Bangladesh Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov

Entry, exit, and visa requirements

Helpful resources

Embassy of Bangladesh in the United States
Review our information on Dual Nationality.

Traveling with children

Taxis, shuttle buses, and other forms of transport are unlikely to have car seats or booster seats.
International airlines often have different regulations than U.S. domestic carriers. Check with each airline about their rules for: checked baggage, carry-on baggage, carrying-on food, lap children, car seats or booster seats, and use of electronics in-flight.
Consult the websites of airports in Bangladesh where you will be traveling to find out what amenities are available, and plan accordingly.
If you have concerns that your child may be abducted abroad by their other parents or guardian, review our information on how to prevent an international parental child abduction. You can also review our information on Parental Child Abduction in Bangladesh.
Review our information on Traveling with Minors.

HIV and AIDS restrictions

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV and AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Bangladesh.

Currency

The Bangladeshi Taka is the official currency of Bangladesh.
Credit card use varies in major cities, but access may be limited, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Be prepared to pay bills in cash.
Bangladesh has ATMs that accept U.S.-issued bankcards, but the ATM may charge high fees.

Passport and entry requirements

Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond your planned stay in Bangladesh.
You must have at least 1 blank page.
You must have a Bangladeshi visa or get a visa on arrival.
You must have proof of an onward or return ticket.

Visa requirements

Obtaining a visa before travel is strongly recommended. U.S. citizens can apply for a tourist visa on arrival, but it is not guaranteed. U.S. citizens born outside the United States may face extra checks or requirements at ports of entry.

Some U.S. citizens have been denied entry to Bangladesh. They thought they met the visa on arrival requirements. Visit the Embassy of Bangladesh website for visa information.   
Short-term travelers can be denied entry if they cannot demonstrate proof of funds.
Visas must be in a valid passport. In Bangladesh, you may obtain a replacement visa at the Department of Immigration and Passport. Replacing a visa, which is required to exit the country, may take 3 to 4 business days.

Overstaying a visa leads to penalties. It can be very difficult and take a long time to change immigration status after arrival. You may be prohibited from leaving the country until all penalties are paid.
Time of overstay	Fees
1 to 14 days	200 Bangladeshi taka per day + $160 U.S. dollars (or equivalent in Bangladeshi taka). Processing fee is payable at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
15 to 30 days	500 Bangladeshi taka per day + $160 U.S. dollars (or equivalent in Bangladeshi taka). Processing fee is payable at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
31 to 90 days	Fine adjudicated and processed at Department of Immigration and Passport Office, 7th Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka.
Over 90 days	Potential prosecution by the Department of Immigration and Passport Authority under Article 31 of the Foreigners Act of 1946.

Exit taxes

Traveling by air: All foreigners except children under the age of 2 must pay a departure tax. It’s often included when buying air tickets, but it may be collected at the airport when you leave. The amount varies by destination.
Leaving by land: If departing by road in a private vehicle, you must obtain a road exit permit. Contact the Director General, South Asia Wing.

U.S.-Bangladesh dual nationals

If you are a U.S.-Bangladeshi dual national, you and your immediate family members are eligible for a “No Visa Required for Travel to Bangladesh” seal. Your nearest Bangladeshi embassy or consulate can issue this seal in your U.S. passport.
If you have both U.S. and Bangladeshi citizenships, local authorities might not recognize you as a U.S. citizen. Instead, they may treat you as a Bangladeshi citizen.
Review our information on dual nationality.

Customs

You cannot exchange local currency (Bangladeshi taka) for U.S. dollars with cash and traveler’s checks. The only exception is if you have a ticket for travel outside Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi customs may enforce rules on temporary imports or exports. This includes items like currency, household appliances, alcohol, cigarettes, and weapons.
Contact the nearest Bangladeshi embassy or consulate for specific information regarding customs requirements. Review our information on Laws Abroad.

Safety and security

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

Dial 999 for police and other emergency services

Personal safety

Do not expect the same public health and safety standards as in the United States.

