travel advice for bangladesh

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh overall due to the threat of terrorism and civil unrest.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Bangladesh (PDF 754.72 KB)

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 999 or go to the hospital.

Call 999 or go to your local police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution  in Bangladesh overall due to the threat of terrorism and civil unrest.

See Safety .

Reconsider your need to travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.

Reconsider your need to travel  to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region due to the threat of kidnapping, politically motivated violence, and the risk of being caught up in clashes between rival groups engaged in conflict. 

• Large gatherings, including public demonstrations, protests and strikes ( hartals) , can turn violent without warning. Communication networks may be disrupted. Avoid protests, demonstrations and rallies and remain aware of your surroundings. 
• Random attacks using low-yield improvised explosive devices (IED) occur in Bangladesh. Bangladesh authorities continue to arrest terrorists in the advanced stages of attack planning. We continue to receive information indicating terrorists may be planning attacks that could occur anywhere, anytime. Be alert at places of worship and during significant national holidays. 
• The Australian High Commission has security measures in place due to the risk of a terrorist attack. Due to safety concerns, Australian officials are not permitted to use public transport (except for rickshaws during daylight hours only).
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. Violence and robberies are common. Thieves target passengers on public transport, including rickshaws, taxis and the three-wheel vehicles known as 'CNGs.' Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and snatch-and-grab incidents, is also common. Keep your car doors locked and windows up and your residential doors, windows and gates locked, even if you have a security guard.
• Women may experience unwanted attention, including verbal and physical harassment. Assault, including sexual assault, are risks. Avoid travelling alone at night. 
• The Bangladesh Government monitors access to refugee camps in the Cox's Bazar district of southern Bangladesh. Crime and violent incidents have occurred in the camps and surrounding areas. Humanitarian assistance should be provided through agencies recognised by the Bangladesh Government. If you are providing humanitarian assistance, follow the security advice provided by your humanitarian agency and local authorities. 
• Reconsider your need to travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. Kidnapping and politically motivated violence can occur, and you risk being caught up in clashes between rival groups engaged in conflict. 
• There's been increased active conflict in Myanmar, close to the border with Bangladesh. The situation along the border with Myanmar remains unpredictable and could deteriorate at short notice. 
• Fires are common in Bangladesh's residential and commercial buildings, shopping centres and markets. Remain aware of your surroundings and exit points.
• The monsoon season is from June to September. The cyclone seasons are from May to June and from October to November. During these times, flooding and landslides can happen with little warning. They can disrupt essential services. Be prepared for major emergencies. Keep an emergency kit on hand.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• The standard of medical facilities is poor. Medical facilities outside Dhaka are very limited. You'll probably need to pay up-front. If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.
• Insect-borne diseases occur, including chikungunya, malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis and Zika virus. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent and take steps to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing clothing covering as much skin as possible. Get vaccinated against diseases prevalent in the region before you travel. Consider taking anti-malarial medication. If you're pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor. 
• HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if you engage in high-risk activities.
• Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases include cholera, typhoid, nipah virus and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• Outbreaks of coetaneous anthrax have occurred in the past and may occur again. Avoid handling raw meat. Only eat fully cooked beef from reliable suppliers.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Severe penalties include mandatory sentences for small amounts and the death penalty. Hookah or smoking pipes are common and may be spiked with illegal drugs. Avoid using them.
• Bangladesh has the death penalty for some serious crimes. Corporal punishment (whipping) is a possible sentence.
• Local authorities can demand to see your ID. Always carry a copy of your passport, even if you're a dual national.
• The Bangladeshi Government may consider you a Bangladeshi citizen if you or your parents are of Bangladeshi origin, even if you've never held a Bangladeshi passport, and were born overseas. It's illegal for Bangladeshi citizens to purchase, carry, possess, transport or consume alcohol without a permit.
• Dress and behaviour standards are conservative. Avoid public displays of affection.
• During Ramadan, Muslims must not eat, drink and smoke between sunrise and sunset. Authorities can detain you if you eat, drink or smoke in public during this time. They may even deport you.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• You need a visa to enter Bangladesh. Arrange it before you travel. Visa-on-arrival facilities may be available, but the process can be time-consuming and apply only to specific categories of incoming passengers. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact your local  Bangladesh embassy or high commission  for the latest details. 
• If you're working, make sure you get either an Income Tax Clearance Certificate or an Income Tax Exemption Certificate. You'll need to show it when you leave the country.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the  Australian High Commission in Dhaka .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorist attacks are possible.

Monitor the news and other sources for information on any such attacks and avoid these locations.

Australian Government staff in Bangladesh implement security measures because of the threat of terror attack. Security protocols at the Australian High Commission are under constant review.

Australian officials:

• plan and undertake their movements cautiously
• undertake a health and risk assessment for domestic travel
• do not use public transport (with the exception of rickshaws during daylight hours)
• minimise walking alone in Dhaka
• avoid public mass gatherings and other locations that don't have strong security measures in place.

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Criminal violence and armed robberies are common and occur in all large cities. In the past, expatriates have been victims of robbery, pickpocketing and 'snatch and grab' attacks.

Thieves, often armed and operating in teams, can target people travelling in rickshaws, taxis and the three-wheel vehicles known in Bangladesh as compressed natural gas vehicles (CNGs). Petty crime, including theft and purse snatching, is common. The risk of robbery increases after dark, especially on public transport.

Law enforcement agencies have increased the number of checkpoints around Dhaka, particularly in Dhaka's expatriate and diplomatic areas of Baridhara and Gulshan.

Female travellers 

Women may experience unwanted attention and verbal and physical harassment. Assault, including sexual assault, are risks. Avoid travelling alone at night, and take care if you travel in public transportation, rickshaws or compressed natural gas vehicles.

More information: 

• Advice for women travellers 

Reconsider your need to travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. Politically motivated violence and kidnapping can occur, and you risk being caught up in clashes between rival groups engaged in violent crimes, armed robbery and assault.

If you travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region:

• apply for permission from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts
• arrange personal security measures
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures

The Bangladesh Government monitors access to refugee camps in the Cox's Bazar district of Southern Bangladesh. Crime and violent incidents have occurred in the camps and surrounding areas. Humanitarian assistance should be provided through agencies recognised by the Bangladesh Government. If you are providing humanitarian assistance, follow the security advice provided by your humanitarian agency and local authorities. 

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Civil unrest and political tension

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent with little or no warning.

Random attacks with low-yield improvised explosive devices, known as cocktails, happen from time to time in public areas.

International and political developments in the region may cause local protests.

Violence at political events has killed and injured people in recent years. These events included:

• political rallies
• general strikes, also known as hartals
• blockades of rail, road and river transport networks
• high profile criminal trials or sentencing.

Strikes led by political groups can:

• be nationwide or local
• be violent and sometimes lethal
• target public and private transport
• involve both anti-Government protesters and security forces

Blockades of rail, road and river transport networks led by political groups may result in:

• violence that targets public and private transport
• shortages of fuel and other supplies

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid crowded areas and large public gatherings
• be alert to possible threats when political tensions are high
• be alert around significant dates and in areas prone to violence
• make a plan for moving between locations
• have an exit strategy from places you visit
• monitor the media and local sources for information on possible unrest

Crowds commemorating significant dates and anniversaries have also been attacked. Dates of national significance include:

• Mother Language Day on 21 February
• Independence Day on 26 March
• Bengali New Year on 14 April
• Eid-al-Fitr
• Eid-ul-Azha 
• National Day of Mourning on 15 August
• Durga Puja in October 
• Victory Day on 16 December

There's been increased active conflict in Myanmar, close to the border with Bangladesh. The situation along the border with Myanmar remains unpredictable and could deteriorate at short notice. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Kidnapping   

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk.  

Kidnaps occur in Bangladesh, usually by low-level opportunistic criminals. There is an increased threat of kidnapping in the Chittagong Tracts region.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is limited. 

  To reduce the risk of kidnapping:  

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings  
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk  
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures  
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone  
• notify family or friends of planned travel, and share your location   
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs  
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours  
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone  

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.  

Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.  

More information:   

• Kidnapping  

Fire safety

Fires are common in residential and commercial buildings, shopping centres and markets in Bangladesh due to unplanned urbanisation, lack of fire safety awareness and limited infrastructure and equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire exits. Remain aware of your surroundings and exit points.

Climate and natural disasters

Bangladesh experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• Earthquakes

Be prepared for a major emergency. Keep an emergency kit.

If a natural disaster happens:

• closely monitor local media and other sources, including the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• stay in contact with friends and family

Cyclones, flooding and severe weather

The monsoon season is from June to September.

The cyclone seasons are from May to June and from October to November.

During these times,  flooding  and landslides can happen with little warning.

Severe weather can affect services and transport.

The direction and strength of cyclones can change with little warning.

If there's a cyclone or severe storm:

• you may not be able to leave the area
• it could delay or suspend flights
• available flights may fill quickly
• it could affect access to sea ports
• there may not be enough shelter for everyone who stays

To reduce your risk of getting caught in severe weather events:

• stay up to date on weather conditions and forecasts
• check cyclone watches and warnings
• monitor local media and regional weather forecasts

If a cyclone is approaching:

• know your accommodation's evacuation plans
• identify your local shelter

If you're travelling during monsoon or cyclone season, ask your tour operator if the weather will affect your services.

• Joint Typhoon Warning Center
• Surviving cyclones: preparation and safety procedures

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Bangladesh also experiences  earthquakes  and tsunamis.

The  US Geological Service  website has real-time information on earthquakes.

If there's an earthquake:

• follow the advice of your accommodation provider and local authorities
• monitor local media and warnings from local authorities

Move to higher ground if:

• you're in a coastal or low-lying area
• you feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• you feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• you see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• you hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media and weather services.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. Options for medical evacuation may be limited. Ensure you discus s your medical coverage with your travel insurer prior to travelling to Bangladesh.

The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Bangladesh. Take enough legal medicine for your trip. 

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

Health risks

Dengue  is a virus carried by mosquitoes. It is endemic in Bangladesh.

Use mosquito repellents and take steps to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible and using insect repellent.

Nipah virus  is usually transmitted through contact with an infected person or through infected animals, such as bats, as well as food and materials contaminated with their saliva or urine. Avoid drinking raw date palm sap, which can contain the saliva of fruit bats. 

Chikungunya is a virus spread by mosquitoes.

Malaria  occurs in rural areas. Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases occur in many areas, including:

• Zika virus  
• Japanese encephalitis

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to Zika virus-affected areas

To protect yourself from illness:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis.

HIV/AIDS  is a risk.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Human cases of  avian influenza  have been confirmed in Bangladesh.

Outbreaks of coetaneous  anthrax  have occurred in the past and could happen again. Affected people either ate beef or had close contact with diseased animals.

It's safe to eat fully cooked beef and beef products from reliable sources.

• avoid handling raw meat
• only eat fully-cooked beef from reliable suppliers

Other health risks

Other waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases can occur, including:

• Tuberculosis
• COVID-19  

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water sources
• always check with local authorities before swimming in waters
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Black henna tattoos

Avoid temporary black henna tattoos. They often contain a dye that can cause serious skin reactions.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

The standard of medical facilities is poor. Medical facilities outside Dhaka are very limited. 

Doctors and hospitals usually need up-front payment before they will treat you. 

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include mandatory jail sentences and the death penalty. Jail sentences are mandatory even in cases that involve just a small amount of illegal drugs.

Law enforcement agencies looking for illegal drugs raid places where teenagers and young people spend time.

Hookah pipes or smoking pipes are common in some bars and cafes. Criminals may spike them with illegal drugs. Avoid using these pipes.

• Carrying or using drugs

Serious crime

The death penalty can apply for crimes including:

• trafficking of children
• hijacking an aircraft
• narcotics trafficking

Authorities use corporal punishment such as whipping as an alternative to jail.

Proof of identity

Local authorities can demand to see identification.

Always carry a copy of your passport with you, even if you're a  dual national .

Same-sex acts are illegal. Penalties include jail sentences.

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Bangladeshi civil law differs from Australian law. This includes family matters such as:

• child custody
• child support

If you plan to do anything that involves local laws, including business and family matters:

• seek professional advice
• make sure you know your rights and responsibilities under Bangladeshi law

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

The Bangladeshi Government may consider you a Bangladeshi citizen if:

• you're of Bangladeshi origin
• your parents are of Bangladeshi origin

This may be the case even if you've never held a Bangladeshi passport or were born overseas.

This limits the  consular services  we can give if you're arrested or detained.

It's illegal for Bangladeshi citizens to purchase, carry, possess, transport or consume alcohol without a permit.

These laws apply to dual nationals.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Dress and behaviour standards.

Dress and behaviour standards are conservative.

Public displays of affection aren't socially acceptable. They may attract unwanted public attention, including from law enforcement officials.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, ask a local.

The Islamic holiday month of  Ramadan  is observed in Bangladesh. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, Muslims must not eat, drink and smoke between sunrise and sunset. If you're not fasting, authorities can detain you if you eat, drink or smoke in public during this time. They may even deport you. Seek local advice to avoid offence or detention.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You need a visa to enter Bangladesh. Arrange it before you travel. Visa-on-arrival facilities may be available, but the process can be time-consuming, lengthy and apply only to specific categories of incoming passengers. Contact your local  Bangladesh embassy or high commission  for details.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  Bangladesh High Commission  in Canberra for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Other formalities

I f you're working in Bangladesh, each time you leave, you need to present either:

• an Income Tax Clearance Certificate
• an Income Tax Exemption Certificate
• Bangladesh National Board of Revenue

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

Never hand your passport over to strangers. If hotel staff ask to make a copy of it, make sure they return it straight away.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:   

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Bangladesh Taka (BDT).

You must declare amounts of more than $US5000 when you enter or exit the country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can use credit cards and ATM facilities in major centres.

Credit card fraud happens. Take care not to expose your PIN. Monitor your bank statements for possible fraud.

Local travel

Driving permit.

You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Bangladesh.

Get an IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

Violent protests and demonstrations can occur in Dhaka and other districts. This includes on the main airport road.

These events can cause major traffic delays and disruptions.

Monitor local media. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Driving can be dangerous. Fatalities are common, as are accidents involving pedestrians.

You're more likely to be killed in a car accident in Bangladesh than in Australia.

Dangers include:

• congested roads
• chaotic traffic
• drivers overtaking other vehicles when it's unsafe

Head-on collisions are common.

Risks are higher at night and outside the major cities.

Cars, buses and trucks often drive at high speed either:

• without headlights
• with headlights at full beam

Many rickshaws and compressed natural gas (CNG) operated vehicles are unlit at night and are difficult to see in the dark.  Australian officials in Bangladesh are not permitted to use rickshaws at night.  

Monsoon floods can damage roads and make them impassable.

Traffic accidents, even minor ones, often attract large crowds of onlookers. This can quickly get out of control and turn violent.

Other issues that can increase accident risks and severity include:

• people sitting on the roofs of buses and trains
• severe overcrowding inside vehicles

If you intend to drive in Bangladesh:

• get to know local traffic laws and practices
• check the news for road closures
• keep your car windows and doors closed and locked at all times
• don't drive at night if possible

If you're involved in an accident, immediately contact police and follow their instructions.

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Australian officials in Bangladesh are not permitted to use motorbikes.

Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Australian High Commission staff are instructed not to use taxis or ride-sharing service  due to safety concerns.

If you must use taxis, use only registered taxis and limousines. Try to book these through your hotel.

Public transport

Australian High Commission staff are instructed not to use public transport, with the exception of rickshaws during daylight hours.

Travel by bus may be unsafe due to:

• unqualified and uninsured drivers
• poor vehicle maintenance
• high-speed driving
• overcrowding

Train travel can be unsafe due to:

• broken tracks
• many unauthorised and unmanned crossings
• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

Overloading can occur on river craft, including ferries. Boats may also not have life-saving equipment on board. People die in major accidents.

Piracy  occurs in coastal areas.

