Safety & Current Situation
Political Situation Since the Coup 2021
On February 1, 2021, the military (Tatmadaw) overthrew the democratically elected government, arrested State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and numerous politicians, and declared a state of emergency. Since then, Myanmar has been in a severe political and humanitarian crisis:
- Armed resistance: In many parts of the country, resistance groups (People's Defence Forces) and ethnic militias are fighting against the military. Particularly affected: Sagaing Region, Chin State, Kayah State, Kachin State, parts of Shan State, and Rakhine State.
- Economic decline: The economy has collapsed, the currency (Kyat) has lost significant value, inflation and unemployment are high. Power outages have become more frequent.
- Internet censorship: Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and critical news sites are regularly blocked. VPN use is widespread but officially restricted.
- Tourism: Tourism has plummeted since 2021. Many hotels and tourism businesses have closed or operate with reduced capacity.
Safety Zones for Tourists
| Region | Assessment | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Yangon | Generally accessible | Demonstrations possible, check curfews |
| Bagan | Generally accessible | Tourist zone, little affected so far |
| Inle Lake / Nyaung Shwe | Generally accessible | Rural tranquility, check current situation |
| Mandalay | Generally accessible | Check current situation on site |
| Ngapali Beach | Generally accessible | Check flight connections |
| Northern Shan State (Hsipaw) | Caution | Armed conflicts possible in the area |
| Sagaing Region | Avoid | Severe armed conflicts |
| Rakhine State | Avoid | Armed conflict, closed to tourists |
| Kachin State | Avoid | Armed conflict |
| Kayah State | Avoid | Armed conflict |
| Chin State | Avoid | Armed conflict |
Recommendations
- Travel advisories: ALWAYS check the current travel and safety advisories of the Federal Foreign Office (auswaertiges-amt.de) before booking and again before departure.
- ELEFAND: Register with the ELEFAND crisis preparedness list of the Federal Foreign Office — so the embassy can reach you in an emergency and consider you for evacuation.
- Avoid demonstrations: Stay away from political gatherings, demonstrations, and military presence.
- Main routes: Stay on established tourist routes (Yangon → Bagan → Mandalay → Inle Lake). Deviations into conflict-prone areas are dangerous.
- Flexibility: Plan buffers into your trip — flights can be canceled at short notice, roads can be closed.
- Ethical considerations: Whether to travel to Myanmar under the current military regime is a valid question. There are arguments for (supporting the local population that relies on tourism) and against (revenues partly benefiting the regime). Inform yourself and make a conscious decision.
Achtung
Myanmar has been in a political crisis with armed conflicts in several parts of the country since the military coup in 2021. ALWAYS check the current travel advisories of the Federal Foreign Office. The situation can deteriorate at short notice. Never travel to conflict areas. Register with the ELEFAND crisis preparedness list. Travel health insurance with an evacuation clause is mandatory.
