What vaccines do I need for Myanmar?

Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid (strongly recommended), Japanese Encephalitis (rural travel, long stays), Rabies (strongly recommended for most travelers).

Is tap water safe to drink in Myanmar?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Myanmar. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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Southeast Asia

Myanmar Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Myanmar (Burma) offers culturally rich destinations including Bagan, Inle Lake, and Yangon. The country has limited healthcare infrastructure and significant disease risks, particularly malaria in rural and border regions. The political situation since 2021 has created additional safety and logistical challenges that travelers should assess carefully before visiting.

Food Safety: High Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Myanmar

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid (strongly recommended)
Japanese Encephalitis (rural travel, long stays)
Rabies (strongly recommended for most travelers)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Myanmar

Malaria Risk

High risk throughout most of the country, particularly in forested and rural areas, border regions with Thailand, China, India, and Laos. Myanmar has significant multidrug-resistant artemisinin-resistant falciparum malaria. Lower risk in Yangon and Mandalay city centers.

Food and Water Safety

High Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Food safety standards are inconsistent and often low. Eat only hot, freshly cooked food. Avoid salads, raw vegetables, street ice, tap water, raw or undercooked meat and seafood. Traveler's diarrhea is extremely common.

Key Health Tips for Myanmar

Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for virtually all travel outside central Yangon and Mandalay — discuss options with a travel medicine physician as multidrug resistance limits choices.
Use permethrin-treated clothing, bed nets, and DEET repellent at all times in rural areas.
Healthcare is severely limited outside Yangon — carry a comprehensive medical kit and have evacuation insurance.
Check current travel advisories carefully due to ongoing political instability and conflict in border regions.

Disease Risks in Myanmar

Official Resources

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