Note: The Burmese Government halted the issuance of tourist visa in August 1988. As of December 1988, the issuance of tourist visas has not resumed. The following information is provided for the benefit of future travel to Burma when tourism is resumed.

Customs: Tourist travel normally is restricted to major cultural centers and their vicinities, including Rangoon. Mandalay, Pagan, Pegu, and Taunggyi. Hotel and travel arrangements inside Burma for tourists must be handled by Tourist Burma, a branch of the official Hotel and Tourist Corporation. Tourist visas are readily available, but holders of such visas cannot extend stays beyond 7 days. Long-term visas for business trips can be obtained, but special arrangements must be made in advance and approved by the Burmese Government.

Because of internal security problems, travel to the border areas of Burma is prohibited. The import or export of Burmese currency--kyats--is forbidden, but foreign currency can be imported without limitation as long as it is declared. Travelers also are required to change $100 equivalent into kyat upon arrival in the country, which is not reconvertible. At departure, travelers must account for all currency and valuables brought into the country.

Health: Yellow fever inoculation certificates are required for entry of travelers who have been in an infected area within 6 days of arrival. Those leaving Burma will need a cholera inoculation certificate if going to countries requiring a certificate after travel through endemic cholera areas. Check the latest information. Boil all drinking water. Cholera, tuberculosis, plague, leprosy, and typhoid are endemic to Burma. Malaria, a serious problem in rural areas, is uncommon in Rangoon, but dengue fever is present. Although bacillary anti amoebic dysenteries are prevalent, along with various other intestinal parasitic disorders, careful travelers can avoid exposure, at least in major cities.

Telecommunications: Telephone service within Rangoon is adequate; international service is available 24 hours a day, but connections may be delayed. Telegraphic service to and from Burma is often slow. Burma is 11 1/2 hours ahead of eastern standard time.

Transportation: Rangoon is the only place in Burma where travelers are allowed to enter and exit the country. The Burma Airways Corporation (UB) operates flights to and from Bangkok, Singapore, Calcutta, Dhaka, and Kathmandu, and Rangoon's international airport, Mingaladon. No US carriers fly to Burma. Internal UB flights connect Rangoon and the major cities where foreigners are permitted to travel freely. However, space on these flights is limited during the peak tourist season from October until April.

Schedules are often unreliable. Travel by car, train, or river steamer is possible but somewhat arduous. Public transportation in Rangoon and Mandalay is inadequate, unsafe, and overcrowded. Mini-pickups are used as taxis; many are uncomfortable and in poor condition.

Tourist attractions: Mandalay. the second largest city and the last capital of the Burmese kings, has much historical and cultural interest. It is easily reached from Rangoon by train (14-17 hrs.) or plane (2 1/4 hrs.) Travel by river steamer (8-11 days) and by car (30 hrs.) is possible but difficult to arrange.

Pagan, the ancient capital during the golden era of Burmese history, may be reached by a daily flight from Rangoon (1 1/2 hrs.) or with difficulty by car. Modern bus service is available. Adventurous travelers can go to Pagan by river steamer (26 hrs. from Mandalay).

Inle Lake, which lies between Kalaw and Taunggyi, is a favorite tourist spot. Travelers from Rangoon can fly to Heho (1 1/2 hrs.), which is not far from the lake. Sandoway, on the Arakan coast, is the finest accessible beach in Burma. Flights from Rangoon (45 mins.) are available sporadically from November to May.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, February 1989.