COVID-19: information on the situation in Myanmar and travel possibilities

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the current outbreak can be described as a pandemic. There is a risk of infection with the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in all regions of the world.

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is recommending that unnecessary travel abroad be avoided for the time being except for a few countries. For further details please consult the linked webpage in French, German or Italian.

Situation in Myanmar

Myanmar has implemented various measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. We recommend to all Swiss nationals who are currently in Myanmar to strictly follow the information, recommendations and measures of the Myanmar authorities.

The authorities have introduced stay home orders, curfews, bans on public gatherings, and closures of public events, entertainment venues, and religious institutions:

A nationwide ban on gatherings of 30 or more people is in effect. Exceptions include work commutes for public servants, corporate employees, and factory workers; medical emergencies; shopping at permitted markets; delivery of goods; employment activities; public, private, and monastic schools; holding meetings, discussions, and classes in line with Ministry of Health guidelines; eating at restaurants that follow Ministry of Health guidelines; official COVID-19 control and protection activities; and funerals.

A nationwide curfew is in place and varies on location. In Yangon,  the curfew is from 10:00 pm to 04:00 am and in some states and regions, it is from 08:00 pm to 04:00 am.

Vaccine

Unfortunately, it is still too early for concise answers. Swiss nationals in Myanmar are part of the country's resident population. The Government is still finalizing its COVID-19 vaccination plan. It is unclear at this stage if foreign nationals will be included in this plan.

In Yangon and Mandalay, there are some private hospitals which provide the Chinese Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines upon registration. 

Hospitals List:

Grand Hantha International Hospital,  No (3), Corner of Nar Nat Taw Street and Kyee Myin Daing Kan Nar Road, Kamaryut Township, Yangon. 

Tel no - 01 231 7617, 01 523 000, 01 523 111

Pun Hlaing Hospitals - Vaccine Centre, Pun Hlaing Estate Avenue, Hlaing Tharyar Township, Yangon

Tel no - 01 368 4323, 01 368 4325

Entry to Myanmar

Since March 2020, the Government has issued temporary entry restrictions for visitors of all countries.

• The ban on international commercial flights is extended until further notice.
• Issuance of all types of visas (including social visit visas) and visa exemption is suspended until further notice

Swiss nationals seeking to travel and/or return to Myanmar should contact the nearest Myanmar Embassy for further information on entry permissions.

Permanent Mission of the Union of Myanmar in Geneva

Leaving Myanmar

Limited international relief flights between Yangon and Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Incheon (Seoul) are available with Myanmar Airways International, Singapore Airlines and Korean Air from where you can transit to Europe and Switzerland.

Overview of the scheduled flights

We encourage travelers to check directly with their airlines for flight availability and any special conditions, as changes may occur on short notice.

Travel Admin App: Sign up! If you are currently in Myanmar as a tourist or on business (not for permanent residents), please register on the Swiss Travel Admin App so that the relevant Swiss Embassy can contact you if necessary. Please make sure that the dates of your trip are up to date and, once you have returned to Switzerland, please delete your trip from the application.

If despite all your efforts, if you were unable to return to Switzerland, please contact the Regional Consular Center in Bangkok: bangkok.cc@eda.admin.ch. Although their capacity to assist you is limited, it is important for them to know where you are in order to provide you with all the necessary information.

Depending on the evolution of the situation, you may have to stay longer in Myanmar than anticipated. Should that be the case, it is recommended that you ensure to have sufficient funds and insurance coverage for your stay (travel, health, repatriation – i.e. REGA).

Entry into Switzerland

Information regarding entry and stay in Switzerland, the exceptions and suspension of visas is available on the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) webpage.

Information on quarantine after arrival in Switzerland is available on the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) webpage.

COVID-19 Tests

As of February 8, 2021, all air travelers must present negative COVID-19 test-result, issued less than 72 hours before entering Switzerland. Travelers will be controlled before boarding the aircraft. Please check all the detailed information on the Federal Office of Public Health’s website.

Testing for international travel is normally available through the National Health Lab (NHL) in Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw. As of February 11, 2021, NHL is closed until further notice.

Other options:

N-Health: located at the Tourist Burma Building on the corner of Maha Bandula St. and Sule Paya St. (near Sule Pagoda) in Yangon.

Telephone numbers: 01 230 3202 / 09 519 9122

Swab collections occur daily from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. with results available within 24 hours.

The cost of the test is 200,000 MMK.

Yangon Airport Molecular Lab: located on Pyay Road near the DHL Myanmar warehouse at the airport (Google Maps).

Telephone numbers: 094 4409 9941 / 094 4409 9942

Swab collections occur daily from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with results available on the same date. The results will be delivered free of charge.

The cost of the test is 200,000 MMK.

Samitivej International Clinic and International SOS Clinic in Yangon work in collaboration with N-Health and can do the swab collections, including at home with prior arrangement. Additional service charges apply.

Costs: approximately 400,000 MMK including service fees. Please check with the clinics directly for further details.

Note: This information may change frequently and without notice. Those seeking a test are advised to contact the lab first before showing up to check on the most recent requirements, policies, and operating hours.

Information regarding the COVID19 situation and travel advice

FDFA Travel Advice for Myanmar (German, French, Italian)

Swiss Federal Office of Public Health for the current situation and measures in Switzerland

Ministry of Health and Sports for the situation in Myanmar.

Other relevant sources of information:

World Health Organization WHO

International Air Transport Association IATA

Infoline Coronavirus: +41 58 463 00 00