• International Maritime Bureau piracy reports
• Travelling by boat

Check  Bangladesh's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Only passengers are allowed to enter the main airport passenger terminal at  Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport .

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Dhaka.

Australian High Commission, Dhaka

184 Gulshan Avenue  Gulshan 2  Dhaka, Bangladesh Website:  bangladesh.highcommission.gov.au Email: [email protected]     Facebook: Australian High Commission, Bangladesh   X: @AusHCBangladesh   

Check the Australian High Commission website and Facebook page for details about opening hours, appointments and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Travel Advisory October 12, 2023

Bangladesh - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review with updates to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and a short-term event.

Exercise increased caution in Bangladesh due to crime, terrorism and the upcoming general election . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.  

Reconsider travel to:

• Chittagong Hill Tracts Region due to occasional communal violence, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security risks .

Country Summary: Travelers should be aware of petty crimes such as pickpocketing in crowded areas. Crimes such as muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking constitute the majority of criminal activity in Bangladesh’s major cities, but there are no indications foreigners are being targeted because of their nationality. These crimes tend to be situational, based on time and location.

Terrorist attacks can happen with little or no warning, with terrorists targeting public areas such as tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, restaurants, places of worship, school campuses, and government facilities.

The next general election is anticipated to occur before January 2024, and political party rallies and other election-related activities have already commenced. Political rallies and demonstrations may be held with increasing frequency or intensity as the general election draws nearer. Travelers to Bangladesh should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  

Because of security concerns U.S. government employees in Bangladesh are subject to some movement and travel restrictions. The U.S. government may have limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bangladesh due to these travel restrictions, a lack of infrastructure, and limited host government emergency response resources.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bangladesh.

If you decide to travel to Bangladesh:

• Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings.
• 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 receive alerts and so it is easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the State Department on Facebook or Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Bangladesh.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Please review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Chittagong Hill Tracts Region - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel to the Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts (collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts) due to occasional communal violence, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security risks . Kidnappings have occurred in the region, including those motivated by domestic or familial disputes, and those targeting religious minorities. Separatist organizations and political violence also pose additional threats to visitors to the region, and there have been recent instances of IED explosions and active shooting. Prior approval from the Government of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs Office of Public Safety is required if you plan to travel to these areas.

Please visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months beyond planned stay.

Yes. Visa on arrival is available for some travelers. Check the Bangladeshi Embassy website for the latest information.

Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations required; Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies vaccinations recommended. There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Bangladesh; however, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you are traveling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever and are older than one year of age.

You must declare 5,000 U.S. dollars and above.

You cannot depart with more USD than you declared upon entry. You cannot take more than 5,000 Bangladeshi taka (appx. $58.82 USD) out of Bangladesh without a declaration. More information is available here: Bangladesh Customs, National Board of Revenue (NBR)

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Dhaka

Madani Avenue,   Baridhara, Dhaka, 1212   Bangladesh   Telephone:  +(88) (2) 5566-2000  Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(88) (2) 5566-2000. When you hear the recorded message, press “0” to connect with the Embassy Duty Officer  Fax:  +(88) (2) 5566-2907  Email:   [email protected]   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. Emergency appointments are available outside of business hours upon request.

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Passports and Visas:

• Passports must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay in Bangladesh, have at least one blank page, and have a Bangladeshi visa. You must possess an onward or return ticket.
• We strongly recommend obtaining a visa before traveling.  Although U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for a tourist visa on arrival, there is no guarantee you will receive one. U.S. citizens born outside the United States may be subject to increased scrutiny or further requirements at the port of entry. Recently, some U.S. citizens have been denied entry into Bangladesh despite believing they had fulfilled the requirements for a visa on arrival.  Visit the  Embassy of Bangladesh  website for visa information.         
• Short term travelers can be denied entry if they cannot demonstrate sufficient financial liquidity.
• Visas must be in a valid passport. In country, you may obtain a replacement visa at the  Department of Immigration and Passports . Replacing a visa, which is required in order to exit the country, may take three to four business days.
• 1 to 14 days = 200 Bangladeshi taka per day + 160 U.S. dollars (or equivalent in Bangladeshi taka) processing fee 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 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.
• For further information, visit the  Bangladeshi Immigration Police website.

Exit Taxes:

• When traveling by air, all foreigners except children under the age of two must pay a departure tax. While often included when air tickets are purchased, it may be collected at the airport at the time of departure. The amount varies depending on the destination.
• If departing by road in a private vehicle, you must obtain a road exit permit by contacting the Director General, South Asia Wing,  Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

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 hold both U.S. and Bangladeshi citizenship, you may not be immediately recognized as a U.S. citizen by the local authorities and may initially be treated as a Bangladeshi citizen.
• Read more information about dual nationality on our website.
• Bangladeshi customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import or export of items such as currency, household appliances, alcohol, cigarettes, and weapons.
• Bangladesh does not allow the exchange of local currency (Bangladeshi taka) for U.S. dollars (cash and traveler’s checks) unless the customer has a ticket for travel outside Bangladesh.
• Contact the Bangladeshi Embassy or Consulates for specific information regarding customs requirements. Please also see our  Customs Information .

HIV/AIDS: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Bangladesh. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of Bangladesh  before traveling.

Safety and Security

The U.S. government assesses that there remains a credible terrorist threat against foreigners in Bangladesh.  U.S. citizens in Bangladesh should take precautions, remain vigilant, and be alert to local security developments.

There has been no significant terrorist attack in Bangladesh since March 2017, but the country remains a target of several foreign terrorist organizations.  Since 2015, ISIS-affiliated terrorists have conducted over 30 attacks that targeted foreigners, religious minorities, and local police/security services.  In March 2017, ISIS claimed responsibility for at least three bombings in multiple locations in Bangladesh, including two suicide attacks that targeted security forces near Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.  The third bombing transpired during a police raid against suspected terrorists, killing seven onlookers and injuring 40.  In July 2016, ISIS attacked a Dhaka restaurant frequented by Westerners, killing 20 hostages, including a U.S. citizen.  If you observe high-profile police activity, depart the area immediately. 

Al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) retains a presence in Bangladesh; the group last carried out attacks in 2015 and 2016 that killed several secular bloggers, publishers, and human rights activists; a U.S. citizen was among the victims.

The following groups, including several on the U.S. government’s list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, are active in Bangladesh:

• Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS), known locally as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB or “Neo-JMB”)
• Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), known locally as Ansar al-Islam
• Lashkar-e-Tayyiba
• Indigenous sectarian groups

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

• Traveling on foot (walking, running) and biking outside of designated areas and times;
• Traveling via non-registered rickshaws outside designated areas and times;
• Traveling via commercial ride-share services, public buses, or compressed natural gas autorickshaw (CNG);
• Visiting public establishments outside of designated areas and times without prior notification; and
• Attending widely-publicized large gatherings, including events at international hotels,.
• Tourism:  The tourism industry is nascent, unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are often not identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are particularly severe.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bangladesh are severe, including long jail sentences, heavy fines, or even death.
• You may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you, or if you take pictures of certain buildings, such as military facilities, embassies, police stations, shipyards, traffic inspection facilities, or airports. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. You should exercise caution when photographing government facilities in general.
• Driving under the influence is illegal and could result in immediate incarceration.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Drones:  All forms of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), colloquially known as “drones,” are highly regulated and restricted in Bangladesh and are subject to import and flight restrictions. Failure to obtain import and/or flight permission can result in detention and/or arrest, as well as confiscation of the RPAS. Visit the  Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh  website for the latest RPAS regulations.

Forced Marriage:  A marriage must be entered into with the full and free consent of both individuals. We can provide help and advice if you are being forced into a marriage against your will. Please refer to our  information on forced marriage . All travelers to Bangladesh, including Bangladeshi citizens, should maintain possession of their passports and return plane tickets to ensure independence to travel.

Registration for Renters:  The Bangladesh Government requests biodata and other personal information from all residents. This registration is mandatory for renters but is voluntary for homeowners and foreigners. Dual nationals, former Bangladesh nationals, and “No Visa Required” seal holders are considered Bangladeshi for registration purposes.

Property Disputes: 

• Land disputes are common in Bangladesh and 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 including those of not being physically present to oversee your property.

Natural Disasters: 

• Heavy flooding occurs during the monsoon season (June to October), and 30 percent of the country may be under water. Lightning strikes are common during the monsoon season and outdoor activity should be avoided during storms.  Landslides can also occur during heavy rains, particularly in the hill tracts area of the Bandarban district in the southeast.
• Cyclones occur most frequently in the pre-monsoon (April and May) and post-monsoon (October and November) seasons and could include wind speeds of up to 150 km/hr and storm surges of up to 5 meters.
• Bangladesh is at severe risk from tornadoes.

Bangladesh is in a zone 2B earthquake fault region, with a moderate probability of damaging ground motion. The overwhelming majority of structures in Bangladesh would not withstand a moderate earthquake. Although earthquakes are more likely to occur in the north of the country, destruction from an earthquake is expected to be most acute in urban areas. Post-earthquake disaster relief capabilities are extremely limited.

You should make contingency plans for travel in Bangladesh. Leave emergency contact information with family members outside of Bangladesh and 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 . For more information on disaster preparedness, please visit:

• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
• FEMA: Earthquakes
• FEMA for Kids: Emergency Preparedness
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Earthquake Preparedness
• Ready.gov: Tornadoes
• Travel.state.gov: Crisis and Disaster  Abroad

Fire Safety:  Fires in residential and commercial buildings are not uncommon in Bangladesh, and first responders' capacity to control flames is limited. Many multi-story residential buildings and shopping malls lack proper fire extinguishers, emergency exits, among other fire safety features. Stay aware of your surroundings and emergency exits.

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Rights:  Consensual same-sex sexual activity is criminalized in Bangladesh and penalties include up to life imprisonment. See our  LGBTQI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details. In 2016, AQIS specifically targeted and killed two prominent members of the Bangladesh LGBTQI+ community in their apartment because of their human rights activism and sexual orientation.

Persons with Mobility Issues:  Public transportation, sidewalks, many buildings, and most public areas are not wheelchair accessible.

For emergency services in Bangladesh, dial 999.

Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.  

COVID-19 Testing:  PCR and/or antigen tests are available for U.S. citizens in Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh has provided a list of recommended COVID-19 testing facilities for international passengers  here . Those wishing to get tested will have to pay for their own COVID-19 test.  Results are often delivered via text message and are, in most cases, linked to a QR code.

COVID-19 Vaccines:  The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh started its national COVID-19 vaccination program in January 2021. The program includes AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Janssen (Johnson and Johnson), Sinopharm, and Sinovak vaccines. The Government of Bangladesh is now offering COVID-19 vaccines to those who do not have a Bangladesh national ID (NID) or a locally registered birth certificate, including all foreign nationals. Individuals who have yet to receive a vaccine are encouraged to call the Bangladesh Health hotline at 16263 to identify the nearest vaccine center.  Please carry a passport or another form of government-issued identification and be ready to provide a Bangladeshi mobile phone number.

Those who do not have an NID or locally registered birth certificate may not register for a vaccine via the surokkha.gov.bd vaccine portal, and as a result, would be unable to receive a Bangladeshi vaccine certificate with a QR code. Anyone vaccinated at a vaccine center, however, will receive a handwritten vaccine card to carry as proof of vaccination against COVID-19.  

Those interested in obtaining a booster dose may follow the procedure described above and should be ready to present proof of previous vaccination against COVID-19. Individuals become eligible for a booster dose four months after their last dose is administered. This information is also available at the Directorate General for Health Services website .

If any U.S. citizen wishes to register through the Surokkha website to get the QR coded vaccine certificate, they should follow the instructions below and provide the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka with all the required information so that we can forward it to the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the purpose of vaccination against COVID-19.

Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure health insurance plans provide coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on overseas insurance coverage.

We strongly advise supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medical Care: Though quality of care is below U.S. standards, most common illnesses can be treated locally. U.S. citizens often travel outside Bangladesh for routine surgical procedures and complicated medical treatment.

• 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.
• The sale of counterfeit medications has been reported, but medications from major pharmacies and hospitals are generally reliable.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

•  In the past few years, a large number of both Chikungunya and Japanese Encephalitis cases has been reported. You should consider the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine for prevention.
• Dengue is endemic in Bangladesh and during the 2019 summer season, increased cases are being reported as compared to the last 5 years. Should you develop symptoms of fever, headache, rash, or muscle/joint aching, you should seek medical attention early in your illness.
• Malaria is reported in 13 districts in the northeast and southeast regions of Bangladesh. If planning 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.

Prevention is key:

• Regular use of insect repellent and long garments is recommended as protection against mosquito-borne illness.
• Water supplies in Bangladesh are non-potable. Bottled drinking water is generally safe for consumption.
• Foodborne illnesses are common. Wash, soak in sanitizing solution, peel, and thoroughly cook all food to minimize chemical, bacterial, and parasitic contamination.

Air quality in Dhaka is consistently poor and especially hazardous from November to March. We recommend avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure during these months. N95 filtration masks/respirators that are NIOSH certified are helpful, but you need to have a good fit and seal when using them. Current Dhaka air quality can be found here .

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Bangladeshis drive on the left, the opposite of U.S. driving patterns.
• Roads are extremely crowded, are poorly maintained, often lack shoulders, have sharp drop-offs, and have barriers that are not sign-posted.  Roadways often contain a mix of human and vehicular traffic, occasionally traveling 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 and are rarely observed 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.

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 and wear helmets on motorcycles and bicycles.
• Do not travel by road without an experienced local driver or guide.
• Exercise particular vigilance along intercity highways, as banditry and carjacking have been known to occur.
• Monitor local news for any reports of road disturbances, as protestors and demonstrators often use road blockage as a means of publicizing their grievances.

If a serious accident occurs, or if a driver hits a pedestrian or livestock, crowds quickly gather, and the behavior of the crowd is often unpredictable. The vehicle and its occupants may be at risk of being attacked in such circumstances depending on who the crowd believes is at fault and what damage has occurred. Such attacks may pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle’s occupants or of damage to the vehicle. It is unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature. Seek shelter at the nearest police station.

Please refer to our  Road Safety page  for more information. We also suggest that you visit Bangladesh’s  National Tourism Organization  website.

Public Transportation:

• The U.S. Embassy prohibits U.S. government officials and their family members from using buses, trains, motorcycles, rickshaws, and compressed natural gas autorickshaws (CNGs) due to high accident rates and crime issues.
• The Bangladeshi passenger rail system is antiquated and overburdened. Some political activists target rail lines during civil unrest by hurling explosives and removing rail ties from the tracks, making trips unusually dangerous and frequently causing cancellations. Even in peaceful times, foreigners are often the center of attention at many train stations because of the relatively atypical presence of foreign travelers on rail in the country.

Aviation Safety Oversight:

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) current determination is that the Government of Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation Authority does not provide safety oversight of its air carrier operators in accordance with the minimum safety oversight standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the security practices in the ports of Bangladesh. Until those concerns can be addressed, the Coast Guard advises that Mariners and passengers on commercial vessels traveling through the ports of Bangladesh should exercise increased caution.

Mariners planning travel to Bangladesh should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts  within the MARAD website . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and the  NGA broadcast warnings website . Select “broadcast warnings” from within the NGA site.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Bangladesh .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Bangladesh.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Bangladesh. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Bangladesh.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Bangladesh take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Bangladesh.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Bangladesh.

If rabies exposures occur while in Bangladesh, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments . 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Avoid skin contact

Antimicrobial-resistant (ar) ringworm.

• Close contact with infected person
• Shared objects (e.g., towels, bed sheets)
• Shared surfaces (e.g., locker room and shower floors)
• Keep skin clean and dry.
• Do not share bedding, towels, or clothes.
• Avoid touching the infected area so it does not spread to other parts of your body. 
• Consult a healthcare provider for treatment and testing.
• Avoid steroid creams, as they can make the ringworm worse.
• Use prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) antifungals exactly as directed and contact a healthcare provider if treatment is not working.
• Topical antifungals and oral terbinafine are frequently ineffective against AR ringworm.

