Myanmar Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Myanmar
Myanmar recorded 2.6 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Myanmar #99 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Myanmar at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
2.6 /100k
Safety Rank
#97 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Myanmar Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Myanmar, the homicide rate for men is 4.7× higher than the rate for women — 4.3 vs 0.9 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Myanmar has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
2,332(2024)
Military Spending
6.8% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Myanmar:
There was no change to the advisory level. Advisory summary was updated. Do not travel to Burma for any reason due to armed conflict , unrest , arbitrary enforcement of local laws , poor health infrastructure , landmines and unexploded ordnance , and crime . Advisory Summary The Burmese military regime deposed elected leaders and officials in a February 2021 coup d'tat. Protests and demonstrations against military rule can occur on significant dates and have the potential for violence. Unrest Due to the ongoing armed conflicts and civil unrest in Burma, U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Myanmar
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 21, 2026).
Landmines and unexploded ordnance
Contested areas are of greatest concern for landmines, but landmines and unexploded ordnance have become an issue across Burma. The locations of landmines are not typically marked. In 2016, two German tourists were injured by a mine near rural Kyaukme township in northern Shan State. In 2019, two foreign travelers were injured after stepping on a landmine near the town of Hsipaw, a hiking spot for backpackers. The regime’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism publishes information on restricted areas . Due to the security situation, the U.S. Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in remote and/or conflict-affected areas of Burma is limited.
Crime
Crime rates in Burma, especially involving foreigners, are low. Nevertheless, the crime rate has been increasing, particularly home burglaries and petty crime. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but there have been incidents involving attacks by taxi drivers and muggings. Take particular care when taking taxis late at night.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 199 or in person at the police station in the district where the crime took place. Contact the U.S. Embassy at +(95) (1) 7536-509, ext. 4240, Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(95) 1 7536-509. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. Review our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. Some social media and chat platforms are blocked by the military regime in Burma and can only be accessed while using a VPN. GPS navigation apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.
Disaster Preparedness
Cyclones may occur in two, three-month seasons peaking in May and November during which travel conditions may deteriorate significantly. In addition, intense rainfall and squalls may occur during the rainy season (approximately June to October annually). Travelers are encouraged to prepare for cyclone emergencies and monitor local news stations when cyclones are forecast. The Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has a color-coded system for storm systems: red for storms approaching landfall in Burma, orange for storms moving towards Burma, yellow for developing storms, and brown for current storms. Additional information on storm preparedness may be found on our Crisis and Disaster Abroad webpage. Earthquakes occur throughout Burma. Check here for information about disaster preparedness .
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Myanmar Population & Demographics
Population of 54,500,091, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myanmar safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Myanmar at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). The homicide rate of 2.6 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Myanmar?
Myanmar has an intentional homicide rate of 2.6 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #99 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Myanmar?
Myanmar is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Myanmar compare to other countries?
Myanmar's homicide rate of 2.6 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.