There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Reconsider travel to Bangladesh due to kidnapping, unrest, crime, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Advisory summary

Unrest
Unrest and violence have decreased since summer 2024 with the formation of the Interim Government. Occasional protests continue with the potential for violent clashes. Conditions may change on short notice. U.S. citizens should avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones. They can turn violent quickly without warning.

Crime
In Bangladesh’s major cities, common crimes include muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking.

Stay aware of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, in crowded areas. These crimes tend to be situational, based on time and location. There is no evidence that foreigners are targeted because of their nationality.

Terrorism
Terrorist violence is a risk in Bangladesh. This includes terrorist attacks and other activity. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Kidnapping
Review the following risks in specific areas information on the Chittagong Hill Tracts Region for a description of kidnapping risks.

Travel restrictions for U.S. government employees
U.S. citizens in Bangladesh should take the same precautions as U.S. embassy employees.

• Due to security risks, U.S. government employees working in Bangladesh cannot travel outside the diplomatic enclave for non-essential reasons. They must take extra security and accountability precautions if they do.
• U.S. government employees in Bangladesh can travel freely within the diplomatic enclave.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bangladesh, particularly outside of Dhaka. This is due to these travel restrictions, a lack of infrastructure, and few emergency response resources from the local government.

Level 4 - Do Not Travel - Chittagong Hill Tracts Region
Do not travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. This area includes Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts. Do not travel to this area for any reason.

• Kidnappings have happened in the region. Some are due to family disputes, while others target religious minorities.
• Separatist groups and political violence create more risks for visitors. There have been cases of IED explosions and active shootings.
• You must get prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs Office of Public Safety in Bangladesh if you want to travel to these areas.
• Due to the risks, U.S. government employees in Bangladesh cannot travel to the region. The Government of Bangladesh has imposed these restrictions.
• Visit our website Travel to High-Risk Areas.

If you decide to travel to Bangladesh:

• Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings. Demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. 
• Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Get to a safe area and report any criminal incident to local authorities.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Bangladesh.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Bangladesh.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverageDo not travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. This area includes Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts. Do not travel to this area for any reason.
• Kidnappings have happened in the region. Some are due to family disputes, while others target religious minorities.
• Separatist groups and political violence create more risks for visitors. There have been cases of IED explosions and active shootings.
• You must get prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs Office of Public Safety in Bangladesh if you want to travel to these areas.
• Due to the risks, U.S. government employees in Bangladesh cannot travel to the region. The Government of Bangladesh has imposed these restrictions.
• Visit our website Travel to High-Risk Areas.