Emerging Severe and Antimicrobial-Resistant Ringworm | Ringworm | CDC

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Bangladesh, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Bangladesh. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Bangladesh include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Bangladesh. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Bangladesh’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Bangladesh. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Bangladesh may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Bangladesh, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Bangladesh.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Bangladesh for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Bangladesh

Someone asked me if I was up for traveling to Bangladesh? Hell yes, I would love to! It was actually only about 4 months ago that I looked for cheap flights to Bangladesh when on my budget trip to Fulidhoo Island in Maldives . Although I have traveled multiple times to all the countries around like India , Maldives , Sri Lanka and even China and Nepal  and Myanmar, somehow a trip to Bangladesh never happened? Why not? I honestly have no idea…

It must be that no one really spoke about traveling to Bangladesh I guess, it still is a quite unknown destination in the backpacker scene. Very few travelers visit this country. It simply is NOT on the backpack trail in southeast Asia. But with my trip I am willing to show you that there are many reason to change that and may be you should start considering to visit Bangladesh. Although, I have to say this place is not for everyone. Keep reading and I will explain to you why.

Some handy facts for traveling to Bangladesh

• This is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with an estimated population of more than 165 million.
• The national currency is Taka and 85 Taka is about $1.
• Bangladesh is almost entirely flat.
• Garment is the biggest industry although originally half of the Bengali population are farmers.
• The Bengal Tiger is almost extinct.
• Almost 90% of the people are Muslim, which makes it the 3th largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia and Pakistan. The other 10% is mainly Hindu.
• Bangladesh was first part of India, then became East - Pakistan and successfully fought for independency in 1971.
• A normal Bengali salary is just $5 a day!

My trip to Bangladesh

I was invited by the Bangladesh Tourism Board to experience their country and looking back at my trip I am super grateful to be the first international travel blogger who has been invited on a trip to Bangladesh. Together with my friend Sarah Richards, we traveled to Bangladesh for 10 days and got a feel of the Bengali culture and explored some tourist places.

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I now wish I had stayed longer and explore more of the country because there are many cool places to visit in Bangladesh and I only saw a fraction. At least now I have a good reason to go back and trust me my Bengali friends I will!

How did I like my Bangladesh travel experience?

Wow, wow, wow, wow! I am traveling around the world now for more than 6 years and have seen a ton of cities and been to 87 countries, but what I saw in Bangladesh blew my mind. Because my blog and Instagram account are doing really well the last two years I mostly traveled to so-called instagramable places, like Maldives , Philippines , Indonesia , Thailand , Greece and Australia . But what people don’t know is that before that I loved traveling to places like India , Iran , China, Guatemala, Myanmar, Bolivia , Colombia and so on. With my trip to Bangladesh I finally felt like the good old traveling again where experiences are more important than pretty pictures. And exactly that is what Bangladesh is about! This is not a place to go on a holiday to get your pretty pictures taken and show them off on social media. The landscapes are not to die for and the hotels aren’t those ones with amazing infinity pools. Bangladesh is for travelers!

If you are looking for a real and authentic experience than this is the ultimate country to travel. There are hardly any tourists and even if you go to the most famous Bangladesh tourist attractions you will feel like you are off the beaten path. The experience of really exploring a country, finding ways to get from A to B, struggling with the language, seeing things you have never seen before in your life, interacting with genuinely friendly locals, being frowned upon like they did not see a Western for years, feeling the appreciation of visiting their country and not being screwed over as a tourist was simply incredible. Bangladesh was an absolutely amazing experience!

Things to know when traveling to Bangladesh

In the next paragraphs I am giving you an honest inside into Bangladesh tourism. Some things may sound negative, but all I want is to prepare you for what is coming because I simply know you are going to need these Bangladesh travel tips badly.

Bangladesh is just one adventure after the other and exactly that is what this country makes so unique and incredible to visit!

1. Is it safe to travel to Bangladesh?

This was the most asked question during my 10-day trip throughout all my social media channels. About a 20 people a day would either warn me or tell me to be careful. But for what? Why do people think Bangladesh is not safe? The more people would ask me the more I loved showing how wrong they were. If you are searching on Google how safe Bangladesh is, then let me tell you first hand! I can assure you that there is no real treat for tourists. Last year there was a terrorist attack, yes that is right. But what about Paris? There is a constant threat but no seems to care. When it happens in a less developed country we all start asking questions! I did not feel unsafe a single second and I have even been off the beaten path in Bangladesh on my own with a GoPro, an iPhone 8 plus and a Canon DSLR. No one cares about your gadgets, people don't even know how to use them. They are only interested why a white guy is visiting their country. Traveling in Bangladesh is totally safe! Travel responsible and nothing will happen, I am 100% sure about it.

2. Bangladesh is crowded

No wait, I mean: Bangladesh is out of this world: I feel like I just visited the most crowded place on earth. I have been to busy cities, like Sao Paulo, Tokyo, New York, Tehran, Seoul or Jakarta, but all these cities are villages compared to Dhaka. I constantly asked myself: Where do all these people come from? I simply could not believe what my eyes. Bangladesh is the most crowded place I have ever been to, busier than any city in India, China or Pakistan.

I felt like it was rush hour 24 hours a day. If you are planning a trip to Bangladesh prepare for an intense journey. Your eyes and brain will never get a break! There is literally something to see on every meter, it is hard to describe. A day in Dhaka will drain you completely. If you have ever been to New York and felt exhausted after a day in the city, then amplify this feeling by ten and then you know what to expect from traveling in Bangladesh.

3. How to get around in Bangladesh

When it comes down to transportation to get to the Bangladesh tourist destinations then accept some challenges. The transportation network is not that advanced yet. As I said everything is an adventure in this country and so is getting to and from tourist places in Bangladesh. Dhaka is made easier as there you can find Uber and Uber is really cheap here. I would say an average ride will cost you max $3. Dhaka without Uber would be a nightmare to get around.

Of course taxi drivers don’t speak English so how to tell them where you are going and how much would be an acceptable fair to pay? Uber solves all these problems in Dhaka, but don’t expect your Uber driver to be able to read the map or use navigation. This sounds weird, but this is Bangladesh, nothing is what it seems. Use Google Maps yourself and guide your driver to your destination is the best solution. Make sure you have a data connection, more about buying a sim card in Bangladesh later.

What is a useful tool to get around Bangladesh is the search engine of 12Go Asia. There you can find long distance busses, domestic flights and even train or taxis. Try it yourself below.

As soon as you travel a little outside the center you won’t find an Uber, sometimes not even a car. All you can do is hop in a tuktuk, tricycle or catch an overcrowded bus. Getting to places can take up to 30 minutes, but the same route can also take you 2 hours. Traffic is madness!

On most Bangladesh travel routes expect to suffer from bad road conditions. On my trip to Sylhet we had a driver to show us all the tourist places. Sitting a couple hours a day in the car was exhausting as a lot of roads where just dirt roads in this region.

4. Traffic in Bangladesh

I always used to say that Tehran had the worst traffic in the world as during my trip for the airport to my hostel I had two small car accidents. It is may be a bit crazy to say but to me the traffic here is one of the Bangladesh tourist attractions. Did you ever get stuck in traffic as a pedestrian? Now there you go! This will only happen in Bangladesh. :)

Most streets in Dhaka are filled with tricycles, buses, trucks and some cars, but not that many. You can hardly get through and walking is sometimes even faster. One time I was going from Old Dhaka back to my hotel in Gulshan and it took me nearly 1,5 hour for just 13 kilometer! You cannot escape the traffic on your trip to Bangladesh but like everything in this country it is an experience.

Once while crossing the street I got stuck half-way as there was zero space between the tricycles and the busses. Then the traffic slowly started moving and the bus started pushing me forward. This was crazy! It made me laugh and knew I was experiencing something unreal, but if you easily panic or are claustrophobic you better stay away! ;) Mind you the traffic is so extremely slow that major accidents are actually impossible to even happen.

5. Airport delays

In Bangladesh flight schedules are just an estimate and you kind of know that there will be a delay. Airports are chaotic and lines are huge, but the advantage of being a western tourist is that someone will come and pick you up to put you in front of the line. Not that I asked for it, but it always happened like that. Of course they do it for the money! A dollar can go a long way in this country, but don’t be a dick and treat everyone with respect!

6. Train travel in Bangladesh

This is something Bangladesh tourism should advertise with. LOL! Of course they will never, but that is why I do it for them. Because where in the world can you surf a train? Standing on top of a riding train has been a dream since I was in Cambodia in 2008 where I saw people doing it. Here in Bangladesh it is completely normal to invade a train when it arrives at the station. People will fight for their spot wherever on the train. Already looking at that phenomenon was a moment where I just stopped and stared. But I wanted to do this myself, I wanted to climb the train, sit on top of it and hitch a ride. It took a lot of courage and my heart was beating like crazy but I managed to get my tall body on top of that train.

Of course with the help of a ton of people and everyone cheering. Seeing a white tourist in Bangladesh is one thing, seeing him at a local train station is already surprising, but a western climbing up to the roof of a train made them go crazy! I definitely felt like one of them and I made a ton of new friends on top of the train.

You won’t read this in any Bangladesh travel guide, but this was one of the best experiences of my trip to Bangladesh!

Best way to sit on top of a train in Dhaka is to go to the Airport train station and then take a train to either Tongi or Komlapur. I hitched a ride to Tongi, which was away from the city and it was a challenge to get back. If you hitch a ride to Komlapur you will end up close to Old Dhaka and start your sightseeing.

See my vlog about traveling by train in Bangladesh below.

7. Pollution is next level

One of the major downside of my Bangladesh travel experience was the pollution. Sorry to say but this is the most polluted country I have ever visited. Brunei and India come close but Bangladesh definitely takes the cake. As a tourist you have no choice you gotta deal with it. You can’t blame the people either; they don’t know better and lack education about the effects of pollution. When I traveled on a train to the outskirts of Dhaka I could see big open fields full of trash. At first I though it was a dump but then I saw it actually was just an open field.

8. Smog in Dhaka

This is serious! I have often seen Chinese and Indian cities in the news but never anything about Dhaka. Because I suffer Bronchitis I started coughing straight away. Walking around in Dhaka it was surprisingly that no one was wearing these anti pollution masks. An important Bangladesh travel tip is to get one before your trip as I could not find a place to buy one either. When I traveled to northeast Bangladesh by plane I realized how nice it felt to breath fresh air. Walking out of the airport in rural Sylhet made me gasp for fresh air.

Nice place to stay in Dhaka

Especially if you are traveling in Dhaka I would recommend you to get a nice place to stay. Keep in mind though that the Bangladesh tourism industry is not yet that developed so there is not much choice. For a nice mid-range accommodation you will easily pay about $50 per room in a good area. The Gulshan area is where most tourists stay and where you will find most embassies, a couple international hotel brands and is only 5 kilometers from the airport. The area is not that extremely busy and a little less noisy. When you roam around the city your brain will never get a break and at the end of the day your head will feel like exploding from all the impressions. You simply saw too many things and heard to many noises. On top of that you will feel extremely dirty because of the smog. A nice place to stay, a quiet room, fresh air and a hot shower are the only things you want trust me!

Where to stay in Dhaka?

Luxury: Westin Dhaka  ($180 - $250)

Mid-range: Executive Inn  ($80 - $120)

Budget: Hotel Progati Inn ($30 - $50)

8. Best sim card for Bangladesh

There are a couple sim cards in Bangladesh that can be obtained by tourists. Immediately when you walk out of the arrivals in Dhaka Airport there are some booths offering you a prepaid sim card. I have written articles about getting a sim card in Indonesia for example in where I tell people to not buy a sim card at the airport as they charge you way more than in the city. Here in Dhaka airport buying a sim card is not a bad idea. I did not see any other places around the city where to buy a Bangladesh sim card for tourists. Getting a sim card at Dhaka airport takes a lot of time and you will need to fill in a ton of paper work. No clue what they do, but it takes a damn while to get everything sorted. Good thing is they do it for you and make sure it works. For 5GB with a 3G connection I paid 1,000 Taka = $12. There is no 4G in Bangladesh!

I decided to get a sim card with Banglalink but for traveling to Sylhet I found out that was not a good idea. The best sim card for Bangladesh according to locals is Grameen and this is also the outcome after taking a look at the coverage maps for both providers above. Some vital Bangladesh travel tips for the modern traveler! ;)

9. The people of Bangladesh

If you are an unexperienced traveler I bet Bangladesh might be a little too much. I have been to places before where tourists are a rarity and I am used to a little too much attention. Everywhere you go people will stop and stare, if you are a girl you will probably even get more attention. As I said before I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable but I am a man and most Bangladeshi already look up to me for being almost 1.90 meter.

People are simply not used to tourist and will stare at you, not because they want something from you, simply because they are interested. If you walk around in local areas people will even follow you and I understand that sounds scary, but the Bangladeshi people are some of the nicest people I have met around the world.

A hundred times a day you will get the same question: which country? I always replied politely saying I was from Holland and taught myself how to say I love Bangladesh: 'Ami Bangladeshke posondo kori', or at least something that comes close to this. Saying this to people on the street will be received with cheering.

These people have not a lot but they will share with you, because they are extremely happy to see tourists in their country. One of the best things about traveling in Bangladesh are the people of this country. Service in restaurants is outstanding, Ubers are extremely nice, hotel staff are the most friendly ever and locals will always smile when they see you.

10. No scams - HONEST PEOPLE

How good does it feel to travel hassle free? One other great thing about Bangladesh tourism is that you will hardly find any people that try to scam you or at least I did not come across one in my 10-day trip to Bangladesh. Neither will you find any touts approaching you and hassling you to buy their shit. Compared to like India where people will try to rip you off 10 times a day this is a blessing!

11. Be prepared to take a million selfies

I hope you are comfortable with cameras because if you are going to travel in Bangladesh everyone wants to take a photo with you. Not everyone has a photo with a camera, but even if they don’t have they will ask you to take a photo with your smartphone. After ‘which country?’ the second most asked question is ‘selfie?’! :)

Most of the time you will be the Bangladesh tourist attraction yourself! People want selfies with you at all times. Airport staff, hotel staff, people on the streets, police, army and of course kids.

12. Tipping in Bangladesh

I already mentioned that most people live off $5 a day and may be even less. That means a couple cents is a lot to some people. Giving someone a dollar extra will get you the biggest smile in return. I am not much of a tipping guy but here in Bangladesh I tipped extremely generous. Another way of giving is to buy things from the streets vendors like fruits, ice cream or drinks and hand them out to the people around you or those ones that wanted to take a selfie with you. Small things are still appreciated here in Bangladesh.

13. Streetfood in Bangladesh

I know people will say I am crazy but I did try some and nothing happened. Even locals warned me not to eat any street food because it would upset my tummy. I think after 6 years of traveling and eating on the streets my stomach can handle a lot. Honestly I have to admit the street food did not look really appealing as most of it was deep-fried and that is not really my thing. There are a bunch of fruit sellers, but none of them sell juices. And although the fruit looked good, it was laying there all day in the smog.

14. Keep on eating a drinking

While sightseeing in Bangladesh there is constantly so much going on that you will forget to eat and drink. Buying some snacks seems easy in a place where they sell 1 million things on the streets but somehow it was not. Bring snacks and water. If you are lucky you will find someone selling coconuts on the streets!

15. Visa on arrival Bangladesh

Getting a visa on arrival seems a little tricky, as you have to have a couple documents ready: hotel confirmation, invitation letter and return ticket.

The first two I did not have so I got a little nervous, but in the end as long as you pay the $51 and have a return ticket they are not that fuzzy about not having an invitation letter or a hotel reservation.

While traveling around Bangladesh I learned that crossing the border overland a visa on arrival for Bangladesh will only cost you around $8. Check out the visa policy of Bangladesh in the link.

