1. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on 11 March 2020 and called upon governments around the world to scale up their response to contain the pandemic.
2. In light of the announcement of the WHO and the rapid escalation of the spread of COVID-19 across the globe, the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is taking precautionary measures to control and limit the risk. Travellers from seriously affected countries may pose a threat to the population of Myanmar.
3. With regard to travellers who have visited countries with a very high number of cases, the following additional temporary restrictive measures will take effect starting from 15 March 2020, 0500 hours.
4. The Ministry of Health and Sports is monitoring the global situation on the outbreak, especially the transmission pattern of the COVID-19, and will make further announcements on additional precautionary measures as and when necessary.

We would like to announce that the Pilot Program for visa exemption has been extended until 30^th September, 2020. As per this Program, Japan, Korea Republic, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China and Macau Special Administrative Region of China do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 30 days and will be able to enter and depart from all International Checkpoints.