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Last Updated:
November 1, 2007 10:57
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:18 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor reports of dengue fever transmission in BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Burma (Myanmar)
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to In September 2007, Buddhist monks led several sizable demonstrations throughout the country. Government forces responded violently with tear gas and gunfire, resulting in fatalities and mass arrests. There have been sporadic subsequent demonstrations, with future protests possibly coinciding with the arrival of foreign dignitaries. Canadians should exercise caution, avoid demonstrations and areas cordoned off by security forces, and carefully monitor local and international news reports. Officials at Myanmar Airways International (MAI) have announced that they are currently not operating flights to/from Burma. Travellers may experience difficulties with any airline servicing Burma. Regional Warning
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to border areas with Tensions between pro-democracy and pro-regime supporters have resulted in violent clashes. The detention of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other opposition leaders, and the related closures of political party offices and universities across the country could lead to further demonstrations and violence. Freedom of speech and political activity is not permitted, and the Burmese government suppresses any expression of opposition to its rule. Foreigners criticising the regime in public may be arrested or detained. Canadians should exercise caution, avoid demonstrations and areas cordoned off by security forces, avoid other public areas where disturbances could occur, and carefully monitor local and international news reports. OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Bomb explosions have occurred throughout the country, including Violent crime against foreigners is rare but has occurred. There is also a risk of street crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging. Exercise a high degree of caution and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. Tourist facilities are adequate in Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Ngapali beach, Rangoon, and Taunggyi, but limited elsewhere. Tourist facilities do not exist in the new capital, Naypyidaw, and there are reports of foreigners being deported after trying to visit Naypyidaw without permission. Foreigners can expect to pay several times more than locals for accommodations, domestic flights, and entry to tourist sites throughout the country. Exercise caution at beach resorts in Ngwesaung, Chaungtha and Ngapali as there are strong underwater currents and rips. There are no lifeguards and drownings have occurred. Telephone services are unreliable in BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Burma (Myanmar) and was valid on It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Visas are rarely issued to journalists, some of whom have been denied entry when travelling to Travellers are advised to use the same port of entry (international Tourist Visa: Required (valid for 28 days) Business Visa: Required (renewable) A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services. Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders. Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS There is no resident Canadian government office in Burma. Canadians in Burma can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian Embassy in Burma (Myanmar) - RANGOON (YANGON), Australian Embassy Address: 88 Strand Road, Rangoon Tel.: 95 (1) 251-810 Fax: 95 (1) 246-159 Internet: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Burma The Embassy of Canada in Bangkok, Thailand, has consular responsibility for Burma (Myanmar). The address is as follows: Thailand - BANGKOK, Embassy of Canada Address: 15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama IV, Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand 10500 Postal Address: P.O. Box 2090, Bangkok, 10501 Tel.: 66 (0) 2636-0540 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-800-156-220-0142 Fax: 66 (0) 2636-0555 E-Mail: bngkk@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.bangkok.gc.ca For emergency assistance after hours, call the Australian Embassy in BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can face imprisonment or a death sentence. Importation of communications equipment such as mobile phones and laptop computers is prohibited. Laptop computers have been taken from tourists and held at the airport until their departure. Baggage may be searched upon arrival. A permit is required to purchase or possess cultural or archaeological artefacts. It is illegal to export gems. Foreigners have been arrested, searched, and imprisoned for attempting to take Burmese gems out of the country. Photography of military installations and personnel is prohibited. Offenders could be arrested, deported, and have their equipment confiscated. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour, particularly when visiting religious sites. Visitors should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Homosexuality is illegal. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Travel to and within Burma is strictly controlled by the government. There are a few land border crossing points and permission to cross these borders is required in advance. The crossing points are the following:
Travel is restricted outside major cities to designated tourist areas only. Permission from local authorities is required to visit certain areas. Tourists trekking in remote parts of the country have experienced difficulties with military authorities, even after obtaining prior permission. There are frequent security roadblocks on some roads. Travellers must show their passport and valid visa at the airport, train stations, and hotels. Do not travel on internal flights operated by Myanmar Airways due to serious safety concerns. Two fatal crashes occurred in 1998. Railway equipment is outdated and there have been fatal accidents, most recently in 2004. The general condition of automobiles does not meet minimal international standards. Driving can be hazardous, especially after dark. Drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe-driving practices. It is common for pedestrians to walk on roads. A driver involved in any accident with a pedestrian is always at fault and is liable to be detained. International Driving Permits are not recognized in The currency is the kyat (MMK). Travellers should take enough cash to cover their expenses while in Burma. Since the imposition of U.S. economic sanctions, credit cards have not been accepted, except in a few foreign-owned hotels. Check the method of payment in advance. Traveller's cheques are not accepted. Travellers should take enough cash to cover their expenses while in Burma. Cash advance or cheque-cashing facilities and automated bank machines are not available. Only new and undamaged U.S. dollar bank notes or FEC are accepted for cash transactions. Marks and tears on the bills are not accepted. Other foreign currencies are not normally accepted. The Burmese government issues Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs), which have the same face value as the U.S. dollar. FECs can be exchanged for local currency, or used to pay for goods and services where FECs are the accepted forms of payment. Neither FECs nor kyat can be converted to any other currency. Officially, the Burmese government states that the only foreign currency that is convertible into local currency is the euro. However, travellers report that U.S. dollars can be exchanged. It is illegal to exchange currency at unauthorized locations. Foreign currency in excess of US$2,000 must be declared upon arrival. Failure to do so could result in imprisonment. These procedures are subject to change without notice. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE The monsoon season extends from June to September in the southwest and December to April in the northeast. Overland travel can be hazardous due to flooding. Roads can become impassable and bridges damaged. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. See our Current Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza. The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada. Cases of dengue fever have been reported in some areas of BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Medical facilities are available in Rangoon but are limited elsewhere. Foreign prescription drugs are often counterfeit and are unsafe to use. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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