16. What to wear in Bangladesh?

You might think it is always warm in Bangladesh, but in winter there are places where the temperature drops till 12 degrees Celsius at nighttime. Therefore depending on the season bring something warm for the evenings. A jacket, a hoodie and jeans will do. Daytimes are extremely pleasant, although in summers it can get really hot.

For a man short pants is totally fine and although local men will always wear long pants, for male tourists it is accepted. Be aware that if you enter religious buildings you might have to wear something to cover your knees, but someone will always provide you something.

On my trip to Bangladesh I was hardly ever wearing my flipflops while mostly on my travels I wear them every day. The streets are full of surprises here in terms of trash, potholes, etc and therefore I would recommend to wear some comfortable running shoes or something similar instead of sandals.

17. Travel to Sylhet

On my trip to Bangladesh I took a domestic flight to Sylhet in the Northeast of the country. It is regarded to be the Switzerland of Bangladesh. In my opinion not anything quite like it, but still a super cool place to visit in Bangladesh. Cool things to do in Sylhet are visiting a village where women are in power and you can actually meet the queen. Of course you have to tour the tea plantations and take a boat ride through the swamp to see the wildlife out here. Check out my complete list of things to do in Sylhet .

Bangladesh travel guide

I hope this Bangladesh travel guide will make your trip a lot easier. I wish I had known about some Bangladesh travel tips before my journey. Nevertheless my trip was one to remember and may be one of the best I took in the last year as it made such a deep impression! I made so many new friends with local people and seriously you Bangladeshi guys are the best, you made most of my days memorable! Thank you all for such a great experience!

Please leave me a comment with questions about traveling in Bangladesh or anything else. I would love to hear from you! And if you like it please share it on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest for me, that would be amazing!

I wrote a couple more articles about traveling in Bangladesh. If you need some Bangladesh tourism options then definitely have a look at my Sylhet blog . This province in the northeast of Bangladesh is almost entirely surrounded by India and is called the Switzerland of Bangladesh. And if you want to read my personal story of how I felt being the only tourist in this country then read my weekly adventure blog of my trip to Bangladesh in where I tell you exactly about my ups and downs during this intense journey!

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of Asia’s most culture-rich destinations. The country is characterized by centuries of Hindu, Buddhist and, today, Muslim traditions.

The region has nearly 800 rivers, most of which run the full length of the country and spill out into the Bay of Bengal. Travel by boat is more common than travel by vehicle or any other means.

Bangladesh is relatively traveller-free area which lends to the country’s authenticity. In most cities, the influences of tourism have yet to take hold. This is also partially due to the country’s poverty.

Unfortunately, this beautiful country has seen disease outbreaks and terrorist activity. Some of the most recent attacks have involved tourists. Experts advise against travel to Bangladesh unless a trip is mandatory.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Bangladesh? Is a Visa Required for Bangladesh? What Is the Climate in Bangladesh? How Safe Is Bangladesh? Tour the Time-Tested Old Dhaka What Should I Take to Bangladesh? Embassy of the United Kingdom in Bangladesh

Do I Need Vaccines for Bangladesh?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bangladesh. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bangladesh: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , cholera , yellow fever , Japanese encephalitis , rabies and tetanus .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travellers to most regions.
• Tetanus – Wounds or Breaks in Skin – Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Cholera – Food & Water – Recommended for travel to most regions.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Japanese Encephalitis – Mosquito – Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. Recommended for extended travel, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from May to October.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.

See the tables below for more information:

Dengue , malaria and chikungunya are present in Bangladesh. Be sure to bring and use repellents and netting. Antimalarials may be recommended, depending on your trip itinerary.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Is a Visa Required for Bangladesh?

Visas are required for entry to Bangladesh. These can be obtained before your trip or on arrival. On arrival visas are for one month and are for official duty, business, investment and tourism. Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.

Sources: Embassy of Bangladesh and GOV.UK

What Is the Climate in Bangladesh?

Although the rivers are beneficial for travel, they also bring humidity. The country has a subtropical monsoon climate with high temperatures and high humidity. Bangladesh has three prominent seasons: hot, humid summers, a rainy fall and cooler, dry winters.

Because climate varies by region, be sure to pack for your itinerary. A few regional differences include:

• Khulna – At the southwest end of the country near the Sundarbans, Khulna has hot summers, cool winters and year-round off and on rainfall.
• Dhaka – In the middle of the country, the capital has a tropical wet climate and harshly-dry winters.
• Rangpur – At the northern tip of the country, this region has the most rainfall. Expect consistent monsoons and high levels of humidity.

How Safe Is Bangladesh?

Travel to Bangladesh is rewarding, but you should take precautions. Some of the most recent terrorist attacks targeted foreigners.

In some areas, tourists are sometimes seen as a nuisance. Be aware of your surroundings and consider using a licenced guide.

Petty crime such as pick-pocketing is also common. Travellers should exercise caution at all times. Avoid travelling at night and never travel alone.

Tour the Time-Tested Old Dhaka

Dhaka is the country’s largest and most bustling city. A tour to Old Dhaka is well worth the trek. A tour guide who understands the culture, history and food of the area that has been centuries in the making. Be sure to stop by ancient sites such as the Hindu Dhakeswari Temple or one of the handful of local mosques.

What Should I Take to Bangladesh?

Unless travelling in winter, tourists should prepare for rain and humidity. Be sure you have everything you need for your trip.

• Clothing – A light jumper for cooler nights plus long sleeves and trousers to avoid mosquitoes. Modest clothing is recommended for visits to religious sites.
• Rain Gear – A kagoul or rain jacket that is lightweight and can be packed on day excursions.
• Insect Repellent or Netting – Mosquito-borne diseases are common in southeast Asia. Be sure to bring repellents, netting and similar items.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in Bangladesh

If you are in Bangladesh and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British High Commission Dhaka United Nations Road Baridhara P O Box 6079 Dhaka – 1212 Dhaka Bangladesh Telephone: +880 2 55668700 Emergency Phone: +88 02 55668700 Fax: +880 2 9843437 Email: [email protected]

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Bangladesh travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: July 4, 2024 08:12 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, bangladesh - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh due to the threat of terrorism, political demonstrations, nationwide general strikes and violent clashes.

Chittagong Hill Tracts region - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region due to politically motivated violence, kidnappings and sporadic ethnic clashes.

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Chittagong Hill Tracts region

There is a serious risk of politically motivated violence, kidnapping and sporadic ethnic clashes in this region.

Violent clashes occur between indigenous communities that are organized under opposing political groups. The clashes result from their desire to obtain political control over specific geographic areas.

These groups also engage in extortion and drug, money and weapons smuggling.

If you decide to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts region despite this advisory, you must contact the Chittagong Divisional Commissioner’s Office at least 10 days before you arrive.

Chittagong Divisional Commissioner’s Office

Southern Bangladesh

Many Rohingya refugees have entered southern Bangladesh, especially in the Ukhia and Teknaf sub-districts, in the south of Cox’s Bazar district. Bangladeshi authorities regulate access to these areas.

If you provide any humanitarian assistance in this region, make sure to do so through an established humanitarian agency that is registered with Bangladeshi authorities.

Stay informed on the ongoing situation.

Cox’s Bazar

Public infrastructure in the Cox’s Bazar area has severely degraded over the few past years. Resources such as basic food and potable water are limited.

There is a threat of terrorism throughout the country, especially in Dhaka. Extremists have carried out attacks using improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers. Westerners have been targeted. Although such incidences have been less frequent since 2020, smaller attacks and attempted attacks still occur.

Further attacks are likely. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
• police stations

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during religious holidays. Limit your attendance at events where a large number of people, including foreigners, may gather. These include:

• sporting events
• public celebrations
• hotels and conference centres

 Terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Civil unrest

Demonstrations, blockades, nationwide general strikes—known as hartals—and politically motivated violence have occurred. These incidents are likely to reoccur.

During strikes, demonstrations or election periods, avoid:

• Road 86 (north of Gulshan Circle 2)
• the Road 79–Gulshan Avenue intersection

Large gatherings often occur in those areas, making it difficult to pass safely.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Demonstrations

Sudden violent demonstrations and clashes can take place on Friday afternoons following Jumma prayers.

Previous violent demonstrations have resulted in several hundred deaths. Attacks using explosive devices have occurred in crowded public places, hotels, movie theatres and railway stations. Law enforcement officials have deployed crowd control measures such as tear gas and rubber bullets.

During blockades, protesters have set fire to vehicles and damaged railway tracks, leading to derailments and injuries.

• Avoid travelling during blockades, as attacks may occur
• Prepare to have sufficient food, water and fuel available, as there may be shortages

General strikes

General strikes can effectively shut down all businesses and disrupt transportation, including in the diplomatic/expatriate areas. Passengers at Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport may be stranded without transportation.

You may also have difficulty finding essential supplies such as fuel.

There is a high incidence of violence during these events.

During a general strike:

• avoid travelling within Dhaka, outside the Baridhara and Banani areas
• avoid all travel outside Dhaka

Politically motivated violence

Attacks have occurred at political rallies in several cities, including:

Certain groups have used explosive devices and firearms during confrontations between rival political factions, demonstrators and police.

Be vigilant in Dhaka around:

• the National Parliament House and the Bangladesh Secretariat
• the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque
• the University of Dhaka
• the Mirpur, Motijheel, Naya Paltan, Purana Paltan and Shahbag districts
• the commercial district of Kawran Bazar

Violent crime

Violent crime, such as armed robberies and rapes, occurs.

Kidnappings for ransom have also occurred, though they rarely involve foreigners.

Religious minorities have been the targets of attacks. These minorities include:

• secular writers, including some foreigners

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging, are common, particularly in tourist areas.

• Avoid walking in public alone or after dark
• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• Do not wear jewellery
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Decline help from anyone who approaches you at the airport with an offer to arrange transportation or assist with luggage

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may face some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

• Avoid travelling alone, including on public transportation, especially at night
• Don’t go to the police station by yourself

Advice for women travellers

Forced marriage

Forced marriages affecting foreigners take place. Sometimes, the affected person doesn’t know about or consent to the marriage.

Some Canadians could be forced into marital arrangements and detained against their will. They could be subjected to:

• intimidation
• violence by family members

Once you’re abroad, your family members may retain your passport to prevent you from returning to Canada. Keep digital or physical copies of your travel documents in a safe place.

If you’re in Canada

If you’re in Canada and you believe that you’re being forced to travel overseas to marry, call your local police for assistance.

If you’re abroad

If you’re abroad and you believe that you’re being forced to marry, contact the nearest office of the Government of Canada. You may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre .

Useful links

• General information and advice about forced marriage
• Her own way – a woman’s safe-travel guide

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, especially in Dhaka.

When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention if others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Essential services and tourist facilities

Planned power cuts occur daily in most parts of the country and can last for many hours.

Water supplies are also inconsistent. Several areas of the country can go for days without any water.

Be aware that tourist facilities are inadequate throughout the country.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Road travel is dangerous, particularly after dark. Many vehicles operate without headlights or with full high beams.

Traffic in urban areas is extremely congested and chaotic. Road accidents causing injuries or death are common. Crowds, which can turn hostile, often gather around the scene of such accidents.

In you are involved in a serious accident where you could be deemed at fault:

• immediately make your way to a police station
• lock your doors and windows and call police if you cannot move your vehicle

Public transportation

Safety standards for public transportation, including buses, trains and ferries, are poor.

Thieves are present on trains, ferries and long-distance buses. They also target rickshaw, CNG (motorized rickshaw) and taxi passengers, particularly around dusk.

Be extremely cautious if using public transportation.

• Avoid travelling alone and after dark
• Use only registered taxis booked through a hotel

Buses are generally in poor condition. They are often involved in accidents.

Rail travel is slow and derailments occur. Trains are often overcrowded. Lock your compartment if you travel by train at night,

Ferry accidents are common due to poor safety practices or extreme weather conditions.

If you choose to travel by ferry:

• make sure the vessel you are boarding is carrying appropriate safety equipment and that life jackets are provided for all passengers and accessible at all times
• don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy
• verify the safety standards of ferries with your tour operator

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Bangladeshi authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of arrival in Bangladesh.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

You should obtain a visa before travelling to Bangladesh. While you can apply for single-entry tourist and business visas upon arrival, which are valid for stays of up to 30 days, there is a risk of you being denied entry into the country.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

You must carry all documents pertaining to the purpose of your visit. If you're travelling for business, you must also produce:

• a hotel booking confirmation
• a letter of invitation or letter of offer from a local company providing details regarding the purpose and duration of your stay

Exit requirements

If you enter Bangladesh on a business visa, you'll have to provide local authorities with an Income Tax Clearance Certificate or an Income Tax Exemption Certificate upon departure.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizens can obtain a “No Visa Required” stamp on their passport. However, it may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.

If you entered Bangladesh with this stamp, make sure it’s transferred to any new passport you obtain while in the country.

Recognition of dual citizenship

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 2 July, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Travellers going to countries in South Asia should speak to a health care professional about getting vaccinated.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

There is a risk of Nipah virus infection in this country. Nipah virus infections can range from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to severe illness and death.

Nipah virus is spread to people from animals (such as fruit bats) but it can also be spread through contaminated food or close contact with someone who is ill.

Travellers to areas where Nipah virus is found should:

• avoid consuming date palm sap products, including raw date palm juice
• thoroughly wash and peel fruit before consumption
• wash hands regularly with soap and water
• discard fruit with signs of bites or fruit that has been found on the ground
• avoid contact with fruit bats and areas where they are known to roost

For more information on preventing Nipah virus infection, visit Nipah virus: Prevention and risks .

There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Nipah virus infection.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate. You will likely need medical evacuation to Singapore or Thailand in case of serious illness or injury.

You may have to pay in advance, in cash, to obtain medical services.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can face life imprisonment or a death sentence.

Alcohol consumption

Bangladeshi citizens, including dual citizens, may not consume, possess, transport or buy alcohol without a permit.

Muslims may not consume alcohol. Muslims who do face detention or other penalties.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

Business transactions are considerably slower during Ramadan.

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Women in particular should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless garments.

Public displays of affection are not socially acceptable.

Photography

It’s illegal to take pictures of:

• government offices
• military establishments or officials
• official residences
• demonstrations

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Bangladeshi law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Other related offences include being in a same-sex marriage and promoting homosexuality.

Those convicted can face life imprisonment.

2SLGBTQI travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Bangladesh.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Bangladesh.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Bangladesh, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

Local authorities may consider your child as a Bangladeshi citizen if you are Bangladeshi, regardless of their place of birth or if your child has formally obtained Bangladeshi citizenship. 

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Bangladesh.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Bangladesh by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Bangladesh to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to verify your identity.

Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times.

Property disputes

Property disputes, including those between family members, are common and can turn violent.

Contact a local lawyer if you find yourself in such a situation.

Traffic drives on the left.

You must carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency is the taka (BDT).

When entering or leaving the country, you must declare any funds exceeding US$5,000 or 5,000 taka, or their equivalent.

You must have a ticket for travel outside Bangladesh if you want to exchange taka for U.S. dollars.

You cannot leave the country with more U.S. dollars than you declared upon arrival.

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Bangladesh. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Bangladesh is located in an active seismic zone.

Bangladeshi authorities usually issue tsunami warnings immediately following a large earthquake.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you're staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region's evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

In the event of an earthquake:

• monitor local media for the latest information
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• Earthquakes – What to Do?
• Tsunami alerts – U.S. Tsunami Warning System

Monsoons and cyclones

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from June to October. Every year during the monsoon season, a third of Bangladesh's territory is seriously affected. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Bangladesh's coastline is also subject to cyclones. Heavy rain can cause flooding throughout the country, resulting in significant casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure.

If you decide to travel to Bangladesh during the rainy season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• stay away from disaster areas
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Bangladesh Meteorological Department
• Large-scale emergencies abroad

Air pollution

Smoke haze and other types of air pollution can be extremely hazardous in urban areas and cities such as Dhaka. It's typically at its worst in winter. In rural areas, air quality can be affected by agricultural burning.

Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditions.

