Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PERMITS: GO OR NO-GO?
While independent travel is straightforward in much of central Myanmar, you will quickly
run into
travel restrictions
if you want to explore the country's mountainous fringes. In
some areas - such as large parts of Shan and Kachin states - foreigners' access is limited
asaresultofgovernmentconflictwithethnicminoritygroups,whileotherareasarecutoff
to protect dubious business interests - among them jade and gem mines, as well as drug-
dealing hotspots. Many of these regions are either completely closed to foreign visitors or
require permits that may take several weeks to obtain.
Myanmar's no-go zones are in constant flux - parts of Rakhine State, for example, have
closed and reopened repeatedly in the last few years - and these closures and requirements
can change without warning. Our
map
shows regions where travel was restricted at the
time of writing, but for the latest information contact Myanmar Tours and Travels (MTT;
myanmartourism.org
)
or get in touch with an authorized tour operator.
Makesuretoplanwellinadvanceifyouwouldliketovisitarestrictedarea.
Permits
take
at least a month to arrange, with a private tour operator approved by MTT (these are listed
under “Services” on the MTT website) making the application on your behalf. You will be
requiredtobookontoan
officialtour
or-atthebareminimum-hireaguidetomakesure
you don't misbehave. Permit
costs
themselves are nominal, but the strings attached to the
permit (often requiring you to be accompanied by a guide and driver, or to join a group)
drive up the price of visiting off-limits regions.
