Rakhine ID Holders Face Mandatory Police Endorsements for Travel in Junta-Controlled Areas

News February 4, 2026

The security force of the junta at a checkpoint (photocrd: ONN)

In areas under the control of Myanmar’s military junta, individuals holding Rakhine identity cards are now required to obtain endorsement letters from both their ward administration offices and local police stations in order to travel, according to multiple sources. Without these documents, bus ticket vendors reportedly refuse to sell tickets.

Similar restrictions are said to apply to holders of Shan identity cards traveling from townships, including Lashio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Namtu, and Kone Kyan, where endorsement letters from relevant ward authorities and security bodies are also required.

Additional travel controls have reportedly been imposed on other ID holders. Those carrying Mandalay Region identity cards must obtain endorsement letters to travel to Mogok Township, while Magway Region ID holders are required to present the same documentation for travel within Magway Township.

Sources said that authorities have circulated township-specific lists identifying where endorsement letters are mandatory. Bus ticket offices in Yangon confirmed that Rakhine ID holders must present endorsement letters from both ward administrations and police stations in order to purchase tickets, regardless of their place of departure.

Likewise, holders of Sagaing Region identity cards are reportedly unable to travel from townships such as Monywa, Shwebo, and Myaung without the required travel endorsements.

The directive does not apply to all citizens nationwide. It reportedly affects only holders of specific identity card codes, including 11/All, 13/Kamana (N), 13/Larana (N), 13/Namata (N), 13/Thapana (N), 13/Kakana (N), 9/Makana (N), 5/Marana (N), 5/Mamana (N), 5/Yabana (N), and 8/Makana (N).

Source@onenationnews