During periods of high air pollution:

• limit your activities outdoors
• monitor local media

Air pollution in Bangladesh – World Air Quality Index

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• 999 (from a cell phone only)
• 10921 to reach the helpline for women and children experiencing violence

If you’re outside of Dhaka and don’t have a cell phone, research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.

From any phone, dial:

• police: 88 017 133 98311 / 8802 951 4400
• firefighters: 8802 955 5555 / 8802 955 6666 / 8802 955 6667

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada to Bangladesh, in Dhaka, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• Travel advice

Bangladesh travel advice

Explore our complete guide to Bangladesh with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Bangladesh.

• Essential travel guide
• Weather & climate
• Travel health
• Covid live updates
• Travel features
• Top travel deals
• Destinations

Bangladesh travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Bangladesh with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Bangladesh tourist information

✝ = requirements for UK travellers.

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Bangladesh deals >>

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Bangladesh weather

The Bangladesh weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Dhaka .

Bangladesh destinations >>

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Check the latest travel advice on visiting Bangladesh from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

• UK traveller advice for Bangladesh - UK FCDO
• Irish traveller advice for Bangladesh - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
• Canadian travel advice for Bangladesh - Government of Canada
• US travel advisories for Bangladesh - US Department of State
• Safe travel advisories for Bangladesh - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
• Smarter traveller advice for Bangladesh - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Bangladesh.

Note : UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDO travel advice

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Bangladesh travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Bangladesh with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

• Vaccines & medicines for Bangladesh - CDC
• Health & vaccinations for Bangladesh - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
• How to stay safe & healthy in Bangladesh - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Bangladesh, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note : CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Bangladesh covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in Bangladesh with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

• Travellers' health for Bangladesh - Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Bangladesh
• Coronavirus timeline in Bangladesh - Our World in Data

Bangladesh travel features

Do you want to learn more about Bangladesh? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Bangladesh.

We don't currently have any travel features on Bangladesh. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

Bangladesh FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Bangladesh including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to Bangladesh due to Covid-19?

Bangladesh is open for tourism from the UK. Negative PCR test results or proof of full Covid-19 vaccination required for arrivals from the UK. Check out Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research, Bangladesh for more information.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from Bangladesh?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from Bangladesh. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the time difference between Bangladesh and the UK?

The time difference between Bangladesh and the UK is UK time+7 hours .

What is the main language spoken in Bangladesh?

The main language spoken in Bangladesh is Bengali .

What is the currency in Bangladesh?

The currency in Bangladesh is the Bangladeshi Taka ( BDT ). Send money to Bangladesh with Wise.com * , World Remit * and XE Money Transfers * .

Which plugs are used in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh uses electrical plug type A + C + D + G (220 Volts) .

Which side of the road do they drive on in Bangladesh?

They drive on the left side of the road in Bangladesh. Find out more about driving in Bangladesh with International Drivers Association * .

Transport options for Bangladesh

Do you need a visa for Bangladesh?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Bangladesh. Check Bangladesh visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ * and iVisa.com * .

Travel advice by country

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Quick Facts

Best Time To Go

Cost & Spending

Travel Tips

Regions & Highlights

What To See & Do

What To Eat

Where To Stay

Trip Planning

Welcome traveler!

We're Andre & Lisa, adventurers and experienced budget travelers.

We have over two decades of travel experience and  since 2018 have led a full-time nomadic lifestyle.

L earn more  about us !

Thank you for visiting and we hope you find value in our destination pages! ​We thoroughly research and curate all content ourselves and everything you find on this site is put together by only the two of us.

BANGLADESH TRAVEL GUIDE

Bangladeshis are renowned for their hospitality and warmth – they’ll invite you home and treat you to their delectable cuisine. They are passionate about food, football, cricket, theatre and music – and if you’re wondering about the strange combination, their social ambit is wide and they are a broad-minded nation. Bangladesh is among the few Asian nations where religions coexist in harmony. However, don’t be fooled by the smooth and urbane capital city, Dhaka – the smaller cities and villages are simple and well behind modern times.

⬇️ REGIONAL GUIDES ⬇️

Travel guide.

⬇️ COUNTRY GUIDE ⬇️

Capital: Dhaka (Dacca)

Currency: taka (BDT)

Area: 147,570 km2

Population: 161,4 million (2018)

Language: Bengali (official) English (recognised, has some national status)

Religion: Muslim 90%, Hindu 9%, other 1%

Electricity: 220V/50Hz(US Type A, Europlug, Type D, Type G, and Danish Plug)

21 February, Martyrs’ Day/International Mother Language Day

26 March, National Day

14 April, Bangla New Year

1st Monday in July, Bank Holiday

15 August, National Mourning Day

7 November, National Revolution and Solidarity Day

16 December, Victory Day

Also, Buddha Purnima (Visakaha Day), Durga Puja, and Islamic holidays and festivals.

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR

Bangladesh.

<<VISA RESULT>>

<< Visa Details >>

For the latest requirements or for application click

Let iVisa take the pain out of travel planning and assist you with Electronic visas, Travel Authorizations, Visas on Arrival, and even Paper Visas. They can also help with Health Declarations and Embassy Registrations. If you're from the US, they provide a One-Stop Shop to renew your Passport securely and error-free.

SEASONS AT A GLANCE

Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists. 

Peak Season

Shoulder Season

Off Peak Season

BEST TIME TO VISIT BANGLADESH

Bangladesh has three main seasons: the hot season, the monsoon season, and the cool season.

The hot season lasts from March to May, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas.

The monsoon season runs from June to September, and is characterized by heavy rains and flooding.

The cool season lasts from October to February, with temperatures ranging from 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit). This is considered the best time to visit Bangladesh.

The best time to visit Bangladesh is between October and March, as the weather is generally dry and cool during this time. The monsoon season, which runs from June to September, can cause heavy rains and flooding in some areas.

BEST TIME FOR:

Snow Sports

The best time for outdoor activities in Bangladesh is during the drier months of October to April, as it can really pour with rains during the months of May to September.

Bangladesh claims to have the world's longest unbroken stretch of beach of 120km, with beautiful views of both sunrise and sunset. However, being a conservative and predominantly Muslim country, you won't find people sunbathing here due to the strict cultural restrictions.

Although not a surfing destination in itself, Bangladesh does receive fairly consistent swell between April and November. If you're looking for small, warm water beach breaks and a rather unique and offbeat surf scene, then you will enjoy the uncrowded surf spots that Bangladesh offers the adventurous surfer.

If you're desperate for some wind sports on the water in Bangladesh, check out Coxs Bazar at Laboni Beach, but don't have any high expectations!

For more details on kite surfing in Bangladesh expand this section!

LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVES

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Advanced, real-time destination filter by visa required, region, health risk, travel budget, country value, tourist seasons, best weather and activity or sport.

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BANGLADESH TRAVEL COSTS

The cost of traveling to Bangladesh can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of year, your travel itinerary, and your accommodation and transportation choices. However, it is generally considered to be a budget-friendly destination.

Accommodation options range from budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels, to mid-range hotels, to more upscale resorts. Prices for budget accommodation can start as low as $5-10 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost around $20-30 per night.

Food and transportation are also relatively inexpensive in Bangladesh. A meal at a local restaurant can cost as little as $2-3, and local transportation, such as buses and rickshaws, can also be very cheap.

Overall, it is possible to travel to Bangladesh on a budget of around $25-30 per day, including accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. However, if you want to travel in more comfort or luxury, the cost can be higher.

A sample budget for visiting Bangladesh could be as follows:

• Accommodation : $10-15 per night for a budget-friendly guesthouse or hostel, $20-30 per night for a mid-range hotel.
• Food : $3-5 per meal at local restaurants, $1-2 for street food.
• Transportation : $1-2 for a local bus or rickshaw ride, $30-50 for a full-day taxi rental.
• Activities : $5-10 for entrance fees to tourist sites, $15-20 for guided tours.

It's important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual cost of traveling to Bangladesh may vary depending on individual preferences, travel itinerary, and other factors.

Also, it's worth to mention that this budget does not include flights and VISA costs. The cost of flights to Bangladesh can vary depending on the time of year and your departure location, and obtaining a visa for Bangladesh can cost around $50-60.

VALUE RANK:

Find discount flights to, travel tips for bangladesh.

Here are some travel tips for Bangladesh:

• Be prepared for the heat and humidity : Bangladesh can be very hot and humid, especially during the summer months. Make sure to wear light, breathable clothing and bring plenty of water with you.
• Respect local custom s: Bangladesh is a conservative Muslim country, and it's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of your behavior and actions.
• Be prepared for transportation challenges : Public transportation in Bangladesh can be crowded and chaotic, and road conditions can be poor. Be prepared for delays and plan extra time for travel.
• Be mindful of health and safety : Bangladesh can have health hazards and safety concerns, such as poor air quality in big cities and diseases like dengue fever, Malaria and Cholera. It's important to take necessary precautions and to be aware of current health and safety conditions before and during your trip.
• Learn some basic Bengali : While English is widely spoken in Bangladesh, learning some basic Bengali phrases can go a long way in helping you navigate the country and connect with locals.
• Be flexible : Bangladesh is a developing country and things might not always go as planned. Be prepared to be flexible and adapt to unexpected situations.
• Be open-minded : Bangladesh is a fascinating and diverse country with a rich culture and history. Be open-minded and willing to experience new things to make the most of your trip.

REGIONS & HIGHLIGHTS OF BANGLADESH

Bangladesh is divided into seven main regions:

• Dhaka : This region includes the capital city of Dhaka, which is considered the cultural and economic heart of the country. Highlights of this region include visiting the Old Dhaka, which is known for its vibrant street markets and traditional architecture, and the Bangladesh National Museum, which houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from the country's history.
• Chittagong : This region is home to the port city of Chittagong, which is the second-largest city in the country. Highlights of this region include visiting the Chittagong War Cemetery, which is a memorial to the soldiers who fought and died in World War II, and the Cox's Bazar, which is a long sandy beach that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
• Sylhet : This region is known for its tea gardens and natural beauty, including the Lawachara National Park and the Madhabpur Lake. This region is also famous for the shrine of the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Jalal.
• Rangpur : This region is known for its natural beauty, including the Rangamati Hill District, which is home to the indigenous Chakma people, and the Rangamati Buddhist Temple, which is a popular tourist destination.
• Rajshahi : This region is known for its historical sites, including the Mahasthangarh, which is an ancient city dating back to the 3rd century BC, and the Puthia Temple Complex, which is a group of Hindu temples dating back to the 17th century.
• Khulna : This region is known for its natural beauty, including the Sundarbans, which is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Royal Bengal Tiger is the main attraction.
• Barisal : This region is known for its natural beauty, including the Kuakata beach, which is a popular tourist destination, and the Andharmanik waterfall, which is one of the highest waterfalls in Bangladesh.

It's worth to mention that Bangladesh is a country with a lot of diversity, and there are many other places to visit and explore beyond these main regions.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN BANGLADESH

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Bangladesh has a rich culture and history, as well as natural beauty, making it a great destination for travelers. Here are some of the best things to see and do when visiting Bangladesh:

Visit the capital city of Dhaka : Dhaka is the cultural and economic heart of the country and offers a lot to see and do, including visiting the Old Dhaka, where you can explore the vibrant street markets and traditional architecture, and the Bangladesh National Museum, which houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from the country's history.

Explore the Sundarbans : The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, and it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's home to the Bengal tiger and a variety of other wildlife, and it's a great place for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Take a trip to Cox's Bazar : The Cox's Bazar is a long sandy beach that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It's a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Visit the Rangamati Hill District : This is an area of beautiful natural beauty and is home to the indigenous Chakma people. The Rangamati Buddhist Temple is also a popular destination.

Explore the ancient city of Mahasthangarh : This ancient city dates back to the 3rd century BC and is known for its well-preserved ruins and rich history.

Visit the Puthia Temple Complex : This is a group of Hindu temples dating back to the 17th century, which is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.

Take a cruise on the Buriganga River : The Buriganga River is an important waterway in Dhaka and taking a cruise on it will give you a great perspective of the city and its history.

Visit the Dhaka University area : The Dhaka University area is a great place to explore the city's student culture and see historic buildings like the Dhaka University Central Mosque, which is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in Bangladesh.

Visit the shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal : This is a famous Sufi saint and it's located in Sylhet division. It's an important pilgrimage site for many Bengalis.

Visit the tea gardens : Bangladesh is famous for its tea gardens, particularly in Sylhet division. Visiting the tea gardens is a great way to experience the country's rural culture and learn about the tea-making process.

WHAT TO EAT IN BANGLADESH

Bangladesh has a rich and diverse culinary tradition, with a variety of delicious dishes to try. Here are some popular foods to eat when visiting Bangladesh:

• Rice and curry : Rice and curry is a staple food in Bangladesh, and you'll find a wide variety of curries to choose from, including chicken, fish, and vegetable curries.
• Biryani : This dish is a type of rice-based dish that is flavored with spices and often includes meat or vegetables.
• Dhakai paratha : Dhakai paratha is a type of flatbread that is popular in Bangladesh. It's made from flour, water, and a little oil, and it's often served with curries or dal.
• Fuchka : Fuchka is a popular street food in Bangladesh, it's a type of fried snack that is filled with a spiced potato mixture and served with tamarind chutney.
• Pitha : Pitha is a type of sweet or savory rice cake that is popular in Bangladesh. Some of the most popular types include chitoi pitha, which is a sweet rice cake stuffed with coconut and jaggery, and vapa pitha, which is a savory rice cake stuffed with lentils.
• Fish dishes: Bangladesh is a country surrounded by water and fish is an important part of the diet. Some of the most popular fish dishes include ilish mach, which is a type of Hilsa fish, and rui mach, which is a type of carp fish.
• Sweets: Bangladesh has a variety of sweet dishes, including rasgulla, which is a spongy sweet made from cottage cheese and jaggery, and kulfi, which is a type of frozen dairy dessert.
• Street food: Bangladesh has a wide variety of street food available, including samosas, pakoras, and jhal muri, a puffed rice snack with a variety of toppings.

It's worth to mention that Bangladesh is a country with a lot of diversity, and there are many other dishes to try beyond this list.

LGBTQ IN BANGLADESH

WHERE TO STAY IN BANGLADESH

When visiting Bangladesh for the first time, choosing the right area or region to stay in is crucial for experiencing the country's diverse culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are some recommendations along with accommodation suggestions for each category: budget, mid-range, and luxury.

Where to stay in Dhaka:

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, serves as the cultural and economic heart of the country, offering a vibrant mix of historic landmarks, bustling markets, and authentic culinary experiences, making it an ideal base for exploring Bangladesh's urban life and heritage.

Budget:   Hotel 71  - Affordable accommodations with modern amenities, located in the heart of Dhaka's commercial district.

Mid-range:   Amari Dhaka  - A contemporary hotel offering comfortable rooms, multiple dining options, and a rooftop pool with panoramic city views.

Luxury:   Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka  - A luxurious hotel featuring elegant rooms, fine dining restaurants, spa facilities, and extensive conference and event spaces.

Where to stay in Cox's Bazar :

Cox's Bazar is home to the world's longest natural sea beach, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal, serene surroundings, and a relaxed beach vibe, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers and relaxation seekers.

Budget:  Hotel Sea Crown  - Affordable beachfront accommodations with basic amenities and easy access to Cox's Bazar Beach.

Mid-range:   Long Beach Hotel Cox's Bazar  - A beachfront hotel offering spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and recreational facilities such as a pool and spa.

Luxury:   Royal Tulip Sea Pearl Beach Resort & Spa  - A luxurious beach resort featuring lavish rooms, upscale dining options, a private beach, and indulgent spa treatments.

Where to stay in Sundarbans :

The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest mangrove forest in the world, known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife experiences, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Budget:   Sundarbans Tiger Roar Resort  - Affordable eco-friendly accommodations located near the Sundarbans, offering basic amenities and guided tours of the forest.

