Message for U.S. Citizens: Flight Ban Extended, Yangon Restrictions Expanded

27 April 2020

THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN RANGOON IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE AMERICAN LIAISON NETWORK AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO U.S. CITIZENS IN BURMA. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Extension of Commercial Flight Ban

The Burmese government extended its ban on international commercial passenger flights until May 15, 2020.  Exceptions apply to relief flights, cargo flights, medical evacuation flights, and special flights approved by the Department of Civil Aviation.

Relief Flights Extremely Limited

For those seeking flights to the United States, Myanmar Airlines International (MAI) appears to be the only viable option among airlines still operating relief flights – this requires a transit through Seoul.  As of April 27, MAI tickets from Yangon to Seoul are available for purchase on May 3 and May 5.  Passengers seeking to book these flights should contact MAI directly, or use a travel booking website.  Passengers may need to book their onward leg to the United States with another airline separately.  Transits of less than 24 hours in Seoul are permitted, provided passengers do not depart the airport.

Yangon Stay-at-Home Order Expanded

Three more Yangon townships are under stay-at-home orders as of April 25: Mingalardon, Tarmwe, and Botahtaung.  The original seven townships (South Okkalapa, Pabedan, Bahan, Mayangone, Insein, Shwe Pyi Thar, Hlaingtharyar) also continue to be subject to the order.  All of Yangon is under curfew from 10:00 P.M. until 4:00 A.M.

  • The order contains exceptions for those who must “perform duties at government departments, organizations, companies, factories, and workshops.”
  • Only vehicles transporting workers to and from their workplaces will be permitted to pass through the townships.
  • One person per household is permitted to leave the house for essential shopping or “unavoidable circumstances,” and two per household can leave to go to a hospital or clinic.  The number of vehicle passengers will be regulated accordingly.
  • The order instructs residents to seek approval from their ward administrator if there is a need for more than the designated number of people/passengers to leave their home or commute.
  • Residents must wear masks when going outside.

Embassy Assistance

We encourage you to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest updates in your country, as well as the days and hours of American Citizen Services.

U.S. Embassy Rangoon

+95-1-753-6509

ACSRangoon@state.gov

https://mm.usembassy.gov

State Department – Consular Affairs

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Burma Country Information

Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates

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