May 28, 2021
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.
To date, explosions in Yangon have primarily targeted regime-affiliated locations. However, other locations are now being targeted. There are an increasing number of barricades in front of some diplomatic missions and sandbags at many police and military positions. There have been reports of explosive devices being thrown from passing vehicles at or near police and military troops, and those troops responding by shooting at the vehicle. At all times, U.S. citizens should continue to exercise caution when traveling in Yangon.
After a detailed review of security incidents in Yangon over the past months, the Embassy has identified areas of low, medium, and high risk within Yangon:
Low-Risk Area: Security incidents are less frequent, but still possible.
- The low-risk area is bounded by the following roads and includes businesses and establishments on both sides of the road: Parami Road to the north, Pyay Road to the west, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road to the east, and approximately Central Road, Halpin Road, Kan Yeik Thar Road, and Nat Mauk Street to the south.
Medium-Risk Area: Security incidents are more prevalent. Examples of these areas include Sanchaung, Ahlone, Lanmadaw, etc.
- The medium-risk area includes all areas of Yangon not considered low or high risk.
High-Risk Area: Security incidents have been frequent, and/or townships currently under martial law.
- The high-risk area includes all townships currently under martial law, which are Hlaing Thar Yar, North Dagon, South Dagon, Shwe Pyi Thar, Dagon Seikkan, and North Okkalapa townships.
- U.S. Embassy employees are advised not to travel through martial law townships without prior approval.
If you live in a medium or high-risk area of Yangon, or are traveling through one of these areas, maintain heightened situational awareness. The threat of a “wrong place, wrong time” security incident impacting civilians currently remains the primary risk for U.S. citizens in Burma. At this time, there is no indication foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, are the target of these attacks. Be vigilant of your surroundings when going out, especially in large gatherings. If you are out and notice something suspicious, leave the area immediately.
Please continue to be mindful of checkpoints and if stopped comply with authorities. There are reports that security forces at some of these checkpoints have inspected the phones or laptops of travelers, including foreign nationals, for any evidence of their involvement in anti-regime activities. Please consider what information you want to store on your phone and other devices when traveling.
In the event you are approached by local law enforcement, identify yourself as a U.S. citizen and attempt to return home or to a public space as soon as possible. A best practice is to carry your U.S. passport to aid in identification. If local law enforcement comes to your home, comply and indicate that you are a U.S. citizen. For your awareness, it is illegal in Burma to take photos or videos of security force operations or military facilities. Police may take action against individuals attempting to do so.
The current Level 4 Travel Advisory is the highest level issued by the Department of State and advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Burma or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. As a result of these conditions, if you experience an emergency, the U.S. Embassy has limited ability to provide assistance. You can read the full Travel Advisory here.
Please review the personal preparedness guidelines below:
- Under martial law, it is important to comply with checkpoint requirements.
- If you are traveling and notice something suspicious, leave the area immediately.
- Shelter in your home should there be violence in your neighborhood.
- If in an apartment, familiarize yourself with your building’s fire exits.
- Make plans to account for the whereabouts of your loved ones if internet and cellular service are cut.
- Ensure you have enough food, water, cash, and other essentials to last you for several days.
- Contact loved ones in the U.S. when you can to update them on your status.
- Prepare a go-bag with essential items for immediate travel.
- Make sure your passport is still valid. Many countries require at least 6 months validity for entry or transit.
- Carry our emergency contact card in your wallet or on your phone.
The Consular Section of U.S. Embassy Rangoon remains open and is providing routine and emergency American citizen services. Please visit our website to schedule an appointment to renew your passport, register your child’s birth abroad, or for notary services.
For information and assistance:
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Burma, located at 110 University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Rangoon, at (+95) 1-753-6509 or at ACSRangoon@state.gov.
- Visit our website.
- Refer to the Burma Country Specific Information.
- Review the Department of State Travel Advisory for Burma.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- If you are in the United States, call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free or 1-202-501-4444 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
