After a long period of isolation the country has begun to now encourage s tourism. Foreigners can expect to pay at least five times more than locals do for hotels, domestic airfares, and entry to tourist sites. Tourist facilities in Rangoon, Bagan, Ngapali Beach, Inle Lake, and Mandalay are adequate , but are very limited in most of the rest of the country.

Please note that visitors should bring enough cash necessary to cover their expenses for the entire duration of their visit, since traveler's checks, credit cards, and ATM cards will not be honored in Burma.

The Government of Myanmar strictly controls travel to, from, and within Myanmar. A passport and visa are required. Travelers are required to show their passports with a valid visa at all airports, train stations, and hotels. There are frequent security roadblocks checks on all roads, at immigration checkpoints, and on domestic air flights in Myanmar.

The military government rarely issues visas to persons in categories it deems “sensitive,” including journalists. Many, and several journalists and writers traveling to Myanmar on tourist visas have been denied entry. Journalists, and tourists mistaken for journalists, have been harassed.

For information on entry requirements the Myanmar Embassy Internet home page at http://www.mofa.gov.mm/ and the CIA Fact Book for further information