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.
July 15, 2021
The spread of COVID-19 within Burma has increased in recent weeks, and local reports indicate that the virus continues to spread in Yangon Region and other areas throughout the country. Burmese authorities have imposed stay-at-home orders for most of Yangon Region, currently including 22 townships. These townships are: Mingaladon, South Okkalapa, North Okkalapa, Hlaingthaya, Hmawbi, Shwepyitha, Insein, Mingala Taungnyunt, Bahan, Mayangon, Taikkyi, Kamayut, Tamwe, Yankin, North Dagon, Thaketa, Thingangyun, Khayan, Kyimyindaing, Sanchaung, Dagon, and Hlaing. Local authorities in other parts of the country have also imposed similar stay-at-home orders.
Authorities announced that during the upcoming holiday week (July 17-July 25), unnecessary travel is restricted nationwide. Generally, stay-at-home orders allow travel outside of the home only for travel to/from work, to buy groceries, or to obtain medical treatment. A mask must be worn at all times when outside of the home. Travel for any reason other than those stated above must be approved by your local ward administrator. Reports indicate authorities have set up checkpoints in various parts of Yangon Region to ensure that travelers on the road are out for one of the above reasons. Penalties may be imposed for those not abiding by these orders.
We encourage all U.S. Citizens to check our COVID-19 website regularly for updates.
Medical services in Burma are more difficult than usual to obtain, and reports indicate both public and private hospitals are lacking available beds for COVID-19 positive patients, or for patients seeking other medical care. Oxygen and other supplies needed to treat patients with COVID-19 are in short supply. Medical evacuations to neighboring countries such as Thailand and Malaysia are not allowed at this time due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in those countries. Please take these factors into account when deciding if it is in your best interest to remain in Burma or return to the U.S.
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 associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and continued civil unrest and armed conflict. 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.
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.
