Travelers are urged to take these factors into consideration in connection with any plans to visit Burma in the coming weeks. The U.S. Embassy in Rangoon advises American citizens to exercise caution and to avoid large crowds or demonstrations. The capital city is Rangoon. The country, which experienced major political unrest in 1988, has begun to open to tourism in recent years after a long period of isolation. Tourist facilities in Rangoon and Mandalay are adequate, but are very limited in most of the rest of the country.
Ethnic insurgencies persist in some remote border areas.
The country's political situation is relatively volatile, and extensive student unrest occurred in 1996. Travel to and within Burma is strictly controlled by the government of Burma. A passport and visa are required. Burma experienced major student demonstrations in late 1996. Although the political situation remains relatively volatile, and popular unrest and violence are possible, there has not been any similar unrest since that time.