Follow health and safety precautions to reduce the risk of illness or injury.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. Enforcement varies by location, even when standards exist.
In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only near major cities.
First responders are generally unable to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorist organizations have followers in Bangladesh. Such groups' last major attacks occurred in 2015 and 2016, targeting foreigners at a bakery with U.S. citizens among the victims.

Terrorists may target:

Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
Places of worship
Schools
Parks
Shopping malls and markets
Public transportation (subways, buses, trains)
Commercial flights

U.S. government employee restrictions

U.S. government personnel in Bangladesh live, work, and travel under strict security guidelines and are prohibited from:

Traveling via non-registered rickshaws outside designated areas.
Traveling via public buses or compressed natural gas autorickshaw (CNG).
Traveling between cities via motor vehicle during hours of darkness.
The use of rideshare apps outside of city limits.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.
Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
Past demonstrations have occasionally turned violent.
Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Robberies happen often in cities worldwide, and cities in Bangladesh are no exception. Sometimes, criminals force victims to use their debit or credit cards to withdraw money.

Safety tips:

Limit the cash you carry in public. 
Use trusted ride-sharing apps or book taxis through your hotel or an authorized taxi stand. 
Ask your bank how to quickly freeze or cancel your bank and credit cards.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial scams and Internet romance scams have occurred in Bangladesh. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
Romance and online dating
Money transfers
Grandparent and relative targeting
Free trip or luggage
Lotteries
Inheritance notices
Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 999. Crimes must be reported to the local police station.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

Replace a stolen or lost passport.
Help you find appropriate medical care.
Assist you in reporting a crime to local authorities.
With your written consent, contact relatives or friends.
Provide general information about a victim’s role during a local investigation and the criminal justice system.
Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:
Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drones

All drones are highly regulated and restricted in Bangladesh. They are also known as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).

Drones are subject to import and flight restrictions. Not getting import or flight permission can lead to detention, arrest, or confiscation of the RPAS.
Visit the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh website for the latest regulations on RPAS.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

Safety inspections of equipment and facilities are rare.
Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
Staff may not be trained or certified.
If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are particularly severe, including long jail sentences, heavy fines, or even death.
You might be questioned if you do not have your passport with you. The same applies if you take pictures of certain buildings, such as military facilities, embassies, police stations, shipyards, traffic inspection facilities, and airports. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. You should exercise caution when photographing government facilities in general.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. It can lead to immediate incarceration.
You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

They may be illegal according to local laws.
Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your trip using these resources:

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Bangladesh. Penalties include up to life imprisonment.

Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Bangladesh prohibits discrimination against people with physical, mental, intellectual, developmental and sensory disabilities. Awareness of disability law is low, and enforcement is limited.

Public transportation, sidewalks, many buildings, and most public areas are not accessible to wheelchairs.
Contact the U.S. embassy in Bangladesh to receive a list of providers.
Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

The U.S. embassy often receives reports of U.S. citizens who are victims of domestic violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and forced marriage in Bangladesh.

Some women have had their passports taken by spouses, parents, or family. This also happens to their children. As a result, their freedom of movement is greatly limited.
Local police are not consistently responsive to reports of such cases. But if you are in a life-threatening situation, call the police right away. Then, contact the U.S. embassy.
If you are a victim of crime abroad, you may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling or other services such as relocation back to the United States. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.
Review our information for Women Travelers.
Review our information on Marriage.
Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Forced marriage

A marriage must be entered into with the full and free consent of both individuals. Under Bangladeshi law, both parties must be at least 18 years old.

We can help and provide information if you are forced into a marriage against your will. Review our information on forced marriage.
All travelers to Bangladesh, including Bangladeshi citizens, should keep their passports and their return plane tickets with them to ensure independence to travel.

Registration for renters

The Bangladesh government requests biodata and other personal information from all Bangladeshi residents. This registration is mandatory for renters and includes.

Dual nationals
Former Bangladesh nationals
“No Visa Required” seal holders

Property disputes

Land disputes are common in Bangladesh. They are extremely difficult to resolve through legal channels.
We cannot protect personal property and cannot take sides in a legal dispute.
If you wish to purchase property in Bangladesh, be aware of the risks -- particularly if you will not be physically present to oversee your property.

