About Burma's Correctional System
Burma's correctional system is managed by the Myanmar Prison Department. For inmate searches, use the official contacts listed below or contact the facility directly using the phone numbers on this page. Where available, the facility listings below include addresses, inmate capacity, and descriptive information.
For US citizens detained in Burma, contact US Embassy Burma at +95 1 536 509 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US.
Burma Resources & Legal Services
Key Burma Prison Contacts
| Agency / Contact | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myanmar Prison Department | Burma | +95-1-253-434 | Visit Site |
| US Embassy Burma | Burma | +95 1 536 509 | Visit Site |
| US State Dept Emergency (from US) | Washington DC | 1-888-407-4747 | Visit Site |
Showing 5 facilities in Burma
Bago Prison
Facility
Closed
Prison in the Bago Region of central Myanmar. Houses sentenced and remand prisoners from the region.
Obo Prison
Facility
Closed
Main prison in Myanmar's second largest city. Houses both sentenced and remand prisoners from Mandalay Division. Used to detain political prisoners following the 2021 coup.
Moulmein (Mawlamyine) Prison
Facility
Closed
Colonial-era prison in Mawlamyine (formerly Moulmein) in Mon State. One of the older correctional facilities built during British colonial administration.
Insein Prison
Facility
Closed
Myanmar's most infamous prison built by the British in 1887. Located in Insein township north of Yangon. Known as the gateway to hell by political prisoners. Used extensively to hold political dissidents journalists and activists. Capacity approximately 10000 with chronic overcrowding. Used to detain thousands of pro-democracy activists after the 2021 military coup.
Sagaing Prison
Facility
Closed
Regional prison in Sagaing Division. Holds convicted offenders from the division's judicial district.
Burma Prison FAQ
Browse the facility listings on this page to find the specific institution, then contact them directly using the phone number listed. For US citizens detained in Burma, contact US Embassy Burma at +95 1 536 509 immediately.
Contact US Embassy Burma at +95 1 536 509 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US. Consular officers can visit detained Americans, provide lists of local attorneys, and notify family members.
Visitation rules vary significantly by facility and security level in Burma. You will typically need to be on an approved visitor list, present valid government-issued photo ID, and comply with the facility's dress code. Contact the specific facility directly using the phone number listed on this page to confirm current visitation hours and requirements.
Contact Myanmar Bar Council for referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys in Burma. The US Embassy can also provide a list of local attorneys. You can also find a criminal lawyer through our directory.
Each Burma facility has its own approved methods for receiving inmate funds. Contact the facility directly using the phone numbers listed on this page for current accepted payment methods, deposit limits, and procedures.