democracy and pro-regime supporters have resulted in violent clashes. The detention of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other opposition leaders, and the related closures of political party offices and universities across the country could lead to further demonstrations and violence. Freedom of speech and political activity is not permitted, and the Burmese government suppresses any expression of opposition to its rule. Foreigners criticising the regime in public may be arrested or detained. Canadians should exercise caution, avoid demonstrations and areas cordoned off by security forces, avoid other public areas where disturbances could occur, and carefully monitor local and international news reports. OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 5 below). 3. SAFETY AND SECURITYThe decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Bomb explosions have occurred throughout the country, including Rangoon (Yangon). In 2005, explosions occurred at shopping malls and a trade centre in Rangoon and a bomb exploded in a market in Mandalay. Sporadic anti-government insurgent activity has occurred in various locations. Exercise caution when travelling to Bao, Hinthada, Pyi, Taunggo, and Taunggyi. There have been instances of clashes between Buddhist monks and Muslims. Curfews are occasionally imposed. Violent crime against foreigners is rare but has occurred. There is also a risk of street crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. Exercise caution at beach resorts in Ngwesaung, Chaungtha and Ngapali as there are strong underwater currents and rips. There are no lifeguards and drownings have occurred. Telephone services are unreliable in Rangoon and are difficult to find in other areas. Long-distance calls can be extremely expensive. Mobile phones might not work unless roaming has been specifically set for Burma. There are a few Internet cafes in Rangoon but they are costly. Electronic communications may be monitored by local authorities. 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTSThe following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Burma (Myanmar) and was valid on April 11, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Burma. A visa is also required. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date the visa is issued. Visas are rarely issued to journalists, some of whom have been denied entry when travelling to Burma on tourist visas. Journalists, and tourists mistaken for journalists, have been harassed. Some journalists have had film and notes confiscated upon leaving the country. Travellers are advised to use the same port of entry (international airport of Rangoon) to enter and exit Burma to avoid problems with immigration services. Tourist Visa: Required (valid for 28 days)
Business Visa: Required (renewable) A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. 5. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROADThere is no resident Canadian government office in Burma. Canadians in Burma can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian Embassy in Rangoon (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement) at the following address: Burma (Myanmar) - RANGOON (YANGON), Australian Embassy
Address: 88 Strand Road, Rangoon
Tel.: 95 (1) 251-810
Fax: 95 (1) 246-159
Internet: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Burma The Embassy of Canada in Bangkok, Thailand, has consular responsibility for Burma (Myanmar). The address is as follows: Thailand - BANGKOK, Embassy of Canada
Address: 15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Postal Address: P.O. Box 2090, Bangkok, 10501, Thailand - BANGKOK
Tel.: 66 (0) 2636-0540
Toll Free: 001-800-156-220-0142
Fax: 66 (0) 2636-0555
E-Mail: bngkk@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.bangkok.gc.ca For emergency assistance after hours, call the Australian Embassy in Rangoon and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMSYou are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can face imprisonment or a death sentence. Importation of communications equipment such as mobile phones and laptop computers is prohibited. Laptop computers have been taken from tourists and held at the airport until their departure. Baggage may be searched upon arrival. A permit is required to purchase or possess cultural or archaeological artefacts. It is illegal to export gems. Foreigners have been arrested, searched, and imprisoned for attempting to take Burmese gems out of the country. Photography of military installations and personnel is prohibited. Offenders could be arrested, deported, and have their equipment confiscated. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour, particularly when visiting religious sites. Visitors should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Homosexuality is illegal. 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCYTravel to and within Burma is strictly controlled by the government. There are a few land border crossing points and permission to cross these borders is required in advance. The crossing points are the following: Tarchilek (Myanmar Shan State)-Mae Sai (Thailand Border)
Muse (Myanmar Shan State)-Ruili (China Border)
Tamu (Myanmar Chin State)-Morei (India Border)
Kaw Thoung (Myanmar Tanintharyi)-Ranong (Thailand Border)
Travellers should be aware that the border crossing from Thailand into Burma (Myanmar) at the May Sot-Myawaddy checkpoint has been temporarily closed. Travel is restricted outside major cities to designated tourist areas only. Permission from local authorities is required to visit certain areas. Tourists trekking in remote parts of the country have experienced difficulties with military authorities, even after obtaining prior permission. There are frequent security roadblocks on some roads. Travellers must show their passport and valid visa at the airport, train stations, and hotels. Do not travel on internal flights operated by Myanmar Airways due to serious safety concerns. Two fatal crashes occurred in 1998. Railway equipment is outdated and there have been fatal accidents, most recently in 2004. The general condition of automobiles does not meet minimal international standards. Driving can be hazardous, especially after dark. Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe-driving practices. It is common for pedestrians to walk on roads. A driver involved in any accident with a pedestrian is always at fault and is liable to be detained. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The currency is the kyat (MMK). Travellers should take enough cash to cover their expenses while in Burma. Since the imposition of U.S. economic sanctions, credit cards have not been accepted, except in a few foreign-owned hotels. Check the method of payment in advance. Traveller's cheques are not accepted. Travellers should take enough cash to cover their expenses while in Burma. Cash advance or cheque-cashing facilities and ATMs are not available. Only new and undamaged U.S. dollar bank notes or FEC are accepted for cash transactions. Marks and tears on the bills are not accepted. Other foreign currencies are not normally accepted. The Burmese government issues Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs), which have the same face value as the U.S. dollar. FECs can be exchanged for local currency, or used to pay for goods and services where FECs are the accepted forms of payment. Neither FECs nor kyat can be converted to any other currency. Officially, the Burmese government states that the only foreign currency that is convertible into local currency is the euro. However, travellers report that U.S. dollars can be exchanged. It is illegal to exchange currency at unauthorized locations. Foreign currency in excess of US$2,000 must be declared upon arrival. Failure to do so could result in imprisonment. These procedures are subject to change without notice. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency. 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATEThe monsoon season extends from June to September in the southwest and December to April in the northeast. Overland travel can be hazardous due to flooding. Roads can become impassable and bridges damaged. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAMThe Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. | 
