Myanmar lifts 2-year ban on international visitors

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Myanmar borders reopened on April 17, 2022, lifting a 2-year ban on international visitors as the country restarts international passenger flights.

It is hoped the country will open to international yachts for the 2023 season, reports Asia Pacific Superyachts co-founder, Gordon Fernandes, noting foreign-flagged yachts are not yet allowed to enter.

Until now, only foreigners with compelling reasons to travel could get entry permission from the Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fully vaccinated business travellers are now permitted to enter Myanmar. As Myanmar’s borders reopen tourists must still follow COVID-19 entry procedures, states the National Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease reporting the decision was taken, “… to improve the tourism sector along with having a smooth trip for visitors who come to visit Myanmar”.

The health ministry also said as of now, only fully vaccinated tourists are allowed to enter the country. On a positive note, violent crime against tourists and even petty theft in Myanmar are virtually unheard of and one can walk around safely at pretty much any time of the day, though there is always a possibility of civil unrest.

Foreign-flagged yachts interested in visiting Myanmar will be kept well advised by APS and looking ahead to the 2023 season and a reopening to international yacht visitors, Gordon Fernandes notes the yachting season’s weather conditions are expected to be as follows:

“December to February offers the most beautiful and comfortable conditions – warm, sunny weather, steady winds and calm seas. There is less wind and higher temperatures in March and April, however – this also makes for clearer waters and it’s the best time for diving and snorkeling among hundreds of uninhabited islands”.

The Mergui Archipelago and ancient culture offers an adventurous journey and the magnificent cruising. Located in far southern Myanmar, the archipelago is part of the Tanintharyi Region, consisting of more than 800 islands, varying in size from very small to hundreds of square kilometres, all lying in the Andaman Sea off the western shore of the Malay Peninsula near its landward (northern) end where it joins the rest of Indochina.