Irrawaddy-Apr 8
Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration and Population has suspended all visas for foreign tourists starting from April 3 as the country’s earthquake death toll continues to rise. The announcement came after the junta announced that the devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 resulted in at least 3,600 deaths, nearly 5,000 people injured, and over 200 missing. “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 in an announcement. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this time. A further announcement will be made once the service resumes.” Business visa applications will be accepted as usual, it added. The junta has also denied requests for entry by foreign media seeking to cover the earthquake in affected areas citing its inability to provide adequate accommodation. Last Saturday, Junta No. 2 Soe Win said foreign quake relief teams are not permitted to operate independently in Myanmar but need prior authorization, which will only be granted if they cooperate with the authorities. He also warned regional and state chief ministers not to permit aid teams and NGOs to enter their areas unless they collaborate with local aid and relief teams. Soe Win said emergency teams from 26 countries were working alongside relief groups from Myanmar.
The United Nations has estimated that over 17.2 million people live in affected areas, with over 9.1 million exposed to the strongest tremors across 58 of the country’s 330 townships and called for urgent help with basic needs like food, drinking water, healthcare, cash assistance, and emergency shelter. But the junta continues airstrikes and shelling of civilian targets across the country, including severely affected areas, killing at least 68 civilians as of April 4. Read more at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-suspends-tourist-visas-after-quake.html
