Myanmar’s ruling junta has temporarily suspended all tourist visa applications following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central regions of the country on March 28, 2025.
In a statement published last week, the Ministry of Immigration and Population announced the immediate suspension of tourist visas, citing the quake’s widespread impact and ongoing recovery efforts.
“Due to the recent earthquake, we regret to inform you that tourist visa applications will be temporarily suspended starting from 3 April 2025,” the Ministry said. “We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this time.”
While business visas will continue to be processed, the decision effectively closes the country to casual visitors as Myanmar confronts one of its worst natural disasters in recent history.
The visa suspension comes amid growing concerns over the junta’s lack of transparency in responding to the disaster. The regime has enforced an information blackout in the hardest-hit areas—including Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Sagaing, and southern Shan State—by prohibiting access to international journalists.
“It is not possible for foreign journalists to come, stay, find shelter, or move around here,” said junta spokesperson Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun in an audio message broadcast on state-run media early last week.
“We want everyone to understand this.”
He attributed the restrictions to the lack of basic services, including water, electricity, and accommodations. However, critics argue the move is a deliberate attempt to suppress independent reporting and control the narrative on how the military is responding to the quake.
According to official figures released by the junta, the earthquake has resulted in approximately 3,600 deaths, over 5,000 injuries, and more than 200 people still missing.
With foreign media barred from entering the country, independent journalists, many operating underground within Myanmar or reporting from neighboring Thailand, continue to risk detention and persecution to document the unfolding disaster.
The junta’s record of media repression is well documented. In 2023, Myanmar Now photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike was sentenced to 20 years in prison for reporting on the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha in May, 2023.
Human rights groups and international organisations have strongly condemned the junta’s information lockdown and are calling for unrestricted access for humanitarian aid workers and independent journalists.
Travelers and tour operators are being urged to delay plans to visit Myanmar until further notice. The Ministry of Immigration has stated that an update will be issued once conditions calm, but with widespread infrastructure damage and ongoing rescue operations underway, it remains unclear when tourist visas will be resumed.
As Myanmar grapples with the multiple crises of disaster recovery, repression, and ongoing attacks, fears continue to mount for those still trapped or missing.
