Is Yangon safe? 🇲🇲

Safety Briefing

Myanmar is currently rated HIGH RISK for travelers, with a composite safety index of 18/100 and a “Do Not Travel” advisory from the Canadian government. The country scores poorly on governance, rule of law and political stability, and the crowdsourced crime index sits at 49.2/100. While the feeling‑safe metric from 2019 suggests a majority of locals once felt safe walking after dark, recent traveler sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, citing intimidation at checkpoints and a pervasive sense of unrest.

Recent incidents documented in the live dossier reinforce these concerns. In June 2026 protests against the military coup erupted in downtown Yangon, drawing security‑force crackdowns that occasionally turned violent. The same month a U.S. diplomat was found dead in a hotel, and three individuals were arrested for armed robberies targeting gold shops in the city. These events illustrate a volatile environment where even short‑term visitors can be caught in civil unrest or targeted by organized crime.

Pickpocketing remains moderate in crowded spots such as Bogyoke Aung San Market and the central railway station, while high levels of armed robbery have been reported in suburban commercial zones after dark. Visitors should also be wary of visa‑ and money‑exchange scams, fake tour operators, and accommodation booking fraud that can lead to financial loss or detention.

To mitigate risk, register with your embassy, keep travel documents secure, and use only reputable, pre‑booked transport. Avoid night travel in poorly lit areas, limit cash on hand, and conduct financial transactions through trusted, sealed services. Stay informed of local advisories, steer clear of protest zones, and heed the “Avoid all travel” directive by planning for an immediate, safe departure if conditions deteriorate.