Burma (Myanmar) 2020 Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon (Yangon). OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Burma (Myanmar). For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Burma country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Burma at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to areas of civil unrest and armed conflict.

Do not travel to:

• Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Maungdaw, Minbya, Mrauk- U, Ponnagyun, and Rathedaung townships in Rakhine State due to civil unrest and armed conflict. • Paletwa township in Chin State due to civil unrest and armed conflict • Hpakan, Momauk, Sumprabum, Tanai, and Waingmaw townships in Kachin State due to civil unrest and armed conflict. • Hpapun township in Kayin State due to civil unrest. • Hseni, Hsipaw, Konkyan, Kutkai, Kyaukme, Laukkaing, Matman, Mongmao, Muse, Namphan, Namtu, Pangsang, and Pangwaun townships in Shan State due to civil unrest and armed conflict.

Reconsider travel to:

• Ann, and Myebon townships in Rakhine State due to civil unrest and armed conflict. • Matupi township in Chin State due to civil unrest. • Bhamo, Mansi, and Mogaung townships in Kachin State due to civil unrest. • Hopang, Lashio, Mongkaung, Namhsan, Nanhkan townships in Shan State due to civil unrest. • Lashio township in Shan State due to civil unrest.

Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Rangoon as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Although the police do not issue crime or arrest statistics, the rising cost of living, increasing expatriate presence, and rapidly expanding tourism sector appear to have led to an uptick in crime. In Rangoon, Burmese nationals experience nighttime robbery, petty street crime, home invasion, and homicide at rates similar to other major cities in Southeast Asia. Many reports of crime are unverifiable due to third-party sources that are difficult to corroborate.

The most common crimes expatriates report are non-violent crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing, theft of unattended possessions in public places, and bag snatchings. Exercise the same level of caution you would in any major city in the U.S. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Incidents of financial fraud are increasing. While Burma is still largely a cash-only society, this is changing, particularly in the larger urban areas where many stores, hotels, and restaurants catering to tourists accept credit cards as a form of payment. You can find ATMs in larger urban areas, but it is common for them to run out of money, especially on local paydays. Travelers must often carry large sums of local currency, especially to more rural locations. Avoid flashing large sums of currency in public. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Avoid responding to unsolicited opportunities to make money, including business opportunities that seem too good to be true. Beware of merchants selling gems, gold, and/or semi-precious stones; purchasing these items could result in substantial loss of money and/or a violation of local laws. Do not purchase gems or minerals from an unlicensed source.

Violent crime and the use of weapons in the commission of crimes are not common. In the event of an armed confrontation, immediately hand over the desired property to avoid escalation or injury.

There were only three break-ins of diplomatic or foreign owned residences in Rangoon’s Bahan Township in 2019. Proper use of door and gates locks would likely have prevented these crimes. Supervise all workers in your residence. Keep doors and windows of residences and hotel rooms secured. Do not store valuable items and large amounts of currency at home; they may attract the attention of criminals. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

Cybersecurity Issues

Authorities may prosecute, fine, and/or imprison you for posting negative or derogatory comments on social media, including Facebook, under the 2013 Telecommunications Law, which criminalizes “extortion of any person, coercion, unlawful restriction, defamation, interfering, undue influence, or intimidation using a telecommunications network.”

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Other Areas of Concern

Internal ethnic conflicts, communal violence, and religious tensions make certain areas outside of Rangoon off-limits for Embassy personnel. You must obtain permission to visit sensitive areas from the Burmese government prior to travel. Foreigners traveling overland outside of Rangoon or other major cities/tourist destinations may experience problems without a Burmese interpreter to facilitate interaction with non-English speakers.

Transportation and Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Although major thoroughfares (e.g. the Rangoon-Mandalay highway) have received government attention and undergone safety improvements, many roads throughout Burma are in poor condition and/or may be impassable after heavy rains. Many roads lack pavement, lighting, shoulders, and/or grading. Driving under these conditions has led to an increase in fatalities, particularly on highways. U.S. Embassy personnel may not drive outside of major cities after dark.

The monsoon season (May-October) presents additional transportation and logistics challenges including mud, deep potholes, flooding, and near-zero visibility at times. These challenges may hamper the ability to drive safely. Drivers should familiarize themselves with flood-prone areas and travel in high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Inclement weather may add several hours to estimated travel time. Only travel during daylight hours using road worthy vehicles. Those driving to remote areas should consider using redundant vehicles and carrying vehicle recovery equipment in the event a vehicle becomes stuck or breaks down.