Fire safety

Fires in residential and commercial buildings are common in Bangladesh.

First responders' capacity to control flames is limited.
Many multi-story residential buildings and shopping malls lack proper fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and other fire safety features.
Always stay aware of your surroundings and emergency exits.

Health

Health resources

Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Bangladesh Traveler Information
CDC Medical Tourism information
World Health Organization
Medicine and Health
Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

Dial 999 for emergency services. Operators may not speak English.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are available. However, training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan includes any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Consider the Chikungunya and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines.
Dengue is endemic in Bangladesh and cases occur year-round. Most cases typically happen between July and October. Seek medical attention early in your illness if you develop symptoms like fever, headache, rash, or muscle and joint aches.
Malaria is reported in 13 districts in the northeast and southeast regions of Bangladesh. If you’re planning to travel there, you should consult with your physician regarding taking medication for malaria prophylaxis.
The CDC also considers Bangladesh an area with risk of Zika infection, though it is uncommon. Pregnant women, travelers with a pregnant partner, and women considering becoming pregnant should speak to their healthcare provider about possible Zika risk before travel.

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Healthcare facilities

Though quality of care is below U.S. standards, most common illnesses can be treated locally. U.S. citizens often travel outside of Bangladesh for routine surgical procedures and complicated medical treatments.
A centrally coordinated medical emergency response system is not available. A list of hospitals and doctors in Dhaka can be found on the U.S. embassy website.
Bangladesh has no prohibitions on specific medications. Always carry prescription medication in original packaging with a doctor’s prescription.

Prescription medications

The sale of counterfeit medications has been reported, but medications from major pharmacies and hospitals are generally reliable.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
Check with the Bangladesh Federal Office of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in Bangladesh.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

Assisted Reproductive Technology is available in Bangladesh, but its use is generally limited to the genetic material of those in wedlock under Bangladesh laws.
Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Bangladesh with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Bangladesh courts.
If you are considering traveling to Bangladesh to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

Water quality and food safety

Water supplies in Bangladesh are non-potable.
Bottled water is generally safe for drinking.
Foodborne illnesses are common. Wash, soak in a sanitizing solution, peel, and cook food well. This helps reduce chemical, bacterial, and parasitic contamination.

Air quality

Air quality in Dhaka is consistently poor and especially dangerous from November to March.

We recommend avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure during these months. 
N95 filtration masks that are NIOSH certified are helpful. Make sure you have a good fit and seal when using them.

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.

Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a three-day forecast of expected air quality in Bangladesh. 
For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.

Transportation

Road conditions and traffic laws

Bangladeshis drive on the left, the opposite of the United States.
Roads are very crowded. They are poorly maintained and often lack shoulders. Many have sharp drop-offs and have barriers that are not marked. Roadways often have both people and vehicles. Sometimes, they move against the flow of traffic.
Drivers are often unlicensed, aggressive, and poorly trained. Many vehicles, particularly large trucks and buses, are poorly maintained. Larger vehicles generally take the right-of-way.
Speed limits and other traffic laws are not commonly posted. They are rarely followed by motorists. Vehicles often run red lights and merge directly into traffic without stopping.
Drivers use car horns or flash their high-beam headlights to announce their presence in all areas of Bangladesh day or night.

Driving safety tips

Road accidents, including fatal head-on collisions, are common in Bangladesh.

When traveling by road:

Exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in areas frequented by pedestrians.
Use seatbelts if available. Wear helmets on motorcycles and bicycles.
Do not travel by road without an experienced local driver or guide.
Stay alert on intercity highways. Banditry and carjacking can occur.
Check local news for reports of road issues.

Road protests and safety

Protestors often block roads as a means of publicizing their grievances. If a serious accident happens, or a driver hits a pedestrian or livestock, crowds quickly gather. Their behavior can be unpredictable.

