Travel Vaccines and Advice for Burma (Myanmar)
Burma, also known as Myanmar, is a small country located near Thailand in Southeast Asia.
Top destinations for visitors include the Shwedagon Paya, a golden temple believed to hold relics from Buddha. Inle Lake, a large picturesque lake region is another tourist hotspot. The Ananda Pahto, one of the many notable temples in the Bagan region is a must-see as well.
Do I Need Vaccines for Myanmar?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Myanmar. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Myanmar: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from May to October. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Recommended for some travelers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Myanmar |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from May to October. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Recommended for some travelers to the region. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Myanmar |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Burma is home to a variety of mosquito-borne diseases including malaria, dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Make sure you’re protected with antimalarials and repellents or netting.
Some other prevalent infections in Burma are avian influenza, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Make sure you’re protected with Passport Health. Our 250+ clinics have all the vaccines you may need in-stock and ready for your trip. Schedule your appointment by calling or book online now.
What Is the Risk for Cholera in Burma?
Cholera is a serious risk for travelers to Burma, especially those staying with family or traveling to rural areas.
Vaccination is the best protection against cholera. Vaxchora, the only cholera vaccine approved for use in the US, is available at Passport Health locations.
Travelers should also avoid contaminated food and water and frequently wash their hands.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Burma
“The nurse was wonderful. She explained everything that I would need for my study abroad to Burma, what the risk and benefits were as well as all options available. She was pleasant and personable and made me and my mother feel extremely comfortable and confident in her.”
“This is the third time we have used Passport Health in Milwaukee. The staff was very careful to review the health risks to be encountered in Burma and the precautions that should be taken too minimize the risk”
“Not only do they have all the information for the inoculations one needs for traveling abroad, the nurses, especially Amy, have outstanding personalities and people skills and Stephanie is warm and caring at the front desk. I’ve taken a series of shots there and have bought products for my trip to Burma. An overall pleasant experience.”
“The RN did an excellent job of covering all of the issues that we needed to know about prior to our travel to Burma.”
“My daughter will be heading out on a Semester at Sea program for part of her college experience. She will be porting in many countries including Japan, China, India, Ghana, Burma, South Africa. The nurse was a terrific help in determining the what/where/how to handle possible issues such as malaria. She was knowledgeable and took as much time as we needed to cover topics related to all the countries. I would recommend using Passport Health without hesitation — especially if you can talk with Lisa!”
“I have a business need to be in Burma within the next month. I also have a lot of travel in the US between now and then. I found Passport Health online, called scheduled apt for the next morning. Got everything done. The scheduling, reception and nurse were all very nice and helpful.”
“As a long time world traveler, this was the first time I have ever had such an extensive visit for my upcoming trip to Burma. The nurse reviewed all of my previous inoculations and then gave me a personalized book detailing the diseases with symptoms for that country. It also included the contact information for the embassy in country. The nurse was very professional, reviewed the information and reminded me what I should do to stay healthy on my trip. Wonderful experience!”
“The nurse was extremely helpful with the whole process. We went through my medical forms and deduced which shots I needed and why depending on where I was travelling in Burma. She went over all the various areas and the potential diseases I could run into while travelling. She was very diligent with her work.”
“I found Passport Health to be incredibly helpful concerning by upcoming trip to Burma and Thailand. The staff was very knowledgable regarding the many aspects of my trip-from shots to recommended items, disease prevention measures, prescriptions. Very smooth, very easy. And affordable. Definitely a great experience. I would recommend them to anyone.”
“I’ve worked with Passport Health every time I travel to Burma. They are helpful, thorough, explains everything well, and very competent. Have ONLY had positive experiences with them, and definitely trust their recommendations and suggestions, especially about which shots to get and which ones I probably don’t need.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Burma?
Americans must have a valid passport and visa when entering Burma. Temporary passport holders may be subject to different requirements.
Myanmar Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Myanmar? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Myanmar and U.S. State Department
Visa approval generally comes within a few days, and the visa must be used within 3 months of approval. The official approval letter must be presented when entering the country of Burma.
For more information, see our Burma visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What Is the Climate Like in Burma?
Burma has three seasons. The hottest part of the year is between February and May, where it can reach over 100 degrees.
The rainy season is between May and October, with dryer, cooler weather between October and February.
The ideal time to visit Burma is between November and February.
Is Burma Safe to Visit?
The medical care available in Burma is very limited. Medical training in Burma is rarely up to U.S. standards. If medical help is needed, visitors are often airlifted out of the country. Travel insurance is recommended.
Many pharmaceuticals found in Burma are smuggled goods and should avoided. Travelers should take any pharmaceuticals that they may need with them.
Due to fighting between the Burmese military and some militias within the country, there are several areas that visitors should avoid. This includes Kachin, northern Shan and parts of Rakhine and Chin States.
Burma is relatively safe for visitors in other areas. But, there have been instances where small explosives have gone off in the capital of Rangoon. Visitors need to pay attention to their surroundings at all times.
Crimes against foreigners are uncommon. But, there have been cases of petty theft or robbery, particularly involving taxis. Avoid taxis at night, if at all possible.
Burmese Rules, Customs and Laws
In Burma, insulting religion is a prosecutable offense. Be respectful of religious and cultural customs, particularly when images or likenesses of the Buddha are involved.
Same-sex activity is illegal under Burmese law. These laws are rarely enforced. But, there have been instances of assault.
It is also illegal to post derogatory statements on social media. Be conscious of your online activity while visiting Burma.
In Burma, you will be required to show your passport with a valid visa at all airports, train stations, and hotels. Security checkpoints are common outside of tourist areas.
What Should I Take To Burma?
Burma has different temperatures depending on the time of year. Light, airy modest clothing will keep you cool and comfortable during the hottest months.
During the colder months, and in the evenings, a jacket and some extra layers will keep you warm. Be sure to bring a rain jacket and an umbrella if you are visiting during the rainy season.
Because of the humidity and moisture, particularly during the rainy season, Burma is home to mosquitoes that may carry malaria. Antimalarials are highly recommended.
U.S. Embassy in Burma
If you find yourself in need of help while traveling in Burma, there is a U.S. embassy in the capital city of Rangoon.
U.S. Embassy to Burma
110 University Ave
Kamayut Township,
Rangoon, Burma
Telephone: +(95) (1) 536-509, ext. 4240
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +95 9-512-4330, or +(95) (1) 500-547
consularrangoon@state.gov
Visit the Embassy to Burma website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
Still have questions? Schedule an appointment by calling or booking online now.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Burma?
What Is the Risk for Cholera in Burma?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Burma?
What Is the Climate Like in Burma?
Is Burma Safe to Visit?
Burmese Rules, Customs and Laws
What Should I Take To Burma?
U.S. Embassy in Burma