Vehicle import restrictions have eased, causing the number of vehicles on Rangoon’s streets to increase in recent years. Narrow streets congested with vehicles, pedestrians, and animals; poor road maintenance; and inadequate traffic infrastructure can result in difficult daily commutes. Many motorists are new to driving. Drivers are often impatient and exhibit little consideration for pedestrians, other motorists’ right-of-way, or general safe driving practices. Drivers routinely cross into oncoming traffic to pass, pull into traffic without looking, fail to merge properly, and cut off other vehicles. Many vehicle accidents occur due to the erratic behavior of local drivers. Exercise caution when driving. You must have a Burmese government recognized driver license to operate a motor vehicle in Burma. Burma does not recognize driver’s licenses from the United States; an international driver license is only valid for one year.

Pedestrians often walk in the middle of roads or stand on painted lane dividers, often only inches from passing vehicles, seemingly unaware of the potential safety hazard. Many pedestrians wear dark clothing, and local drivers tend to use high beams at night (or no headlights at all), posing additional risks to other motorists and pedestrians. In 2017, a passing motorist struck and killed a U.S. citizen attempting an ill- advised crossing of a busy road at night. Another struck a U.S citizen pedestrian while making an illegal turn, causing serious injuries. Pedestrians should maintain a high degree of situational awareness and not assume they have the right of way.

By law, authorities permit no alcohol in one’s system while operating a vehicle. Nevertheless, drunk or drug-impaired driving is a major concern and poses a significant risk to visitors, especially at night.

Drivers also must contend with motorbikes, which often lack proper signals and safety gear; give them a wide berth. Always keep adequate space behind the vehicle in front of you to ensure adequate stopping distance. Bicycling can also be hazardous due to poor road conditions and erratic drivers. Be aware of what is taking place outside of the vehicle. It is common for beggars and street vendors to approach vehicles at stoplights. Always keep your windows up and your doors locked. Always park in secure, well- lighted locations. Do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Public transportation (e.g. taxis, bus, and rail) is readily available in Rangoon and some parts of the country. Most trains and buses are overcrowded; others are old and in poor condition, frequently causing them to break down, for these reasons the U.S. Embassy discourages the use of public transportation for its employees.

In Rangoon, taxis are a more reliable method of transportation. They are generally safe, but many are in poor condition and/or lack seatbelts. Take particular care when taking taxis late at night. To avoid confrontation or overcharging, negotiate rates with the driver prior to departure. Identify if the driver seems impaired due to drinking or drugs. When in doubt, hail another taxi. The U.S. Embassy permits its employees to use licensed taxis and app-based services such as Grab.

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

In December 2018, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration audit assessed that Burma is compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization safety standards. However, safety records of Burma’s commercial air carriers are not readily available, and there is little information available regarding government oversight of commercial aviation. Passenger screening remains below international standards.

Other Travel Conditions

Fuel stations and police assistance are limited outside of Rangoon and other major towns/cities; motorists should plan accordingly.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Rangoon as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The government is sensitive to the threat of terrorism and engages with international partners on this issue. There is no evidence to suggest that terrorist organizations have operational capacity in Burma. The government is not a state sponsor of terrorist activities and does not knowingly allow foreign fighters to transit the country. However, terrorists can target Westerners anywhere in the world. Consider that any large public gatherings could become attractive targets for terrorists. While both Al-Qa’ida in the Indian Sub-Continent (AQIS) and the Islamic State in the Philippines (ISIS-P) have threatened to launch attacks in Burma in response to the Rakhine crisis, so far those threats are largely aspirational.

Burma has hosted numerous recent large public events, including a Papal visit, the Pan-Asia Games, and an Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, all of which took place without major security incidents.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Rangoon as being a HIGHthreat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There is a higher risk of political violence in other parts of the country. This political violence is limited primarily to states in Burma’s periphery. Fighting between the Burmese military and various ethnic armed groups (EAGs) and militia forces continues in several border regions, including parts of Kachin, Shan, Rakhine, and Chin states. Exercise caution when traveling to these areas. Fighting generally does not occur in the destinations most U.S. citizen visitors frequent, including Rangoon, Bagan, Kalaw-Inle Lake region, Ngapali Beach, Naypyitaw, and Mandalay.

