CNI Interview
4 April 2026
In Myanmar, alongside the expanding armed conflicts, the rule of law has weakened and security guarantees remain fragile. Consequently, the public must present their National Registration Cards (NRC) or Citizen Verification Cards for security inspections when traveling by air, land, or sea.
However, some authorities have been using the stipulation that IDs must be exchanged at ages 18, 30, and 45 as a pretext. By comparing a traveler's age to their card, they demand money or cause travel delays if the ID has not been updated.
Regarding these situations, CNI News contacted the Ministry of Immigration and Manpower for an interview.
Q: Is there an official announcement from Immigration stating that IDs must be compulsorily exchanged?
A: Under the 1982 Myanmar Citizenship Law, we issue cards at age 10 and age 18. The procedures state that a holder should exchange their card upon reaching ages 18, 30, or 45.
While we do process these exchanges when citizens apply at those ages, there is no legal provision making it mandatory. Furthermore, we have not instructed security screening teams to check for these exchanges or to insist that citizens update them.
Ministry's responses shown in the document
Q: Many people cannot exchange their IDs because local Immigration offices are closed or they cannot return to their hometowns due to regional insecurity. Is there a plan to allow people to exchange IDs easily at their current location?
A: Those who cannot return to their registered permanent address should contact the Immigration office in their current area of residence. We have distributed leaflets and posted vinyl signs at offices regarding the necessary documentation. If the individual applies in person with the required evidence, the local office will issue a household list and proceed with the citizenship documentation process.
Q: For those unable to exchange their ID, can they use the government-issued Smart Card (UID) for air travel and ticket purchases?
A: The requirement to use an NRC card for purchasing flight tickets is determined by the regulations of the respective Ministry and the airlines.
Our Ministry issues the UID primarily to facilitate socio-economic activities, to provide a verification system for organizations offering online services, and to share registered data for administrative use.
Q: Are there instructions to strictly monitor whether IDs have been exchanged at airports and road checkpoints?
A: Inspections at airports and checkpoints are for security purposes to verify identity; there are no instructions to check whether an ID has been exchanged. However, travelers must present their ID if requested by an official for verification.
Ministry's responses shown in the document
Q: How will you supervise instances where money is being extorted or travel is being blocked based on whether an ID has been updated?
A: Inspections at joint checkpoints are solely to verify if the person matches their identity document for security. Authorities cannot demand money using the excuse that an ID hasn't been exchanged or that the photo is faded or unclear.
If money is demanded to allow passage, there are complaint phone numbers posted at those checkpoints. You can call those numbers and report the specific person, the gate, the date, and the time. You may also directly contact our Ministry’s office at 067-3431045 to file a report.
