Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Rangoon, Burma

27 March 2020

Location:  Burma

Event:  The Ministry of Health and Sports has confirmed five cases of COVID-19 in Burma.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

The government of the People’s Republic of China suspended visa-free international transit of China beginning March 28, 2020.

There are very few remaining flights departing Burma for international hubs.  The last flight to Doha is currently scheduled for March 29, 2020.  After March 31, 2020, all persons transiting Thailand must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test, which is not readily available in Burma.

U.S. citizens seeking to return to the U.S. now should explore transiting Doha on 3/28 and 3/29, or Bangkok on 3/28-31.

After April 1, the only options to return to the U.S. are projected to be one flight per week from Yangon to Seoul and four flights per week from Yangon to Tokyo (Narita).

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.  U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.  U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel.

The U.S. Embassy is collecting information about U.S. citizens who wish to depart Burma but are unable to do so, in order to provide information in the event that new flights to international hubs open.  If you are a U.S. citizen who seeks to depart but cannot do so due to flight availability, please fill out this link and submit one form per traveler.

Actions to Take:

  • Consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available.  There are remaining flights departing Myanmar to international hubs, leaving as soon as tomorrow.  U.S. citizens seeking to return to the U.S. should explore transiting Doha, Bangkok, Seoul or Tokyo.
  • Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.
  • Check with your airline, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
  • Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
  • For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
  • Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
  • Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Myanmar.
  • Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.

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