Mid-range:   Sundarbans Jungle Lodge  - A rustic lodge offering comfortable rooms, delicious local cuisine, and guided excursions into the Sundarbans.

For hassle-free bookings, use platforms like   Booking.com  for competitive rates or   Holiday Swap  for unique homes worldwide. Ensure to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, and align your preferences with nearby activities such as surfing, snorkeling, or cultural exploration.

CHOOSE ANOTHER DESTINATION

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FLIGHTS Find a cheap flight by using  Sky scanner  or  Momondo . These are our favorite  flight search engines. They index other travel websites and airlines across the globe to easily find you the best deal.

ACCOMMODATION

Booking.com is our number one resource for researching and booking accommodation. In addition to Booking.com , we have found  Agoda.com to consistently returns the cheapest rates in Southeast Asia. For longer stays, find unique homes worldwide on Holiday Swap , the most affordable travel platform that allows you to book homes anytime, anywhere in only a few clicks.

TRANSPORT ​

DiscoverCars.com is a leader in online car rental bookings; we compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip.  12Go   connects the world door-to-door, from transfers to flights, under the same user-friendly ticket.

INSURANCE Travel insurance can protect you against unexpecte d illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

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SafetyWing Remote Health  (Global Health Insurance for Nomads)

Need more help to book your trip? Check our complete resource page  for all the best companies to use when you travel. You will only find the companies we use ourselves.

Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you,

we may earn a commission if you end up making a purchase and the income goes to keeping the site ad free.

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of Asia’s most culture-rich destinations. The country is characterized by centuries of Hindu, Buddhist and, today, Muslim traditions.

The region has nearly 800 rivers, most of which run the full length of the country and spill out into the Bay of Bengal. Travel by boat is more common than travel by vehicle or any other means.

Bangladesh is relatively traveler-free area which lends to the country’s authenticity. In most cities, the influences of tourism have yet to take hold. This is also partially due to the country’s poverty.

Unfortunately, this beautiful country has seen disease outbreaks terrorist activity. Some of the most recent attacks have involved tourists. Experts advise against travel to Bangladesh unless a trip is mandatory.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Bangladesh? Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Bangladesh Health Notices and Outbreaks in Bangladesh Is a Visa Required for Bangladesh? What Is the Climate in Bangladesh? How Safe Is Bangladesh? See the Wonders of Srimangal What Should I Take to Bangladesh? U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh

Do I Need Vaccines for Bangladesh?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bangladesh. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bangladesh: typhoid , cholera , hepatitis A , polio , yellow fever , Japanese encephalitis , chikungunya , rabies , hepatitis B , influenza , COVID-19 , pneumonia , meningitis , chickenpox , shingles , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Cholera – Food & Water – Recommended for travel to most regions of Bangladesh.
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travelers.
• Polio – Food & Water – Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Japanese Encephalitis – Mosquito – Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country. Most cases from May to October.
• Chikungunya – Mosquito – Few cases reported since 2017. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travelers to most regions.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Meningitis – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.

See the table below for more information:

Specific Vaccine Information

• Typhoid – Typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travelers and those at risk, along with maintaining good hygiene and food safety.
• Cholera – Cholera is a bacterial disease that typically leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration. It is most often spread through contaminated food or water. The cholera vaccine given orally and provides the best protection against infection.
• Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective shot that provides immunity against the virus, usually given in two doses.
• Japanese Encephalitis – Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain infection transmitted by mosquitoes, prevalent in rural parts of Asia. It can cause neurological symptoms and be life-threatening. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine, administered through injections, effectively protects against the virus, especially recommended for travelers to endemic areas.
• Rabies – Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted through animal bites, affecting the nervous system. The rabies vaccine, given before or after potential exposure, prevents the virus from developing into active disease. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups like travelers, while post-exposure shots are crucial after suspected rabies exposure.
• Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a potent shield against this liver virus, recommended for all travelers and crucial for healthcare workers. Alongside vaccination, practicing safe sex and avoiding needle sharing are essential in hepatitis B prevention.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the CDC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.

Malaria in Bangladesh

Malaria is widespread in Bangladesh, especially in Chittagong Hill and Cox’s Bazar. Travelers are advised to take antimalarials to protect themselves from infection. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are recommended for travelers to the region. Malaria parasites in Bangladesh are resistant to chloroquine. Speak with your travel health specialist to identify which antimalarial is best for your trip and medical history.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Bangladesh

Prevent bug bites in bangladesh.

Bug bite prevention strategies involve wearing appropriate clothing and utilizing EPA-approved repellents such as DEET or picaridin, as suggested by the CDC. Stay cautious during peak bug activity periods, clean the affected area, refrain from scratching, and consider over-the-counter remedies while promptly consulting a healthcare professional for severe reactions.

Food and Water Safety in Bangladesh

When abroad, ensure food safety by avoiding street vendors, practicing hand hygiene, and opting for thoroughly cooked dishes. Choose bottled or canned drinks with intact seals. To prevent travelers’ diarrhea , maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at trustworthy restaurants.

Infections To Be Aware of in Bangladesh

• Avian/Bird Flu – Preventing avian flu requires a multifaceted approach, including poultry vaccination, rigorous biosecurity practices, safe handling and cooking of poultry products, early outbreak detection, and educating the public about the virus’s risks and prevention methods.
• Dengue – According to the CDC, dengue fever, caused by a virus from mosquito bites, manifests through fever, headaches, and severe muscle pain. Preventative measures include using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing. While no specific treatment exists, early medical intervention can mitigate severe complications.
• Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease carried by sand flies, poses a substantial health risk. Effective prevention includes protective measures like using insect repellents, wearing long clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities during sand fly peak hours.
• Zika – Zika virus, transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, can have serious consequences, especially for pregnant women and their babies. To prevent Zika, individuals should protect themselves from mosquito bites, practice safe sex, and eliminate breeding sites.

Health Notices and Outbreaks in Bangladesh

• Nipah Virus – Nipah outbreaks occur regularly in various parts of Southeast Asia. The WHO recommends travelers to Bangladesh take extra precautions at this time. Nipah most often spreads from fruit bats or pigs to humans and then between humans. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include fever, vomiting, disorientation, seizures and coma. Travelers are advised to wash hands regularly, avoid contact with bats and pigs and avoid food that may have come in contact with bats or pigs.

Is a Visa Required for Bangladesh?

Bangladesh requires all visitors have at least six months’ validity remaining on their passports at entry. One blank passport page is also required. Visas are required for entry to Bangladesh, but are available upon arrival.

Sources: Embassy of Bangladesh and U.S. State Department

The U.S. State Department strongly recommends travelers get their visas prior to arrival to avoid any potential issues. There are penalties for overstaying a visa and even prosecution in some cases.

Travelers may also be required to pay a departure tax, but this tax is often included in the price of airfare.

What Is the Climate in Bangladesh?

Although the rivers are beneficial for travel, they also bring humidity. The country has a subtropical monsoon climate with high temperatures and high humidity. Bangladesh has three prominent seasons: hot, humid summers, a rainy fall and cooler, dry winters.

Because climate varies by region, be sure to pack for your itinerary. A few regional differences include:

• Khulna – At the southwest end of the country near the Sundarbans, Khulna has hot summers, cool winters and year-round off and on rainfall.
• Dhaka – In the middle of the country, the capital has a tropical wet climate and harshly-dry winters.
• Rangpur – At the northern tip of the country, this region has the most rainfall. Expect consistent monsoons and high levels of humidity.

How Safe Is Bangladesh?

Here are some tips that can help you stay safe while traveling to Bangladesh:

Research and plan ahead: Research the places you plan to visit in Bangladesh. Familiarize yourself with local customs, laws, and social norms. This can help you avoid any cultural misunderstandings and potential safety risks.

Dress conservatively: Bangladesh is a conservative country in many ways. It’s important to dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing. This is especially important for women. They should consider covering their heads and wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover arms and legs.

Use reputable transportation: Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps to get around, especially at night. Avoid unlicensed taxis or rickshaws, as they may not be safe or reliable.

Be cautious with food and water: Be careful with food and water consumption to avoid getting sick. Stick to bottled or filtered water and avoid eating street food or raw or undercooked food.

Be aware of pickpockets and thieves: Pickpockets and thieves can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you.

Register with your embassy: Register with your embassy or consulate when you arrive in Bangladesh. This can help ensure that you receive important safety updates and that your government can provide assistance if needed.

See the Wonders of Srimangal

Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs, insect-borne disease are a threat throughout the world., keep the bugs away with passport health’s repellent options .

Srimangal is a small town located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh. It is known as the tea capital of the country. There are several reasons why tourists would want to visit Srimangal:

• Tea Gardens: Srimangal is surrounded by lush green tea gardens and is one of the largest tea producing regions in Bangladesh. Tourists can visit these tea gardens and witness the entire tea production process.
• Natural Beauty: Tourists can visit Madhabpur Lake, Baikka Beel Wetland Sanctuary, and Lawachara National Park to explore the region’s natural beauty and wildlife.
• Cultural Experience: Srimangal is also known for its unique cultural experiences. Tourists can visit the Khashia tribal village and learn about their lifestyle, culture, and traditions. They can also visit the nearby Monipuri villages to see traditional handloom weaving and embroidery.

Srimangal is a must-visit destination for tourists who want to explore a lesser-known region of Bangladesh.

What Should I Take to Bangladesh?

Unless traveling in winter, tourists should prepare for rain and humidity. Be sure you have everything you need for your trip.

• Clothing – A light sweater for cooler nights plus long sleeves and pants to avoid mosquitoes. Modest clothing is recommended for visits to religious sites.
• Rain Gear – A poncho or rain jacket that is lightweight and can be packed on day excursions.
• Insect Repellent or Netting – Mosquito-borne diseases are common in southeast Asia. Be sure to bring repellents, netting and similar items.

U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh

The U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh offers a range of services to U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Bangladesh. Some of the services that the embassy provides include:

• Consular Services: This includes emergency assistance, notary services, and passport and visa services.
• Security Alerts: The embassy issues security alerts to U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Bangladesh. These alerts provide information on current security situations and potential risks.
• Travel Information: The embassy provides information on travel and tourism in Bangladesh, including visa requirements, local customs and culture and transportation options.

The U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh is located at:

U.S. Embassy Dhaka Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka -1212, Bangladesh Tel: (880) (2) 5566-2000

It’s important to note that the services provided by the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh can vary. U.S. citizens traveling to Bangladesh are encouraged to check the embassy’s website or contact the embassy directly to obtain the most up-to-date information.

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Travel In Bangladesh: A Complete Travel Guide For Bangladesh.

• By Sarah Steiner
• Updated On April 20, 2024

Bangladeshi care and hospitality is outstanding. At the time of writing this we haven’t even left Bangladesh and already I am feeling a pang of sadness knowing we will move on soon. If you are thinking about travel in Bangladesh and wondering whether to take the leap and book that trip or not…

Book it now.

Travel in Bangladesh is unique.  It’s not easy nor a mainstream destination to travel.  But if getting off the beaten track is the kind of travel you like, that is exactly what makes Bangladesh so special. 

Here is our complete travel guide for Bangladesh including all of the details of where we stayed in each city, how to get around Bangladesh, how to (and whether to) travel in Bangladesh with kids and a whole bunch of other tips to make your Bangladesh adventure as smooth as possible… 

• About Bangladesh
• Need-to-know history
• Best time to visit
• Visas  
• Money and ATM’s
• Our itinerary in Bangladesh
• Places to see – Dhaka – Barisal – Bagerhat – Mongla – Sreemangal – Sylhet – Cox’s Bazar – Chittagong – Ekduaria Village
• Travel in Bangladesh with kids
• Health and safety
• What to wear  
• Transportation

Connectivity and WIFI

• SIM cards  
• Accommodation options
• Where we stayed
• Tour or independent travel?

About Bangladesh; first just quickly

• Full name:  People’s Republic of Bangladesh
• Capital:  Dhaka
• Language:  Bengali (Bangla) 
• Main Religion:  Islam
• Currency:  Bangladeshi Taka (code: BDT; symbol: Tk)
• Population:  167,000,000
• Time Zone:  National Standard Time (UTC+6)
• Calling Code:  +880
• Drives On:  Left
• Credit Cards:  Visa/MC/AmEx accepted
• Emergency Number:  Ambulance/Police 999
• Outlets:   Plug Type C, D, G and K (220 V / 50 Hz)

And a little bit of history about Bangladesh 

On our first day out in Dhaka we learnt some very interesting history about Bangladesh.  

Our guide told us that his grandfather was born in India; his father was born in Pakistan; and he was born in Bangladesh.  But they were all born  in the same village …

Until 1947, Bangladesh was part of India.  The region that is now marked out as the country of Bangladesh was known as ‘East Bengal’. 

In 1947 India gained independence from British colonial rule and the sub-continent was partitioned into India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.  The partition led to the largest migration crisis in history with over 14 million people becoming refugees.  Many Hindu families moved from Pakistan to India and Muslims from India to Pakistan. 

Bangladesh was known at this time as ‘East Pakistan’ and was governed from Islamabad (in ‘West Pakistan’) – something that was unpopular with many Bangladeshis and ultimately spurred the struggle for Bengali rights. 

In 1971 Bangladesh (with the support of India) fought Pakistan for independence in what was known as the Bangladesh Liberation War and became the independent country that is Bangladesh today. 

Best time to visit Bangladesh

The best time visit Bangladesh is during the ‘cool season’ (effectively considered winter in Bangladesh) from November to February.  Days are warm averaging a comfortable 25°C and nights are cooler. 

From March onwards the days get rapidly hotter and monsoon generally arrives sometime in June.  

But hey; we ignored the suggested best time to visit Bangladesh and travelled for a month during May with a few (welcomed) afternoon rain showers and otherwise great (hot) weather. 

Bangladesh requires all foreigners to obtain permission, specifically a visa, to enter its territory unless exempted.  Visas for Bangladesh are issued by Bangladesh diplomatic missions located throughout the world.  Or, if application, on arrival in Bangladesh.

The following countries are specifically listed as countries whose citizens may obtain Bangladesh visa on arrival for the purpose of tourism:

• All European Union member states, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, China, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Oman Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States. 

In addition, citizens of the following countries are known to require a visa:

• Algeria, Belize, Brazil, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Macao, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.  

The Visa On Arrival fee must be paid only in cash in US dollars or Euros when entering Bangladesh.   And the cost per person is $51 USD or €51 EUR, with all taxes included. 

Standard tourism visas (and VOAs) are single-entry for 30 days.   

However it can be extended for an additional 30 days. Applicants can apply for the extension of the Visa On Arrival up to a week before visa expiry but not sooner. Visa extensions are available at the Department of Immigration and Passports located in Shere-E-Bangla Nagar, West Agargaon, Dhaka City.

• Check: Definitely do your research and make sure you confirm your visa eligibility for travel to Bangladesh with plenty of time before you fly.  

Currency and cash in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) is the currency of Bangladesh.  

There are banknotes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 BDT (although 2 and 5 taka notes are rare).   

At the time we travelled (May 2022) these are the exchange rates for Bangladesh:

• 100 BDT = 1.16 USD
• 1000 BDT = 11.59 USD
• 10000 BDT = 115.88 USD

ATM’s and money

All ATMs we tried offer an English menu.  And more than that, in the big cities they also offer a few minutes of peace (and air conditioning) inside away from the bustle and chaos… 

These bank ATM’s accept international cards: 

• AB Bank Limited
• Dutch-Bangla Bank
• Premiere Bank 
• One Bank 

And note the ATM’s were not working at the arrivals hall of the airport when we landed in Dhaka.  (None of them!).  We exchanged some USD to purchase a SIM card and found an ATM close to our hotel the next day. 

Language for travel in Bangladesh

Bengali (or Bangla )  is the official language in Bangladesh and is the 8 th  most-spoken language in the world.

Globally there are over 230,000,000 speakers of Bengali.  

English is not widely spoken in Bangladesh.  And even train and ticket numbers are commonly written in Bangla.  Outside of the cities it can be tricky to find someone to translate.  But those who can speak English (even if it’s patchy) always come forward to help. 

