Covid-19 FAQ in Myanmar
What do German entrepreneurs in Myanmar need to know?
Current economic situation under pandemic conditions
During the COVID 19 pandemic, the Myanmar economy grew by two percent in 2020. The main impulses came from numerous infrastructure projects and investments in the energy sector. The oil and gas, mining and agriculture sectors stabilised the economy.
Manufacturing companies, especially in the garment industry, suffered from closed borders with China. Some primary products did not enter the country. In addition, international demand collapsed. This hit the garment industry in particular. Many companies are now operating at around 75 percent capacity again. They follow hygiene protocols on a voluntary basis.
Many service companies have quickly adapted to the situation with new business models. Fintech companies, in particular, have developed very well. Further development of tourism was one of the government's focus areas before the pandemic. However, due to travel restrictions, the sector has come to a standstill, even though domestic tourism is now picking up again.
Measures for exit and restart/restart of the economy
Within its limited resources, the government released the COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan in April 2020. The plan consists of a series of fiscal measures and humanitarian and political action plans. These included, for example, currency reform, increasing government spending and strengthening Myanmar's health system. In March 2021, COVID-19-related curfews and closures of trade and restaurants were lifted.
Mobility of people
Myanmar has closed its country borders to tourists early and suspended commercial air travel since March 2020. People entering the country on relief flights have to follow a strict quarantine system. In principle, no new visas are currently being issued. Exceptions are possible for compellingly required business trips with relief flights. However, a ten-day quarantine period also applies here.
Logistics in the country and international movement of goods
During the second wave of the pandemic from September to December 2020, the borders of the individual regions were only passable domestically with health certificates. For the logistics sector, there were exemptions and regular COVID-19 tests. Any restrictions have been lifted since March 2021.
The international movement of goods is unaffected by Myanmar COVID-19 restrictions. Cargo flights receive landing permits, ports and land borders remained open from the Myanmar side. However, companies come under pressure in Myanmar as soon as the People's Republic of China or Thailand close their borders and trucks are no longer allowed to pass. This measure was repeatedly implemented at short notice when increased COVID-19 cases were documented in the border regions.
» Here you find current Covid-related figures: Myanmar - COVID-19 Overview - Johns Hopkins (jhu.edu)
» For more information: Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Covid19 Response of Myanmar
Benefit and Relief Measures in Myanmar (2020)
On April 27, 2020, the Myanmar Government published the COVID-19 economic relief plan. The CERP consists of seven goals, ten strategies, 36 action plans and 76 actions which cover a broad range of fiscal measures, combined with a set of human-focused and commonsense policy responses.Please download the following PDF to read the detail.
Travel Information for Myanmar
Can I still travel to Myanmar?
1. Until 31 May 2021, flights to Myanmar are suspended.
- There are frequently relief flights from Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and Bangkok which can be booked directly on the respective airlines’ websites.
2. Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before departure.
- This does not apply to nationals of Myanmar.
3. Passengers are subject to hotel quarantine for 10 days..
4. Airline crew are subject to quarantine until their next flight.
5. Suspension of all e-visa exemptions and visa on arrival facilities.
- You have to contact a nearby Myanmar Embassy for support.
(Source: IATA - International Air Transport Association) Published 30.04.2021
How to return to Myanmar?
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Myanmar as well the German Myanmar Business Chamber, would be happy to assist you in the returning or entering process and are available at any time for further questions. Click download to read "Short guideline for returning or entering to Myanmar for employment/business"
Last Updated (June 2021)
International Business Relations
Are there currently restrictions in imports and exports?
Currently, there are no corona-related, country-specific import or export restrictions. The probability that the corona virus could be transmitted by (imported) objects is currently estimated by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment to be extremely low.
However, there are considerable logistical problems and delays. Furthermore, it is to be expected that individual target countries of German exports will issue supplementary regulations, for example on disinfection.
What applies to the export of medical equipment to a non-EU country?
In connection with the spread of coronavirus, restrictions on the export of medical protective equipment have entered into force
With the implementing regulation (EU) 2020/402 of the Commission of 14 March 2020 on the introduction of an obligation to present an export licence when exporting certain products, an authorisation requirement for the export of medical protective equipment to non-EU countries was introduced. The implementing regulation entered into force on 15 March 2020 with its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ L 77I, 15.3.2020, page 1-7).