In the wake of an escalating humanitarian and security crisis, the Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for Myanmar, strongly urging citizens to avoid all travel to the country. This warning comes amid the compounding threats of civil unrest, military conflict, and a powerful earthquake that struck near Sagaing on March 28. The quake, measuring 7.7 in magnitude, has caused severe infrastructure damage and added yet another layer of danger to an already volatile situation.

This advisory, which supersedes previous alerts, is expected to send ripples through the global travel industry, particularly affecting airlines, tourism operators, aid organizations, and expat communities.

Earthquake Strikes Sagaing: New Disaster Amid Civil War

The recent natural disaster has amplified the urgency of the advisory. Canadian authorities reported that the March 28 earthquake near Sagaing was followed by aftershocks exceeding magnitude 6. Travellers were advised to avoid the region altogether and those already there were urged to seek shelter, stay away from unstable infrastructure, and follow the instructions of local officials.

The quake’s epicentre in central Myanmar puts key transport routes, airports, and already-overstretched emergency services under immense pressure. International airlines have begun reviewing routes and adjusting schedules, with Canadian authorities urging travellers to confirm flight statuses before heading to the airport.

Conflict Escalation and Travel Breakdown Across Myanmar

Since October 2023, clashes between Myanmar’s military regime and various armed resistance groups have intensified. Fighting has erupted across multiple regions and states, including Mandalay, Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Rakhine, Mon, and Shan. These hostilities have triggered widespread displacement, casualties, and severe disruptions to access roads, border crossings, and supply chains.

Canadians in Myanmar were advised to leave the country if it is safe to do so, as risks of arbitrary detentions, surveillance, and indiscriminate violence are high. Border closures and shortages of essential goods are increasingly common, severely impacting both domestic and international travel logistics.

Democracy Under Siege: Martial Law and Political Violence

The Canadian advisory draws attention to the dangerous political landscape. The military junta, which took control in February 2021, continues to impose martial law and curfews in key urban centres. Public demonstrations—frequent in cities such as Yangon and Mandalay—have often turned deadly, with security forces using excessive force and lethal tactics against civilians. Foreigners have not been spared from the crackdowns, with reports of harassment, surveillance, and arbitrary arrests.

Explosions and attacks targeting public spaces—including shopping malls, hotels, bars, and restaurants—have added another layer of risk for travellers. These developments not only impact the safety of individual tourists but also jeopardize international tourism partnerships and the local travel economy, especially in heritage destinations such as Bagan and Inle Lake.

Restricted Access and Mounting Displacement at Border Zones

Tensions and armed violence are particularly volatile in border regions shared with Thailand, China, India, Laos, and Bangladesh. In these zones, landmines remain a persistent danger, and military checkpoints restrict civilian movement. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, and international travel via land routes remains highly restricted or outright impossible. Tourists who enter restricted areas without authorization risk detention or deportation.

The Myanmar Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has published limited travel lists, but Canadian officials cautioned that consular access is extremely limited or delayed in many conflict zones.

Civil Liberties Eroded: Legal Risks for Foreigners Increase

The Canadian government also warned about the unpredictable enforcement of local laws. Foreigners can be detained without explanation, especially in connection with political activism, critical speech, or unauthorized media reporting. Insulting religion, photographing military installations, or even wearing tattoos of the Buddha in disrespectful places has led to arrests.

Myanmar does not recognize dual citizenship. Canadian citizens of Burmese origin may be denied consular services and could be subject to mandatory military service. Since February 2024, conscription has been activated, requiring men aged 18–35 and women aged 18–27 to serve up to five years during the state of emergency, which remains in effect and may be extended again past July 2024.

Health Services Fragile, Medical Evacuations Crucial

Medical services in Myanmar, even in Yangon, do not meet international standards. With counterfeit medications, a lack of trained staff, and no neonatal emergency services, Canadian travellers are advised to carry extensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Hospitals expect upfront cash payments, and delays in treatment are likely during civil unrest or natural disasters.

Vaccinations against hepatitis, typhoid, rabies, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, and cholera are recommended. There is also risk of dengue, zika, and other vector-borne diseases. Canadians were urged to avoid contact with animals, take insect precautions, and drink only safe, sealed water.

Visa Challenges and Border Complexities for Foreigners

While tourist and business visas remain technically available, visa-on-arrival programs are unreliable and frequently denied. Journalists and activists often face scrutiny, entry bans, or expulsion—even with valid documentation. Foreigners who unknowingly violate visa rules risk fines, detention, and deportation.

Land border crossings require additional, often vague, permissions and may close without notice. Canadian travellers were strongly advised to enter and exit the country through the same port to avoid complications.

Tourism Collapse: Bagan, Mandalay, and Ngapali Hit Hard

While Myanmar once promoted destinations like Bagan, Ngapali Beach, and Inle Lake as heritage tourism hubs, infrastructure in these areas has deteriorated or become unsafe. Electricity outages, cash shortages, and poor communications have rendered even luxury hotels unreliable.

In regions like Nay Pyi Taw, foreigners may be treated with suspicion, and tourists must pay higher prices for accommodations and entry to attractions. With telecommunications heavily monitored, tourists are often cut off from reliable contact with embassies or loved ones.

Cultural Sensitivities and Legal Traps

Visitors were reminded to dress conservatively and avoid any behaviour that could be construed as religious or political provocation. Even minor infractions—like a Buddha tattoo worn below the waist—have resulted in imprisonment or deportation. All religious materials must be pre-approved by Myanmar authorities, and any drone activity or photography near military areas is strictly forbidden.

Financial Inconveniences and Currency Restrictions

Myanmar’s cash-based economy poses risks for international travellers. Only pristine U.S. bills are accepted, and ATMs are unreliable. Most credit cards do not function due to poor connectivity, and foreign currency exchange is illegal outside authorized facilities. Travellers were urged to carry enough cash to cover their entire stay.

Global Travel Industry Impacts

The advisory’s broad scope—covering health, legal, political, and logistical risks—will directly affect airlines, tourism boards, aid workers, and even regional tourism in Southeast Asia. With Myanmar virtually inaccessible, nearby hubs like Bangkok, Luang Prabang, and Chiang Mai may see redirected traffic, while global insurance companies brace for increased claims tied to emergency evacuations and cancellations.

Airlines operating in Southeast Asia may need to re-evaluate routes, while travel companies offering overland tours across Southeast Asia are expected to suspend Myanmar itineraries indefinitely. The shutdown of infrastructure, tourism-dependent services, and travel exchanges with neighbouring countries will slow regional recovery efforts post-COVID and strain multilateral cooperation.

A Final Note for Travellers and Operators

Canada’s advisory, issued on March 28, 2025, is among the most comprehensive and severe in recent memory. It reflects a rapidly deteriorating environment where natural and manmade dangers collide. Travellers were told to register with the Canadian Embassy in Yangon or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa and to prioritize their exit if conditions allow.

Tourism operators, airlines, and travel professionals are encouraged to redirect travellers to safer destinations in the ASEAN region and adjust offerings to account for Myanmar’s instability.

The post Travel to Myanmar Halted Amid Rising Violence in Mandalay and Earthquake Disruption in Sagaing, Impacting Southeast Asia Tourism Routes : What new updates you need to know? appeared first on Travel And Tour World.