Burma has one of the world’s longest-running internal armed conflicts, between the ethnic-Bamar dominated central government and nearly two dozen EAGs. These conflicts are rooted in political grievances and ethnic minorities’ desire for greater rights and protections; the EAGs also clash with the government and with each other over territory and resources. In 2015, ten EAGs signed a ceasefire agreement with the government, but some armed conflict continues in parts of Kachin, Shan, Rakhine, and Chin States. This conflict is often sporadic in nature and tends to spike during dry season (November through February). Starting in January 2019, the most sustained fighting has occurred between the military and the Arakan Army, an ethnic-Rakhine EAG, in northern Rakhine State. In August 2019, due to an eruption of fighting in northern Shan State, fifteen U.S. citizens were isolated for several days until roads closed due to the fighting could reopen. Avoid traveling in border areas where armed conflict has occurred or is occurring. The EAGs have not shown any desire to target U.S. interests.

Burma held historic national elections in 2015. No significant civil unrest or political violence occurred during the elections. There remains a bifurcated system of authority, where the civilian government does not have oversight or control of the military or the security services. Leading up to the November 2020 general elections, there is a possibility of localized intercommunal tension or violence.

Intercommunal conflicts, public demonstrations, and outbursts of violence may challenge U.S. private- sector organizations and could jeopardize U.S. investments and operations, even if they are not direct targets. Avoid large crowds, demonstrations, and political activity, and maintain a high level of situational awareness. Be careful about messages posted on social media; statements supporting one political cause or another could create a serious online backlash that could have real consequences outside of the social media sphere.

In Burma, protests are not uncommon. The government has arrested protestors for contravening the Peaceful Assembly Act by protesting without permission. Although public protests, often in response to human rights violations, interethnic tensions, or to support religious freedom, education, and labor rights, are normally peaceful, spontaneous violence may occur.

In February 2019, police injured 21 protestors when using rubber bullets and water cannons to break up a protest of Karenni people in Loikaw, Kayah State. In May 2018, police forcibly broke up an anti-war protest and arrested several protestors for disturbing the peace and for protesting without a permit. In January 2018, police fired upon protesters in Mrauk-U, north-central Rakhine State killing nine people and injuring 19 others. The crowd was protesting the cancellation of an Arakan festival.

Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Burma has 135 officially recognized ethnic groups. While Burma’s ethnic diversity is a source of national pride, it has also suffered from a long history of ethnic and sectarian conflicts. Most ethnic-based violence is the result of fighting between the Myanmar military and the EAGs or between the different EAGs in Kachin, Shan, Rakhine, and Chin States.

Intercommunal tension remains high in Rakhine State between the ethnic Rakhine and the Rohingya, a group that is not one of the officially recognized ethnic groups and which many in Burma view as illegal immigrants. As the Rakhine are Buddhist and the Rohingya Muslim, this conflict sometimes takes on a religious dimension, but the Rakhine also deeply resent the perceived oppression by their Bamar co- religionists who run the central government. Because the government does not recognize Rohingya as a minority, they must undergo verification to receive Burmese citizenship and are often unable to obtain identification cards or travel documents. In addition, they face abuse, institutionalized discrimination, and restrictions on freedom of movement, as well as a lack of access to education, livelihoods, and basic services. As a result, many have fled to Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacks in 2017 and the military operations that followed led over 700,000 Rohingya refugees out of an estimated population of 1.1 million to flee into Bangladesh. The governments of Bangladesh and Burma continue to work on a repatriation process, but progress has been slow. The situation is now more complicated due to ongoing conflict between the military and the Arakan Army. Fighting has spread across central and northern Rakhine and southern Chin States. Tensions remain high.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

During the monsoon season (May-October), street flooding is pervasive throughout southern Burma. Low- lying villages are susceptible to floods, resulting in food shortages and other health concerns. Rangoon lacks the drainage infrastructure to accommodate storm water runoff. As a result, low-lying parts of Rangoon including major vehicle thoroughfares suffer from flash flooding. A prolonged monsoon season in 2017 led to one of the worst outbreaks of dengue fever in recent history. Additionally, heavy rains can down power lines, creating an electrocution hazard. Avoid areas where power lines are down.

Burma is prone to cyclones during two seasons, which peak in May and November. These violent storms can overwhelm an already weak infrastructure, causing widespread destruction. Major earthquake fault lines are also present; consider them when developing contingency plans. Areas of Rangoon and Bago experienced a 6.0-magnitude earthquake in January 2018.

Critical Infrastructure

The former military junta chronically mismanaged the economy and failed to invest in critical infrastructure projects, allowing the country’s transit infrastructure, electrical grid, tele-communications network, and tourism facilities to fall into disrepair. Burma’s infrastructure is substandard compared to regional neighbors and will require significant investment and years of updating. An old, inadequate electrical power grid is one of the biggest challenges causing frequent blackouts, even in major urban centers, as demand continues to outpace supply.