The vehicle and its passengers may be at risk of being attacked in these situations. This depends on who the crowd believes is at fault and the damage done. Such attacks can seriously injure or kill the vehicle’s occupants. They may also damage the vehicle.
It is unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature. Seek shelter at the nearest police station.
Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.
Visit Bangladesh’s National Tourism Board website.

Taxis and ride-shares

A private car and driver is the most reliable means of travel in Bangladesh. Ride-share companies vary in availability and reliability based on location.

Public and commercial transportation

The U.S. embassy prohibits U.S. government officials and their family members from using buses, trains, and motorcycles.
The Bangladeshi passenger rail system is old and overcrowded. During civil unrest, some activists target rail lines by throwing explosives and removing rail ties from the tracks. This makes trips dangerous and often leads to cancellations.
Even in peaceful times, foreigners attract attention at many train stations due to the presence of foreign travelers on rail in the country.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation Authority does not meet international standards for aviation safety oversight.

 FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Bangladesh should check the following:   

Weather and natural disasters

Helpful resources

For more information on disaster preparedness, please visit:

Heavy flooding and storms

Common during the monsoon season from June to October. In these events, 30 percent of the country may be underwater.

Lightning strikes are common during the monsoon season.
Avoid outdoor activity during storms.
Landslides can also occur during heavy rain. This is common in the hill tracts area of the Bandarban district in the southeast.

Cyclones

These occur in the pre-monsoon season in April and May. They are also common post-monsoon in October and November.

Wind speeds can get up to 150 km/hr.
Storm surges get up to 5 meters.
Bangladesh is at severe risk from tornadoes.

Earthquakes

Bangladesh lies in a zone 2B earthquake fault region. This means it has a moderate chance of experiencing damaging ground motion.

The overwhelming majority of structures in Bangladesh would not withstand a moderate earthquake.
Earthquakes tend to happen more in the north of the country. However, urban areas can feel the worst effects of any quake.
Post-earthquake disaster relief capabilities are extremely limited.

Safety tips

Make back up plans for travel in Bangladesh.
Leave emergency contact information with family members outside of Bangladesh.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and at Ready.gov.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates

U.S. Embassy Dhaka

Madani Avenue,
Baridhara, Dhaka, 1212
Bangladesh

Main telephone:

880-96-1020-2040

Emergency after-hours:

+88-2-5566-2000, press "3" to connect with the Embassy Duty Officer

Email:

DhakaACS@state.gov

Website: https://bd.usembassy.gov/

The Consular Section’s American Citizen Services unit operates Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment only. 

Bangladesh

Travel advisory - People's Republic of Bangladesh

Level 3 - Reconsider travel

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

Advisory summary

Risks in specific areas

Level: 4 - Do not travel

If you decide to travel to Bangladesh:

About Bangladesh

Travel requirements

Tourist visa requirements

Vaccinations

Valid passport requirements

Currency on entry and exit

Tips from the U.S. embassy

Help for U.S. citizens

Travel guidance for Bangladesh

Entry, exit, and visa requirements

Helpful resources

Traveling with children

HIV and AIDS restrictions

Currency

Passport and entry requirements

Visa requirements

Visa overstays and penalties

Exit taxes

U.S.-Bangladesh dual nationals

Customs

Safety and security

Emergency numbers

Personal safety

Terrorism

U.S. government employee restrictions

Demonstrations

Crime

Scams

Victims of crime

Sexual assault and domestic violence

Technology use abroad

Drones

Tourism safety

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

Arrest notification

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Faith-based travelers

Gay and lesbian travelers

Travelers with accessibility needs

Students

Women travelers

Human rights

Forced marriage

Registration for renters

Property disputes

Fire safety

Health

Health resources

Emergency numbers

Ambulance services

Medical payments and insurance

Vaccinations

Healthcare facilities

Prescription medications

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

Water quality and food safety

Air quality

Transportation

Road conditions and traffic laws

Driving safety tips

Road protests and safety

Taxis and ride-shares

Public and commercial transportation

Aviation safety oversight

Maritime travel

Weather and natural disasters

Helpful resources

Heavy flooding and storms

Cyclones

Earthquakes

Safety tips

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