Regime enacts new Passport Law, tightening overseas travel restrictions

By Admin 18 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

18 March 2026, Yangon

Myanmar’s military regime has enacted a new Passport Law on March 17, further tightening restrictions on citizens’ right to travel abroad.

Under the new law, passports will be denied to opponents of the regime, participants in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), and individuals currently under amnesty conditions.

The legislation also bars passport issuance to those whose citizenship has been revoked, individuals deemed a threat to national security, and those released under Section 401(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure whose designated terms remain incomplete, as well as those currently serving prison sentences.

Human rights activists say the law prioritizes the regime’s grip on power over public interest and is aimed at tightening control over dissent.

“I view this as a deliberate move to further violate the human rights of CDM participants and citizens opposing the military. It is like trying to keep them in the palm of their hand. Since they cannot exercise full control over those already abroad, they are blocking all opponents from leaving the country. On the other hand, this suggests that the unjust oppression of those currently inside the country will likely intensify,” said a human rights activist based in Thailand.

The restrictions also extend to individuals banned by foreign countries from receiving passports, those under court-ordered bonds, and persons deported for violating foreign laws.

According to the law, violators face penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to K1.5 million, depending on the offence.

Youth groups have raised concerns that the restrictions will significantly affect the future prospects of young people, noting that access to a passport is a fundamental right of citizenship.

“The military regime’s current restrictions essentially shut down future options for youth involved in the CDM. As more people flee abroad, pressure on those remaining inside the country, in terms of employment, the economy and security, continues to mount. These new laws create a deep sense of insecurity about the future of young people,” said a Yangon-based youth.

The regime is also set to form a 10-member Myanmar Passport Issuing Body, which will have the authority to both deny new passports and revoke existing ones.

Observers say the regime is planning to transition from machine-readable passports to digital e-passports, which will include expanded personal and biometric data.