It’s more than a difficult time to promote travel into Myanmar

Governments around the world are advising their citizens not to travel to Myanmar. Here are just some of the examples of advice being given to their citizens considering travel into Myanmar:

• Australia: ‘We’ve reviewed our advice for #Myanmar and continue to advise do not travel to Myanmar.’
• UK: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO: … advises against all travel to parts of Myanmar (Burma).’
• USA: ‘Do not travel to Burma due to civil unrest, armed conflict, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.’
• European Union: The EU reiterates its strongest condemnation of the actions taken by the Myanmar military since 1 February 2021 and calls for the end of all forms of violence and the release of all prisoners arbitrarily detained.

Online campaigns continue to bring international attention to the actions of the military coup leaders who since February 2021 have stopped the progress towards democracy the country was following. These include Justice for Myanmar,  Boycott Myanmar-Burma Military in Tourism  and Inclusive Tourism Myanmar.

The people of Myanmar deserve better. Not only are they are fighting for their own federal democracy, but also for their own lives. Justice for Myanmar says: ‘The military operates like a cartel, funded through an international network of businesses and illicit trade in natural resources and drugs. Domestic and international companies fund crimes and mass suffering in return for big profits.’[1]
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While the military coup leaders are still encouraging the Myanmar Ministry of Hotels and Tourism to make false claims about the safety of the destination. The military junta now controls less than 25% of Myanmar while rebel forces and ethnic armies hold substantially more territory.[2]

The international community needs to do more to support those within Myanmar risking their lives to dismantle the military, build a future free from tyranny and realise the full potential of suitable forms of tourism for what should be a wonderful and peaceful destination.

The ethics associated with whether tourists should visit a destination such as Myanmar which is experiencing internal conflict is a complex issue. For the local tourism entrepreneurs struggling to make a living, any expenditure by a tourist can help. But, does that just legitimize and support the oppressive regime? And given that the governments of many source markets are recommending ‘do-not-travel-to-Myanmar’ travellers will need to check the details and validity of their travel insurance.

Footnote from Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma). Date – 30 April 2025. ‘Since the 1 February 2021 coup, a total of (6,589) people, including pro-democracy activists and civilians, have been killed by the junta and pro-military groups during the Spring Revolution. Since the coup, a total of (29,094) people have been arrested by the junta in relation to its seizure of power. (22,187) are currently in detention, (10,789) of whom are serving sentences.’