Bangladeshis are hospitable and will try their best to help regardless of barriers to verbally communicate.  

The most common greeting you will hear is the traditional Islamic greeting ‘ Asalaam Aleikum’ .  Hindus use the Bengali greeting ‘Nomoshkar’.  And admittedly it can be tricky to distinguish religion at first glance (not all Muslim women cover their hair, and some Hindu women do). But play it safe with a smile and you will be happily received.  

Useful Bangla words to learn

• Hello:  Assalamu alaikum/Nomoshkar
• How are you?  Kemon achen? Kemon acho? 
• I am well:  Ami bhalo achi 
• What is your name?  Apnar naam kee? 
• Which country?  Kona desa ( desh )
• Thank you:  Dhonnobad
• Thanks a lot:  Onek dhonnobad
• Yes:  Hae
• No:  Na
• Water:  Pani
• Good morning:  Shubho shokal
• Goodbye:  Khuda hafez / Allah hafez 

The phrase you will get most used to hearing is ‘ Kona desh?’.    Which country?   ‘Desh’ means land/country (as in, Bangla desh ).  And trust me; you will quickly begin to pick up on people asking you that…

Once you tune in you will hear that phrase  more than any other Bangla words around you.   (Tourists are not common – not in the city; not anywhere really – and everyone wants to know where you are from).

Men commonly shake hands and further respect is expressed with a hand over heart.  [Note though that women and men rarely shake hands with one another so don’t extend a handshake first as a traveling female]. 

And a further note without regard to the upcoming challenge of language barriers…  More so be prepared and ready for the stares/ staring /stares and selfie requests… 

Our itinerary for travel in Bangladesh

Contemplating an itinerary for travel in Bangladesh is like opening a can of worms.  The direction you can take in this country are endless.  But the tricky thing is that many routes around Bangladesh end up stopping back in at Dhaka.  (I told you Dhaka is ceremoniously like the beating heart of this incredible country). 

Here’s our slightly jumbled but brilliant itinerary for Bangladesh. 

• Dhaka  > launch >  Barisal 
• Barisal  > minivan  >  Mongla
• Mongla  > minivan  >  Morrelgonj
• Morrelgonj  > launch >  Dhaka
• Dhaka  > train >  Sreemangal
• Sreemangal  > train >  Sylhet
• Sylhet  > flight >  Cox Bazaar
• Cox Bazaar  > bus >  Chittagong
• Chittagong  > train >  Dhaka 
• Dhaka  > minivan >  Ekduaria
• Ekduaria  > minivan >  Dhaka 

Where to go in Bangladesh (the places we reckon you  need  to see) 

Now for the most important part of this travel guide for Bangladesh.  

This is the best part. 

Geographically Bangladesh is a large country and distances between cities are great.  We spent one month travelling in Bangladesh and the following are the highlights that we found (and would recommend you see too). 

Dhaka (the capital city)

Dhaka is the beating heart of Bangladesh.  It is as if the waterways of Bangladesh stem out from Dhaka like the veins taking life to the far reaches of the country…

And I’m not going to lie. 

Dhaka is not for the faint hearted. 

But it is incredible. 

Our itinerary around Bangladesh with kids saw us stop and stay  four times in Dhaka .  (I told you it was jumbled!).  But we used the bustling capital city as our base to explore different directions of the country…

Things to do in Dhaka

• Visit Old Dhaka:  The heart of the city and what was once was the 17 th  century Mughal capital of Bengal.
• Go shopping at New Market:  The place I recommend to purchase a salwar kameez/panjabi to wear.
• Lalbagh Fort:  A beautiful and historic (unfinished) fort from the Mughal era. 
• Ashan Manzil:  Designated as a national museum and known as the Pink Palace this was once the residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka. 
• Shadeed Minar:  Martyr’s Monument built to honour those who lost their lives in 1952 during the Bengali Language Movement. 
• Tara Masjid Mosque:  Small but beautiful mosque renowned for the striking blue stars made of mosaic. 
• See the Armenian Church:  Built by the Armenian community that was present in Bangladesh in the 1700s and 1800s(!).  

Transportation from Dhaka

• Train to Sreemangal: 6 hours
• Train to Khulna: 9 hours
• Train to Chittagong: 8 hours
• Bus to Sreemangal: 6 hours
• Bus to Chittagong: 10 hours
• Launch ferry to Barisal: Overnight 

Sreemangal – Travel in Bangladesh

A small(er) town north of Dhaka that is easy to reach by train from the city.  The highlight of Sreemangal is definitely the renowned 7 and 8-layered tea…

Things to do in Sreemangal

• Drink layered tea:  A must-do in Sreemangal.  Get a rickshaw to the nearby Adi Nilkantha Tea Cabin and meet Mr. Gour who invented this colorful layered style of tea. 
• Visit a school:  It’s easier to meet people in a smaller town and Sreemangal has plenty of schools (that will likely invite you in as you walk past).  
• Dine at the London Restaurant:  We determined this another icon of Sreemangal and enjoyed tandoori chicken, naan and salad at this busy restaurant. 

Sylhet 

This city and the surrounding division is famous for TEA.  Over 90% of Bangladesh’s tea is produced in Sylhet.  

Sylhet city is 250km northeast of Dhaka and is the north-eastern division in Bangladesh.  (And interestingly when looking at it on a map it is almost entirely surrounded by India with border on the north, south and east of Sylhet division).  

Things to do in Sylhet

• Tea plantations:  This is what Sylhet is famous for. Hire a driver and head just out of the city to Malnicherra Tea Estate.
• Ali Amjad’s Clock Tower:  If you arrive by train you might catch a glimpse of this iconic clock as you cross the river from the station.  
• Hazarat Shahjalal Mazar Sharif:  Beautiful shrine attracting thousands of people from different parts of the country, irrespective of religion and caste, every day.
• Keane Bridge:  Built in 1936 this bridge is called the gateway to Sylhet city.  

Transportation from Sylhet

• Train to Dhaka: 7 hours
• Train to Sreemangal: 2.5 hours
• Flight to Dhaka: 35 mins 
• Bus to Dhaka: 8+ hours

Barisal is one of the major rice production centres of Bangladesh known for the production of Balam rice (and for its fish export – one of the main sights to see is the fish market).  But Barisal is also well known now for it’s unique floating vegetable and timber markets…

Things to do in Barisal

• Fish market:  This is a bustling highlight of Barisal and not to be missed (if you don’t mind the bustle and/or the fish market smell!). 
• Floating vegetable market:  As far as tourism-draws in Bangladesh this is a big one and a beautiful morning out seeing an entirely different way of living. 
• Floating timber market:  Not far from Baitha Katha vegetable markets and stretches for kilometres. 
• Korapur Miah Bari Mosque:  Three-domed mosque thought to have been built in the late 18 th  century. 

Transportation from Barisal

• Launch ferry to Dhaka: Overnight
• Taxi to Bagerhat: 3 hours
• Taxi to Mongla: 4 hours
• Bus to Khulna: 5-6 hours 

Khulna and Bargerhat

The city of Khulna on the west of Bangladesh is essentially a gateway city to the Sundarbans and the small mosque-filled city of Bagerhat.  

Things to do in Khulna

• Take a ferry over the river:  Like most of Bangladesh seeing the cities by river adds a different perspective (and is a cheap alternative).
• Visit the UNESCO 60-Domed Mosque:  The largest mosque in Bangladesh remaining from the sultanate period. 
• See the mausoleum of Khan Jahan Ali:  An interesting smaller site with a significant religious influence in Bangladeshi history.   

Transportation from Bagerhat

• Taxi to Barisal: 3 hours
• Bus to Khulna: 1 hour
• Taxi to Mongla: 1.5 hours

Transportation from Khulna

• Bus to Bagerhat: 1 hour
• Train to Dhaka: 9 hours 
• Bus to Dhaka: 7 hours
• Bus to Mongla: 2 hours

Mongla and Sundarbans

Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest that spans Bangladesh and the south of West Bengal in India. 

Things to do in Mongla

• Sundarbans river cruise:  Take a boat up the rivers and canals of the largest mangrove forest in the world.   
• Harbaria Eco Park:  Walk the boardwalk through the mangroves and feed deer at the animal conservation and breeding centre on the main island.  
• Mongla village day tour:  Another highlight of Mongla was the chance to see smaller villages within the district (and especially by 3-wheel electric rickshaw). 

Cox’s Bazar

Cox’s Bazar is the home of the longest natural sea beach in the world.  And it’s a beautiful spot to see in the late afternoon golden hour as the sun sets over the Bay of Bengal. 

Things to do in Cox’s Bazar

• Cox’s Bazar Beach:  Join the crowds and marvel at the beautiful sunset (and eat some candy floss) on the longest beach in the world. 
• Himchori Waterfall:  A shallow but beautiful waterfall located in the National Park not far from main beach in Cox’s Bazar. 
• Inani Beach:  Part of Cox’s Bazar beach, Inani has unique black and coral stones cover the shore line during the rainy and summer seasons. 
• Star Kabab:  We’ve added this as a must-eat in Cox’s Bazar… Highly recommend for a tasty (and friendly) dinner. 

Transportation from Cox’s Bazar

• Bus to Chittagong: 5 hours
• Flight to Dhaka: 50 mins

Chittagong is a large port city on the south-eastern coast of Bangladesh and is second-largest city in the country.  It is another very busy city and like Dhaka, the streets are filled with masses of cycle and auto-rickshaws.  There isn’t much in the way of tourists sights to see but Chittagong is a useful gateway to the Hill Tracts area or south to Cox’s Bazar. 

And for us, Chittagong was a bit more special as we celebrated my birthday.  (I had never previously imagined my birthday at an amusement park in Chittagong but there we were!). 

Things to do in Chittagong

• Shishu Amusement Park:  Located in the heart of the city this is a small (and old) amusement park for children with around 15 simple rides. 
• Take a boat ride from Saderghat:  Similarly to Dhaka it’s easy to get a cheap wooden boat across the river and beautiful to see at sunset. 
• Visit the ship breaking yards:  Not easy to do – after child labour was exposed at the yards – rather it’s easier to see the ship yards from a distance by boat. 
• Get ice cream sundaes : Not technically a sight of Chittagong but one we have to share. Sub Zero is near opposite Shishu Park and does a great oreo sundae… 

Ekduaria Village

It’s hard to decide, but for us the opportunity to stay in and be part of a small village in rural Bangladesh is perhaps the most memorable week of our trip.  

The cities are bustling and the towns have a lot going on.  But seeing day to day life in a rural village is the kind of travel you can’t imagine until you get there. 

I am going to dedicate an entire blog (or two, or more) to sharing our experience in Ekduaria Village, but for now here are some of the highlights… 

Things to do in Ekduaria Village

• Milk a cow:  Meet the local farmers and collect milk for breakfast (walk back through the village with your tin of fresh, warm milk). 
• Harvest vegetables:  From the backyard garden and collect pumpkins, squash and okra from the farm 
• Drink tea with locals:  At the market chai stand or in people’s homes (this is Bangladeshi hospitality).
• Wander the small streets:  And talk to people along the way (don’t worry about the language barrier; there’s much to talk about even without words). 
• Go and watch a soccer game:  The local high school field is the place to be for an energetic inter-village match
• Cook in a mud-kitchen:  Learn how to make paratha, curry, rice-pancakes and much more. 
• Offer to help:  Go and help the farmers with some of their daily chores (they will laugh but you will love it!).  

As we awaited the return of confirmed travel visas for Bangladesh we let slip to a few of our close friends that we were planning a trip to Bangladesh – with kids.  

After the initial eye-bulging return stare of said friends and family, the first question was always of safety.  Is Bangladesh safe?!  

Now, having been and travelled Bangladesh – and  survived  thrived – our summary is not of safety concerns… But those of health. 

There’s no two ways about it.  Health and hygiene are legitimate concerns for travel in Bangladesh.  

Dhaka is one of the most polluted (and obviously the most populous) cities in the world.  And hygiene standards are low. 

Like low, low.  Really low. 

There is only so much you can do as prevention in these circumstances.  

• Carry a basic-but-sensibly-stocked  medical kit . You can read details of everything we carry in our medical kit here.  Rehydration sachets are (reflectively)  recommended  essential in Bangladesh… 
• Always  wash your hands before and after eating  (and/or carry hand sanitiser).  Bangladeshi custom is to eat with your hands so this is even more important. 
• Drink bottled water .  As above, it’s contradictory to all that we try to uphold in sustainable travel but worth it to be safe and  prevent all  prevent diahhroea where possible.  
• Avoid  ice, salads and fruit washed in water .  You don’t know where the water came from (and it’s likely not filtered). 
• Avoid  mosquito bites .  Especially in the golden hour of sunset, wear long trousers and use mosquito repellent. And if available/offered, sleep under a mosquito net.  

Food in Bangladesh 

Bangladesh is a land of rice.  

And I would say also a land of BBQ meat, bhaji, jackfruit and flatbreads.  

But the most exciting part about food in Bangladesh? Bangladeshis use their hands to eat.  

It is definitely something of a practised art form to eat entirely sans cutlery.  But a few days into it you will find yourself ignoring the especially sought out fork and joining the local way. 

The right hand is used to scoop food into your mouth and it is considered bad etiquette to eat with your left hand.  Rather, the left hand should be used to hold the plate or assist with serving.  

Every eatery no matter how big or small will have a ‘wash room’ or handwashing station.  (Albeit you may need to scoop the water from a bucket).  But get into it and give it a go.  There is a whole list of delicious tastes and dishes that await you! 

• Biryani:  Rice and marinated meat cooked in lots of spices
• Kabab:  BBQ chicken roasted to perfection 
• Bhaji:  Roasted vegetables in a light curry flavour (served at any time of day)
• Kichuri:  Rice and lentils seasoned with turmeric and ghee
• Morog Polao  (chicken Pilaf): Rice cooked with stock (= amazing!)
• Haleem:  Spicy lentil soup
• Shingara : AKA  samosa  (pastry filled with spiced potatoes, onions, peas)
• Parata:  Bengali wheat-flour flatbread often served at breakfast
• Luchi:  Deep-fried flatbread with the perfect puff! 
• Mishti  (sweet): Dahl dessert made with milk and sugar
• Borhani:  Thick, frothy yoghurt-like drink
• Jilapi/Jalebi:  Deep-fried, sweet snack (crystalised sugar) 

Food in Bangladesh with kids

• Chai:  Always sweet and pretty standard in taste 
• BBQ Chicken:  Our kids loved the chicken kabab and BBQ chicken in Bangladesh! 
• Dal:  Lentil, peas and beans made into a thick stew. (Sounds unappetising but an easy meal to eat with rice).  And it’s gentle on small tummies. 
• Biryani:  This well-known rice dish is always fairly standard
• Paratha:  Flat bread that has been deep fried (say no more)
• Naan:  Always reliable as a simple meal base
• Sweet lassi:  Traditional yoghurt-based drink (like a milkshake)
• Falooda:  Ice cream dessert made with rose syrup, custard and pieces of jelly

And fruit and drinking coconuts!  We arrived just at the beginning of mango season which was delicious.  And we ate far more than our fair share of jackfruit in the village.

Drinking water

Tap water is not safe to drink in Bangladesh.  And unfortunately, finding filtered water to refill your drink bottle is not easy. 

If you have a steripen or UV water filter definitely bring this for your trip as it’s not a nice feeling to buy plastic bottles of drinking water in a country that is seriously struggling with plastic/pollution… 

Best to play it safe.  And watch out for cups/cutlery that is dripping from being washed in unsanitary water. 

Are there supermarkets and/or recognisable shops in Bangladesh? 

This is probably about the time I have to confess we even ordered takeaway chicken and chips one evening from Food Panda.  In other words; in the city, Bangladesh isn’t far behind with takeaways and food delivery services.  

However, many of the big brands (McDonalds, Starbucks etc) are not in Bangladesh.  

Agora  is a popular supermarket chain and stores can be found in the main cities. 

