Myanmar has faced very strict measures against the coronavirus (Covid-19) in the last few years. Until 1 July 2023, travellers had to show a negative test result or proof of being fully vaccinated. The last Covid measures were scrapped on 8 July 2024, but applying for a Myanmar visa is still mandatory.

Step-by-step removal of Covid-19 measures

Myanmar followed a very strict Covid policy in the past years. Until 1 July 2023, all persons visiting the country had to be fully vaccinated or show a negative test result upon arrival, but since then, the government no longer checks whether arriving travellers have been vaccinated. Also, travellers no longer have to get tested for Covid.

Even after the vaccination and testing requirements were abolished, a few Covid measures were still in place. Travellers who got infected with the coronavirus while staying in Myanmar were required to quarantine until they were no longer infectious. Additionally, travellers had to prove that they had a health insurance which fully covered the costs of a medical treatment and quarantine period after a possible Covid infection. The last Covid measures were only abolished on 8 July 2024. However, travellers still need a valid Myanmar visa to be allowed to enter the country.

Reasons for abolishing the Covid measures

Before 8 July 2024, Myanmar was one of only a few countries in the world which still had measures against the spread of the coronavirus. It cannot be called surprising that Myanmar scrapped the last Covid measures, since most other countries revamped their Covid policies already a long time ago. The government of Myanmar mentioned that the low number of Covid-19 cases in the past months was the main reason for that decision. According to the government, the low number of cases is a consequence of the high vaccination rate in Myanmar and worldwide, as well as measures taken by the people of Myanmar. The government calls it a ‘new normal’, in which the people follow stricter hygiene standards, especially if they fall ill.

Promoting tourism

As the coronavirus is no longer a direct threat to public health and the number of cases is low, the Myanmar government decided to abolish all remaining Covid measures. This should also promote the economy, particularly the tourism industry. Abolishing the Covid-19 measures should make the country more attractive for foreign visitors.

Covid-19 in Myanmar: the number of infections has been kept under control for some time

Preparing a trip to Myanmar

Are you planning to travel to Myanmar in the near future? There are no longer any Covid measures that you would need to consider. However, you still have to prepare for your trip as you have to apply for a visa. Also, you are advised to check the travel advice for Myanmar because there are some security risks.

The Myanmar visa

If you want to travel to Myanmar, you need to meet the visa requirement. The easiest way to comply with this is to apply for the required visa online. The online application can be easily completed from home within minutes. If your application is approved, you will receive the e-visa by email. You will then be allowed to spend up to 28 days in Myanmar with the visa.
Apply for your Myanmar visa here

Other travel advice for Myanmar

Due to the coup that took place in Myanmar in early 2021, the political situation in the country is not completely stable. You are therefore advised to consult the current travel advice for Myanmar before departure. This way, you can avoid unsafe situations and unnecessary risks. As the security situation in the country may change quickly, it is wise to regularly check both the travel advice and the current corona measures in the period before your departure. Also, make sure you stay informed about the security situation at your travel destination during your stay.

Return to the UK or Ireland

Even when travelling back to your home country, you should comply with the applicable COVID-19 measures. Are you travelling back to the UK or Ireland from abroad in 2024? If so, you no longer need to consider any measures against the coronavirus. You do not have to show a vaccination certificate or test certificate for the return journey. Filling in a health declaration or Passenger Locator Form (PLF) is also not mandatory. This applies to travellers of all nationalities travelling to Ireland or the UK.

Disclaimer: no guarantees can be derived from the information on this page. Due to the rapid succession of new developments, it is not possible to assure that all information is entirely current and complete. However, we strive to provide timely updates on the status of COVID-19 in Myanmar and its impact on your travel plans and visa.