Myanmar was further isolated after a coup last year, following a coronavirus-induced shutdown, which saw massive protests and a bloody military crackdown
Myanmar was further isolated after a coup last year, following a coronavirus-induced shutdown, which saw massive protests and a bloody military crackdown
Myanmar will resume international passenger flights from April 17, the military said on Saturday, lifting a two-year ban on foreign tourists.
The Southeast Asian nation closed its borders to visitors in March 2020 at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in an effort to contain rising infections.
Myanmar was further isolated last year after a coup that saw massive protests and a bloody military crackdown on dissent, freeing its economy – including its tourism industry -.
“We will open all international flights on April 17, and can fly regularly,” the National Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of Coronavirus Disease said, citing the falling COVID-19 infections.
In a statement, it said the decision was “to improve the tourism business sector, and to facilitate smooth travel for visitors to Myanmar”.
According to the health ministry, visitors will have to undergo two PCR tests for a week and be fully vaccinated.
Myanmar’s tourism industry was hit by the pandemic, with the country hitting 40,000 daily COVID-19 cases last year. It has recorded nearly 20,000 deaths in total.
The escalating violence following the Junta takeover has also hit business, with many international companies exiting the country.
According to a local watchdog group, more than 1,600 people have been killed by security forces and more than 11,000 people have been arrested since the coup.
The junta indicated late last year that it was moving to reopen to international visitors in 2022, hoping to take advantage of local traditional holidays.