Burma’s telecommunications and Internet infrastructure is substandard in rural areas, but is standard in major cities and continues to grow and expand throughout the country. Travelers may not have access to cellular networks and should consider redundant or alternative forms of communication, especially outside the major cities.

Economic Concerns

According to Transparency International’s 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index, Burma improved its global ranking from 156 in 2016 to 130 in 2019. However, corruption remains a serious barrier to commerce and investment, and permeates the government and economy. U.S. companies may find competitors are able to obtain an advantage when proposing or bidding on projects, although the government has taken clear steps to improve the transparency and evaluation of major tenders and to tackle official corruption. U.S. companies generally find that government officials and businesspeople are less likely to seek or expect “facilitation payments” or other gifts than elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

U.S. firms consider the lack of clarity surrounding commercial laws and regulations, and the lack of adequate infrastructure (especially reliable electricity) to be the most serious impediments to doing business. A non-transparent and protectionist import permit system often blocks imports, particularly for agricultural products. A bright spot is that the government has focused on drafting and passing commercial laws, including the 2016 Investment Law and the 2017 Companies Act.

The limitations of rule of law are an impediment for U.S. private-sector organizations. The judicial system is archaic, and decisions are often made through personal relationships or bribes. Burma suffers from an antiquated legal system and outdated legislation; many laws are vague and often subject to manipulation. According to the 2019 World Bank Doing Business report, Burma ranked number 20th out of 25 in the East Asia and Pacific Region for starting a new business in the Ease of Doing Business Report, last for protecting minority investors, and 24th out of 25 for enforcing contracts. The country has introduced reforms, including a 2019 decision to allow full foreign ownership in the life insurance sector. Globally Burma ranks 165 out of 190 in the World Bank ease of doing business rankings.

Privacy Concerns

Government interest in the activities of foreigners persists. Visitors conducting sensitive political or commercial business should assume the government monitors their actions, especially in public places. Because the government controls the country’s telephone network and Internet providers, it can intercept calls and emails. Depending upon the government’s level of interest, it may employ overt surveillance. U.S. private-sector organizations should be aware that the “no expectation of privacy” policy could make the discussion of proprietary information and sensitive information difficult. Protect all financial and personal information. Do not discuss travel plans or other business in an open venue. Be alert to any unusual surveillance or activity near the places you frequently visit. Vary your routes and times.

Personal Identity Concerns

Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal under the Burmese penal code, which has provisions against “sexually abnormal” behavior and entails punishments up to life imprisonment. Laws against “unnatural offenses” apply equally to men and women, but are rarely enforced. LGBTI persons have reported that police used the threat of prosecution to extort bribes. LGBTI activists have also reported allegations of rape by security forces in some cases, arbitrary arrest (for example for loitering), detention, and broad societal and familial discrimination. However, several officially sanctioned Pride events have occurred in Rangoon without ill effect. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Individuals with disabilities should prepare to face difficulties throughout Burma. Roads and sidewalks are often difficult to cross. Ramps or handicapped-accessible facilities are rare. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Insulting religion is a prosecutable offense. ‘Insult’ is a very broad term that could include tattoos or other religious representations in a non-religious context. Images of the Buddha can be particularly sensitive. In 2016, authorities deported a foreign tourist for allegedly having a tattoo of the Buddha on his leg. As in any country, be respectful of local customs when visiting religious sites. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Other Issues

Always ask permission before taking a photograph. Local citizens may request a small fee for taking a picture of them or their surroundings. Do not photograph government buildings, embassies, military installations, airports, harbors, or other locations or items of a possible security or intelligence interest; cameras may be confiscated. Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

Importing unmanned aerial systems (drones) without prior government permission and flying them in sensitive areas can result in criminal penalties including jail time and the permanent confiscation of the drone. Sensitive areas include government buildings, famous tourist sites, and religious buildings. However, it is not always clear what constitutes a sensitive area making all recreational use of drones inadvisable. Authorities have recently detained several foreigners, including a U.S. citizen, for flying drones in sensitive locations. If you wish to bring a drone to Burma, seek official permission from the Burmese government.

Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Police Response

Police capability, responsiveness, and professionalism is substandard compared to that in the U.S. Police units are often under-funded, under-staffed, poorly equipped or trained, and suffer from limited resources and corruption. Many crimes go unreported or are not fully investigated. Authorities often cite a lack of adequate transportation as an excuse for slow response. Few police officers speak English.

