From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Burma Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Wed, 20 Mar 1996 15:06:47 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1004 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960320150647_76702.1202_CHN53-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 128 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Burma (Myanmar) ============================================================ Burma (Myanmar) - Consular Information Sheet March 15, 1996 Country Description: Burma, renamed Myanmar in 1989, experienced major political unrest in 1988. Conditions are stable under a military government except in remote border areas where longstanding insurgences persist. Entry Requirements: Travel to and within Burma is strictly controlled by that country's government. A passport and visa are required. Tourist visas are issued for package/group tours as well as to foreign individual tourists ("FITS") for stays of up to four weeks. "FITS" must exchange a minimum of $300 (U.S.) for dollar denominated foreign exchange certificates upon arrival. Information about entry requirements as well as other information may be sought from the Burmese Embassy (Embassy of the Union of Myanmar), 2300 S Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202)332-9044/6), or the Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the U.N., 10 East 77th St., New York, N.Y. 10021 (212-535-1311). Areas of Instability: Travel to main tourist areas of Pagan, Inle Lake and the Mandalay area is routine. Travel to other parts of Burma is possible, although transportation is difficult. Visiting destinations such as Kyaiktiyo, Moulemein, and Myitkyina may require advance permission from authorities, which takes several days to arrange in Rangoon. Those destinations requiring permission are subject to change without advance notice. Unauthorized travelers may be stopped and harassed by security personnel and turned around. Some persons traveling to places where permission is not expressly required have reported delays, including temporary detention by local security personnel. Others report being able to travel freely. Obtaining advance permission to certain destinations does not guarantee ability to travel, which is ultimately at the discretion of Burmese military intelligence. There is no consular convention in force between the U.S. and Burma securing the rights of citizens to consular protection. Though problems in this regard have not arisen in recent years, it is possible that, if a U.S. citizen were to be arrested, the U.S. Embassy might not be informed and might not be able to provide assistance. Nevertheless, arrested or detained U.S. citizens are encouraged to request that the Embassy be informed and that they be allowed to meet with a U.S. consular officer without delay. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry their U.S. passports or photocopies of passport data and photo pages with them at all times so that, if questioned by Burmese officials, proof of U.S. citizenship is readily available. There has been one reported guerrilla attack near Kanbauk (Tenasserim) in the vicinity of a planned gas pipeline. Southern Shan State is the scene of occasional fighting between the government forces and Shan United Army (MTA). There has also been recent fighting by other groups in the Thai-Burma border region. The Tachilek border area, at which border crossings are sometimes permitted, is a potential site for fighting. Even inadvertently crossing the border elsewhere may result in danger. Travelers may obtain updated information from the U.S. Embassy at Rangoon. Medical Facilities: Hospital and medical services are available in Rangoon. Elsewhere, medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be reached at (404) 332-4559 for additional useful health information. Information on Crime: Security in tourist areas is generally good. The level of violent crime and crime against property is low. There are occasional reports of pickpocketing. Lost or stolen passports should be reported to local police and the U.S. Embassy. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and possible sentences include stiff jail terms and fines or the death penalty. Currency: Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) are de facto exchangeable for Burmese Kyat at market rates. FEC are required by foreigners for the payment of plane and most train tickets and most hotels. Kyat are accepted for most other transactions. It is possible to purchase FEC with some credit cards at the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank in Rangoon. Although money changers may approach travelers to offer to change dollars into Kyat at the market rate, it is illegal to exchange foreign currency except at authorized locations such as the airport, banks and government stores. Other Information: Roads are poor in Burma. Trains are uncomfortable and not always punctual. Photographing persons in uniform or any military installation is discouraged by Burmese authorities. Customs regulations are restrictive and strictly enforced. Registration/Embassy Location: Americans are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy, and can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. The U.S. Embassy is located at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon. The telephone number is (95-1) 82055. No. 96-067 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 17, 1995 to update information on areas of instability. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. 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