In a significant development for travelers, Myanmar has recently updated its travel guidelines, bringing a positive change for those planning to visit the enchanting Southeast Asian nation. As of the latest announcement, the previously mandatory COVID-19 vaccine certificate requirement has been abolished. This decision comes as a welcoming relief for travelers, making the process of entering Myanmar more accessible and streamlined. 

Myanmar has lifted its COVID-19 vaccination mandate for travelers. Proof of vaccination is no longer necessary for entry into the country.

Does Myanmar mandate a quarantine for arriving travellers?

Myanmar’s Entry Protocols

Vaccination: COVID-19 vaccination mandates no longer exist.

Testing: COVID-19 testing mandates have been discontinued.

Health Insurance: All foreign visitors entering Myanmar are obligated to secure inbound Travel Medical Insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage from Myanma Insurance. The insurance certificate must be included in the application. Given that COVID-19 protocols may change frequently, it is recommended to continually check both your airline’s website and the Myanmar government’s website for the latest updates on entry prerequisites.

International visitors planning a trip to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, need to be aware of the COVID-19 vaccination requirements imposed by the country. In addition to the standard travel requirements such as a valid passport and visa, vaccination plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

To travel to Myanmar, visitors must fulfill one of the following criteria:

• COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate: Visitors must provide proof of having received all doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before their arrival.
• Negative COVID-19 Test Result: If visitors are not fully vaccinated, they must obtain a negative COVID-19 test result before traveling.

It is important to note that these requirements do not apply to children under the age of 12 who are traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians.

Recommended and Mandatory Vaccines

Apart from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, there are other recommended and mandatory vaccines for visitors traveling to Myanmar. Being up-to-date with routine vaccinations is essential to protect against prevalent illnesses in the country. The following vaccines are highly recommended:

• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Influenza (flu)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio

For travelers with children, it is advisable to consult with a pediatrician to determine if additional doses of routine vaccines are necessary.

Additional Recommended Vaccines

In addition to routine vaccinations, visitors may need to consider additional vaccines based on the nature of their travel and potential exposure risks. The following vaccines are often recommended for travelers to Myanmar:

• Hepatitis A: Contracted through contaminated food or drinks
• Hepatitis B: Transmitted through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products
• Japanese Encephalitis: Transmitted by mosquito bites; recommended for longer stays or outdoor activities
• Rabies: Recommended for those engaging in outdoor activities, contact with bats, or working with animals
• Typhoid: Contracted through contaminated food or drinks

To determine the necessity of these vaccines, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional based on individual travel plans and potential exposure risks.

Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies Vaccines

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine may be required for visitors staying in Myanmar for more than 30 days or planning extensive outdoor activities, even if their stay is shorter. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to assess the need for this vaccine based on specific travel plans and the regions to be visited.

Considering Myanmar’s status as a high-risk country for rabies, certain visitors are strongly advised to get vaccinated against rabies before their trip. These include:

• Travelers likely to come into contact with dogs, bats, and other mammals
• Visitors planning outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, biking, caving, or adventure travel
• Veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers working with animals
• Children who tend to play with animals and may not report being bitten

Malaria and Antimalarials

Malaria is present in Myanmar, except for Mandalay and Yangon. Visitors traveling to high-risk areas or rural parts of the country should take precautions such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and using mosquito repellent. In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend antimalarial medication based on the specific travel itinerary and risk assessment.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Currently, there is no risk of yellow fever in Myanmar. However, the Myanmar government requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only for visitors arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. A Yellow Fever Certificate is necessary if:

• Arriving from a high-risk country for yellow fever transmission
• Spending more than 12 hours in transit at an airport located in a high-risk country

Infants under 1 year of age are exempt from the yellow fever vaccination requirement.

General Travel Health Tips for Myanmar

In addition to vaccinations, visitors should also consider general travel health tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Myanmar. Some important tips include:

• Food and Water Safety: Drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes, and eat thoroughly cooked food to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Mosquito Bite Prevention: Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing and pants, and sleep under mosquito nets to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus.
• Personal Hygiene: Wash hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizers, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
• Sun Protection: Use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats and sunglasses, and seek shade during the hottest hours of the day to prevent sunburn and heatstroke.
• Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation in case of unexpected illnesses or accidents.

By following these tips and ensuring appropriate vaccinations, travelers can minimize health risks and enjoy their visit to Myanmar to the fullest.

Conclusion

When planning a trip to Myanmar, it is essential to be aware of the vaccination requirements, including the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, as well as recommended and mandatory vaccines. Consulting with a healthcare professional or travel medicine specialist is crucial to receive personalized advice based on individual health, travel plans, and specific risk factors. By taking necessary precautions and staying up-to-date with vaccinations, travelers can have a safe and memorable experience in Myanmar.