Myanmar is a southeast Asian country sandwiched between Bangladesh and Thailand. It’s a dangerous hotbed of civil unrest and people are strongly advised not to travel there because it’s simply not safe. While all nations have their own unique laws, Myanmar’s restrictions on everyday items and activities are particularly shocking to much of the world. And there arbitrary enforcement of these laws and harsh punishments for breaking them are further reasons why you’re advised to stay away.
1. Drones Are a No-Go
Bringing a drone into Myanmar is strictly prohibited. These flying cameras, popular among travelers and photographers, are considered a security threat by the government. If you’re caught with a drone, it will be confiscated at the airport, and you might face legal consequences.
2. No Bare Shoulders in Temples
When visiting Myanmar’s beautiful temples, bare shoulders are a big no-no. This rule applies to both men and women. It’s part of the country’s conservative dress code for religious sites. Visitors should bring a shawl or long-sleeved shirt to cover up when entering these sacred spaces.
3. Forget About Netflix
Streaming services like Netflix are not officially available in Myanmar. The government tightly controls internet access and content. While some people use VPNs to bypass these restrictions, it’s technically not allowed and can be risky.
4. Keep Your Shoes On in Public
In Myanmar, it’s considered disrespectful to show the soles of your feet in public. This means no putting your feet up on chairs or tables. It’s also customary to remove shoes before entering homes and religious buildings, but keep them on in other public spaces.
5. No Gambling Allowed
All forms of gambling are illegal in Myanmar. This includes casinos, lotteries, and even friendly card games for money. The government sees gambling as a social ill and enforces strict penalties for those caught participating.
6. Restricted Access to Facebook
While not entirely banned, Facebook access in Myanmar is heavily restricted. The government has blocked the platform at various times due to concerns about its role in spreading misinformation. Many locals use VPNs to access it, but this practice exists in a legal gray area.
7. No Kissing in Public
Public displays of affection, especially kissing, are frowned upon in Myanmar. The culture is conservative when it comes to romantic gestures. Couples should keep their affection private to avoid offending locals or drawing unwanted attention.
8. Criticizing the Government Is Forbidden
Open criticism of the government or military is strictly forbidden in Myanmar. This applies to both locals and visitors. The country has a history of censorship and has arrested people for speaking out against authorities.
9. Forget About Chewing Gum
While not officially illegal, chewing gum is strongly discouraged in Myanmar. It’s considered rude and unsightly. You’ll rarely see locals chewing gum, and it can be hard to find in stores.
10. No Shorts in Religious Sites
Similar to the bare shoulders rule, wearing shorts in temples and pagodas is not allowed. This applies to both men and women. Visitors should wear long pants or skirts that cover the knees when visiting religious sites.
11. Restricted Use of Drones
Drones are not only banned from entering the country, but their use within Myanmar is also heavily restricted. Even if you somehow get a drone into the country, flying it without proper permissions can lead to serious legal troubles.
12. No Topless Sunbathing
Topless sunbathing, common in some beach destinations, is strictly forbidden in Myanmar. The country’s conservative culture extends to its beautiful beaches. Tourists should respect local customs and keep swimwear modest.
13. Restricted Internet Access
Internet access in Myanmar is heavily controlled by the government. Many websites and social media platforms are blocked or restricted. Using VPNs to bypass these restrictions is common but technically not allowed.
14. No Political T-Shirts
Wearing clothing with political messages or imagery can get you into trouble in Myanmar. This includes t-shirts with slogans or pictures of political figures. It’s best to stick to neutral clothing to avoid any issues.
15. Photographing Military Installations Is Illegal
Taking photos of military buildings, personnel, or equipment is strictly forbidden in Myanmar. This rule is taken very seriously, and violating it can lead to arrest. Always be aware of your surroundings when taking pictures in public spaces.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
