Security Message for United States Citizens
September 30, 2014
Violence in Kayin and Mon States
While there are no known specific threats against U.S. citizens in Burma, recent clashes along the Burma-Thai border near Myawaddy, Kayin State and in Kyaik Mayaw Township, Mon State, the discovery of two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Myawaddy, Kayin State, and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on a passenger bus near Kyone Doe Township in Kayin State prompt the Embassy to advise U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Hpa An, Myawaddy Township, or elsewhere in Mon and Kayin States to exercise good situational awareness and to stay informed of developments.
The situation in Myawaddy is currently stable, but tensions remain. Stay clear of all demonstrations or large public gatherings. If you see something suspicious, leave the area immediately and report it to local authorities. Do not touch, move, or tamper with any suspicious package.
Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security. We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Burma enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Burma. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Rangoon is located at 110 University Avenue, Kamayut Township, and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. M-F. The Embassy Telephone is (95)-(1)-536-509. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is (95)-(9)-512-4330. If calling the 24 Hour Embassy Telephone, explain that you want to speak to the Duty Officer or a Consular Officer.
