Highway bus companies have announced that they will no longer sell tickets to travelers from conflict-affected areas unless they present recommendation letters from both the police station and their ward administrator.
The new restriction applies to holders of National Registration Cards (NRC) from several regions. These include residents of Rakhine State holding 11/ NRC cards; residents of Kyaukme, Lashio, Namtu, Hsipaw and Konkyan townships in Shan State holding 13/ NRC cards; residents of Mogok Township holding 9/ NRC cards; residents of Magway Township holding 8/ NRC cards; and residents of Monywa, Myaung and Shwebo townships holding 5/ NRC cards.
According to bus operators, travelers from these areas must obtain recommendation letters at least one week in advance for domestic travel.
Bus companies said the instruction was first issued by military junta checkpoints, particularly at Yangon entry gates. The General Administration Department has also sent written orders.
“The large checkpoints informed us first, especially at the Yangon entry points. We had to follow their instruction. The General Administration Department also sent an official letter. If passengers do not have a recommendation letter issued within one week, we will not sell tickets,” an official from a bus company operating between Yangon and Taunggyi said.
He added that some passengers have attempted to use fake documents.
“If problems occur at the checkpoint, we cannot take responsibility. There are many other passengers on board. If an issue arises, the passenger may have to remain at the checkpoint,” he said.
Similar restrictions began in 2024 for NRC holders from Rakhine, Shan, Karenni, Sagaing and Magway regions. Bus operators said the measures have now expanded to include some areas in Mandalay Region, with stricter inspections at military junta checkpoints.
Ko Zaw Zaw, an 11/ NRC holder, said he has experienced tighter checks while traveling.
“Traveling was not a serious problem before. I have lived in Yangon for a long time. When I traveled to Bagan, I also had to get a recommendation letter. I was checked more than other passengers before reaching Mandalay. Since I have stayed in Yangon for years, they allowed me to continue. Now that this new order has been issued, I feel worried about traveling. The bus companies say they will not take responsibility,” he said.
Since the military coup, military junta checkpoints have become known for collecting money, abuse and forced recruitment.
CDM soldiers said the junta is tightening security in areas where armed resistance groups are strong, fearing that weapons and resistance members could enter cities under its control.