While Burmese may view foreigners as wealthy, there continues to be a perception that police investigate crimes against U.S. travelers and other Westerners more thoroughly and punish perpetrators more rigorously. This belief has been reinforced with the government’s establishment of a Tourist Police unit in 2013, a 2015 decision to reinforce and strengthen that unit, and installation of billboards directing nationals to “warmly welcome” and “take care” of foreigners. When in 2017, a vehicle struck and severely injured a U.S. government employee, Tourist Police were the first on the scene and, at the victim’s request, rushed the man to a medical facility.

Enforcement of traffic regulations is often haphazard or a means to solicit bribes. Police will often signal motorists to pull over for a donation or “tea money.” Low pay and low morale create an environment in which even bribes of a few dollars can make allegations disappear. Do not pay bribes, comply with requests for a gift, or pay on-the-spot fines.

If an officer persists, comply with instructions, identify yourself as a U.S. citizen, and obtain the officer’s name and badge number. Politely ask to speak with a supervisor or request they take you to police headquarters for further processing. Police must notify the Embassy when arresting or detaining a U.S. citizen; however, delayed notifications are common. If arrested, assert this right and request to speak with a representative from the U.S. Embassy by calling (95)-1-536-509. The U.S. Embassy maintains a liaison with local law enforcement officials and is available to assist U.S. citizens during emergencies.

The emergency line in Burma is 192. However, it is not operational outside of Rangoon and Mandalay. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Central police (Rangoon and Mandalay): 199 Fire emergency: 191 or 192 Tourist police: 01-378-479 (Rangoon); 09-448-539-507 (Mandalay)

Medical Emergencies

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy to Burma’s Medical Assistance website.

Medical facilities in Burma fall critically short of Western standards; there are no 911-equivalent ambulance services available. Trauma care is extremely limited; only use local hospitals in the event of an extreme medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Many primary health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack adequate professional training. Instances of misdiagnosis, improper treatment, and the administration of improper drugs have occurred. Quality, comprehensive medical services are very limited in Rangoon, and are almost nonexistent for all but the most minor treatment in other parts of the country.

Medicines are in short supply and may be counterfeit products of questionable quality. Due to inadequate diagnostic equipment, lack of medical resources, and limited medical specialty personnel, complex diagnosis and treatment are unavailable.

All visitors traveling to Burma should have current vaccinations prior to arrival. For current advice on vaccinations, consult the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) website.

Visitors should bring their own supply of medications, as the quality of medications in Burma is inconsistent, and counterfeit drugs remain a problem. Commonly needed medications, such as over-the- counter medication, antibiotics, allergy remedies, or malaria prophylaxis, are limited or non-existent.

Although it is gradually changing, Burma remains largely a cash-based society. The SOS clinic, and Victoria hospital accept credit cards, but most health care facilities in Burma require patients to pay cash before receiving medical services. Foreigners may receive a higher rate than local residents for most medical services.

There is no dedicated medical air ambulance or helicopter in Myanmar. Expect delays; air medical transportation requires diplomatic approval, and most flights come from and return to Bangkok or Singapore. Flights may only be able to enter or exit through the larger international airports.

Purchase medical evacuation (medevac) insurance in case of a serious accident, injury, or illness. Medevac can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the situation; all travelers should ensure their policies provide sufficient coverage. If you are traveling with a group, ensure your fellow travelers know that you carry travelers insurance, and know where to find the insurance information if you are unconscious. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

See a physician prior to travel to ensure you have appropriate vaccines, immunizations, and precautions. Gastrointestinal diseases, tuberculosis, dengue fever, malaria, rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis pose serious risk to travelers in Burma. Obtain information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, from the CDC’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For more information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Burma.

OSAC Country Council Information

The OSAC Burma Country Council meets regularly. Additionally, the Regional Security Office (RSO) provides country briefings for representatives of U.S. businesses, non-governmental organizations, academia, and faith-based organizations as requested. For more information on the Country Council, or to connect with the RSO, contact OSAC’s East Asia Pacific team.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

110 University Avenue, Kamayut Township, Rangoon Embassy Hours: Monday-Friday, 0800-1630 (except U.S. and local holidays)

Website: https://mm.usembassy.gov/

Embassy Operator (24-hour): +(95) 1-536-509 Emergency calls after normal business hours: +(95) 1-536 509 American Citizen Services: +(95) 1-536-509 ext. 4240 State Department Emergency Line: +1-202-501-4444

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix

• OSAC Travelers Toolkit

• State Department Traveler’s Checklist

• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)