What to wear for travel in Bangladesh

I love this part of travel Bangladesh. The country is obviously populous (200,000,000 obvious) but oh Bangladesh, you are oh-so-colourful…

Bangladesh is a majority Islamic country and there are expectations for what to wear for travel in the cities and especially in the rural areas.  

For women long pants are always expected.  In the cities is ok(ish) to wear a smart, short-sleeved top. But I would recommend out of the city at least ¾ sleeves.  

I found the best clothing for Bangladesh was the local style of (brightly coloured) salwar kameez.  This is the typical Bangladeshi 3-piece costume of loose trousers, long (below your bottom) tunic-style top and scarf draped across your chest or over your head.  

The salwar kameez is made from fabric that is cool to wear and is addictively colourful.   

For men, advice is similarly conservative but with slightly more flexibility.  Men in shorts  can  be spotted on occasion. But being realistic, it’s not a common sight.  Long pants/trousers and a shirt for men is recommended (and expected, really). 

And for kids – especially young kids – it’s more relaxed.  Our boys enjoyed trying the local style of  Panjabi  (particularly as locals had never seen boys with long hair before!). 

Bangladeshi costumes you will see day-to-day:

• Salwar kameez  (f): long tunic top and loose trousers
• Orna  (f): scarf to drape over shoulders or neck (part of the salwar kameez costume)
• Saree  (f): the main traditional women’s costume of Bangladesh most commonly seen on women in the villages
• Lungyi  (m): males sarong-like skirt made from tubular length of fabric
• Panjabi  (m): long, loose shirt.  
• Fatua  (m): short version of the Panjabi (short, loose shirt) 
• Gamcha  (m): a colourful, cotton towel (spun by local handloom) often worn around the neck by workers to be used as a body towel 

Transportation in Bangladesh

Transport and travel in Bangladesh can be as tricky as you make it.

There is road travel (taxis, buses, vans), train travel (express trains and a new metro to come), river travel (the most traditional means of travel in Bangladesh) and rickshaws (pedal and auto).

Don’t try and over complicate things haggling for a best price (especially over a few cents). You will draw a crowd regardless but even more so if you’re trying to negotiate with a driver. And don’t be afraid to walk away. They know how much it should cost and you don’t need to be ripped off just because you’re a foreigner.

Getting around by auto rickshaw (CNG) – travel in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has electric and CNG auto rickshaws that are easy to flag down and take for short to medium distances in the cities and towns.  

For a 2km distance it costs around 100Tk (USD $1.15).  Just be sure to negotiate and confirm the price before you climb in.  

Getting around by cycle rickshaw – travel in Bangladesh

This is by far the most authentic mode of transport in Bangladesh.  It only costs a few taka for a short distance by cycle rickshaw (just not so easy for us as a family of four – we need to get two!).  

Train travel in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is well known for train travel.  It’s likely you will have seen images of hundreds of people riding on the roof of trains… 

Well, we did see people on the rooftops (and heard big thumps as they leapt on the roof above us from one carriage to the next!).   But the police are trying reduce the number of people riding on the top and fortunately we didn’t see quite as many as anticipated.  

It’s relatively easy to book a train ticket at the main railway station in Dhaka.  The most challenging part of booking is battling the traffic in a taxi to get there.  If you don’t have hours to spare you can contact a guide (like  trip2bangladesh.com ) ahead of time to book the ticket for you (we did this for our first train from Dhaka to Sylhet) and have it dropped to your hotel. 

Boat travel in Bangladesh

Long-distance water travel in Bangladesh is by  launch.   These are huge river ferries (what we would call a ferry back home).  But in Bangladesh, ferries are the term for short-distance river travel from one side of the river to the other.  Like the one we took across the Padma river (this is the main channel of the greater Ganges River in Bangladesh).  

Launch travel is a bucketlist experience in Bangladesh and absolutely the most traditional means of transport in the country.  

Overnight launches depart from Dhaka in the evening and arrive in Barisal before sunrise. 

Here are some of the class options and pricing for a one-way overnight launch in Bangladesh: 

• VIP Cabin : 10,000 Tk
• 1st Class Cabin: (A/C, shared toilet): 2500 Tk
• Economy (seats, shared toilet): 800 Tk
• 3rd Class (floor space only): 280 Tk 

Bus travel in Bangladesh

Bus travel is a cheap way to move between cities.  There’s no need to pre-book far in advance as there are  squillions hundreds of buses departing frequently in any given direction. 

It was easy to purchase tickets the day before from a small travel agent in Cox’s Bazar for the 5 hour journey to Chittagong.  (Transport and tour agent stalls line the streets in the tourist area here).  Tickets for the AC bus cost 500 Tk each ($6 USD). 

Budget  for travel in Bangladesh

As a traveller, first thoughts are that Bangladesh will be a cheap country to travel in.  And daily – for food, necessities and transport – it is. 

• Cup of cha (tea): 10 Tk / USD 0.15c
• Water (1L): 40 Tk / 0.45c 
• Canned drink: 40 Tk
• Drinking coconut: 100 Tk
• Daal: 50 Tk
• Tandoori chicken: 200 Tk
• Restaurant lunch (for 4: 600 Tk
• Auto-rickshaw (2km): 100 Tk
• Uber/taxi (5km): 450 Tk
• Passenger boat (across river): 10 Tk
• AC bus (5 hours): 500 Tk
• Barber shop shave: 100 Tk
• 15GB data (for 7 days): 160 Tk

I must admit we were (pleasantly) surprised by connectivity and wifi options in Bangladesh.  Albeit hotel accommodation is not really cheap (for a family) but every place we stayed had free and unlimited wifi.  

We were disconnected from 3G and 4G data on some of the bus and train rides but not in a way that caused any disruption worth writing further about. 

Getting a SIM card for travel in Bangladesh 

The three biggest communications operators in Bangladesh are: 

• Grameenphone

Grameenphone has a counter selling SIM cards as you exit customs at the airport in Dhaka (even for a night time flight).  

When we landed in Dhaka there were not ATM’s working but I exchanged $20 USD and was able to buy two SIM cards with Grameenphone for 600 Tk each including 12GB of data. 

It’s easy to top up (they call it ‘recharge’) your card at many small street shops.  Just get familiar with the Grameenphone logo and keep an eye out for it.  

If you handover your phone the shopkeeper will top it up the old-fashioned way by calling in to Grameenphone and recharging your desired amount to your account.  You can then choose from a list of data or calling packages. 

Data prices are cheap (like cheap, cheap) and come up under ‘My Offers’ on the service provider app: 

• 100 minutes, 30 days: 65 Tk
• 20 GB, 7 days: 179 Tk
• 13 GB, 30 days: 220 Tk
• 6 GB, 3 days: 76 Tk

Whether to travel in Bangladesh independently or pre-book tours and transport? 

No doubt you’ve started googling and are wondering how to put together the pieces of the puzzle that is an itinerary for Bangladesh.  But quite frankly there isn’t a lot of information out there.

Looking at the map before we left, we split our travel in Bangladesh into different legs (in different directions). We made contact with owner, Ontu of tour company  TripToBangladesh  to gauge prices for transport and to pre-book the first overnight launch and day tour for the Sundarbans. 

For the remainder we travelled independently (by bus, plane and train) and booked two of our three train journeys after we arrived. 

I can highly recommend Ontu for his caring and very professional manner to help with making any tour and/or transport bookings for Bangladesh.  

To stay in Ekduaria Village contact host Jafar Tuhin of Taabu Ekduaria directly on  +880 1969-404414 .  Jafar is an incredible host, with fluent English and very easy to be around.  We arrived as guests and left as friends. 

Useful contacts for travel in Bangladesh

• Trip2Bangladesh Contact person: Ontu WhatsApp:  +8801784399339 Email: [email protected]
• Taabu Ekduaria Host and guide: Jafar Tuhin  WhatsApp: +880 1969-404414

Jafar is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide for city tours of Dhaka and the neighbouring ancient city of Sonargaon too. I highly recommend a day tour of Old Dhaka including the sights, bazars and fascinating huge ship breaking yards. Contact him directly – you will not be disappointed!

Accommodation options for travel in Bangladesh

In a country that is shamelessly renowned for being a budget destination, I would say that for us the cost of accommodation in Bangladesh came as a surprise. 

I’m not going to pretend we found budget accommodation and roughed our way around the country.  Because we didn’t.  But cost-wise it wasn’t what we expected. 

We booked a hotel to arrive to for the first few nights (Hotel 71) and the family room allocated to four pax was well above our budget for fulltime travel. 

As we found our feet and figured out how it all worked here we realised that as a family, accommodation options offered the greatest disparity in our budget.  

In Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong there seemed to be 4 or 5 star hotel options at $130+ USD per night.   Or  you had to be roughing it in a guesthouse/apartment that we could barely even find online… 

In the smaller cities like Sreemangal and Cox’s Bazar it is easier to find lower-cost accommodation.  

But even as normally strict-budget travellers I can tell you we were unashamedly thankful for an albeit expensive-but-clean room, air-conditioning and a hot shower in the cities.   Pick your battles?

Everything we booked in Bangladesh we managed to book ahead of time online through booking.com.  We booked the first few nights prior to arriving.

Where we stayed in Bangladesh

• Dhaka:   Hotel 71  
• Barisal:   Hotel Grand Park
• Mongla:   Hotel Pashur
• Dhaka:   Hotel Tropical Daisy  
• Sreemangal:   Green Leaf Guest House
• Sylhet:   Hotel Mira Garden
• Cox’s Bazar:   Laguna Beach Hotel  
• Chittagong:   Well Park Residence Boutique Hotel
• Dhaka:   Hotel 71
• Ekduaria Village: Taabu Ekduaria Village Homestay

Read the reviews on booking sites and use Google Maps to check out accommodation and locations before you book.  

Thank you, Bangladesh.

Well that ends our huge guide for travel in Bangladesh.  

If you are looking for a destination that will give you culture, colour, adventure, taste and wonder then I recommend travel in Bangladesh. 

Please leave us a comment with any further questions and we’ll get back to you. 

We had a truly, genuinely fantastic time traveling in Bangladesh. And now that I’ve dried my tears on leaving Ekduaria Village after an incredible week of Bangladeshi hospitality, I know for sure it is going to be one of those countries that sticks with us, and close to our heart for a long time to come…

More about travel planning for Bangladesh and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

• Booking.com  – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. (We love the flexible cancellation policy!). 
• Hostelworld – The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world. 
• Skyscanner   – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.  
• GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing  – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country. 
• World Nomads   – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). 

Read more about travel in Bangladesh and South Asia

• Train Travel in India: A Complete Guide.
• The Sacred River Ganges: Two days in Varanasi.
• Crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan. 
• Pakistan: A complete guide to travel in Pakistan. 
• Money in India: Using ATM’s, withdrawing and carrying your money safely.
• How to use a squat toilet: Everything you didn’t want to ask…
• Our complete packing list for travel in India. 

Wondering about itineraries?  Questions about schooling?  See our Family Travel Guides and FAQ here . 

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15 thoughts on “Travel In Bangladesh: A Complete Travel Guide For Bangladesh.”

Hello, I benefited greatly from your blog post while making my holiday plans. Thanks to the information you provided, I was able to make more informed decisions and my holiday was much more enjoyable. Your suggestions and experiences have been really valuable to me. Thank you very much for your effort. It is truly a wonderful thing to have an experienced and knowledgeable companion like you. I will continue to follow your articles while making other holiday plans. I wish you good work, Best regards. We run a travel agency in Rize, Turkey. If you come here one day, we would be proud to host you… https://www.rizetours.com/

I’m planning a trip to India with my kids and after reading your blog I’m now wanting to also head to Bangladesh as well. I’m a bit undecided at the moment though as it would need to be at the end of September (around school holidays) so I’m worried about the amount of rain.

I see that a lot of the Sundarbans tours are for a couple of nights but you guys only did a day trip? Do you think a day was enough to get a nice feel for it? I think I’d prefer the day trip option.

Is it worth visiting both Sreemangal and Sylhet or are they similar?

I’m very interested in staying in Ekduaria Village for a couple of nights, I think it would be great for my boys.

Cheers Brendan

Hi Brendan awesome to hear that! And yes we have lots of info for Sylhet and Sreemangal and great contacts for the Sundarbans and Exduaria. Could you send us a message and it would be easier to send details directly to you there. An incredible place! Bangladesh is an amazing experience.

Thank you for the wealth of valuable information. There is one point that flies in contrast with the Consulate general of Bangladesh’s website, the US travel.gov website, and every other website I have searched for, that is Visa on Arrivals are currently (as of Jan 2024) in effect, at least for the US.

Perhaps your contention that VoA are not available is dependent upon your nationality as a Kiwi?

I wanted to get your thoughts on this matter before I head out on Jan. 23rd from Miami.

One other question comes to mind, I have found various local standards regarding the condition of currency in different countries. I remember back 30 years ago when I was in India bills could have large holes in them due to the custom of stapling stacks together and ripping bills off one by one, but tears along the edges were not accepted. As such, torn bills were commonly given to unsuspecting foreigners. Is there anything to be aware of regarding acceptance of Bangladeshi currency?

Hi, I am a solo (middle aged) female traveller heading to Dhaka for a wedding in Feb 2023. I would like to travel alone through Bangladesh for a few weeks after – do you think this is doable or is it going to be so hard that it’s not worth the effort. I have tried to find a tour to join but can’t find anything running which I can join. Are there local tours I can join or do you think I can manage to get around as a solo blonde, white, western woman!? I have travelled solo previously and enjoy it, but I’m a little older now and have heard that it is very difficult in Bangladesh.

Love the blog – it’s the first I’ve seen of Bangladesh which has been really helpful, Helen

Hi Helen great to hear from you! If you would like to find us on Facebook or email I can give you more details – but I highly recommend contact Jafar, a fantastic Guide based near Dhaka (it was Jafar’s village we stayed a week in!). And on your first day do a day tour of Dhaka to find your feet and get your bearings in Bangladesh – we had a truly, truly amazing time and would love to return! The other Guide we have listed; Ontu is from Barisal and can help with booking tours or trains or transport as well. It makes a huge difference to have great contacts as it is a huge country! We can highly recommend both of those great guides. Wishing you a fantastic time! And if you have any further questions please message us, Sarah.

I am really happy to have found your blog. I am planning a trip to Bangladesh in early 2024, from late January to mid-February. I was originally going to India, but diplomatic relations between India and Canada are strained. India has stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens… So, here I am planning a trip to Bangladesh. My primary goal when I travel is photography. I am working on a book project that includes 15 years of traveling through different countries. I wish to visit the city of Chittagong to explore the ship graveyard and everything around it. I read on your blog that access can be challenging. Is it possible to get close to it? Thank you for your blog; it is very well-documented. Best regards, Louis P. Instagram @parlimages

Hi Louis we had an incredible time in Bangladesh! I highly recommend sending Jafar a message (on his WhatsApp number above) and getting in touch. He would be the best person to ask. From what I understand the yards in Chittagong are closed to tourists and especially photographers. But I really recommend a tour with Jafar when you arrive as a great way to find your feet and get a good understanding to start with in Bangladesh. An amazing country!

I’m traveling to Bangaldesh as a female solo traveler (for work, but will still be solo for most of the trip) so thank you very, very much for this honest and comprehensive travel guide and description. I’ve lived in Singapore for many years and travelled throughout most of SEA, yet Bangladesh seems next level. I was happy to read your blog to get an insight on what to expect. Unfortunately, I won’t make it to most of the places you’ve been and I also probably won’t make it on a boat or train ride (due to work and corporate compliance…), but all your information on food, hygiene, what to wear etc. helped me a lot. Thanks!!

Thanks very much Shumona! Wishing you a fantastic trip 🙂

Great blog post. Heading there this December with a friend and always nice to read a REAL review to get the low down from a foreigners POV. Fine work

Hi Iain and thanks very much! Have a brilliant time in Bangladesh. We really enjoyed the adventure and am sure you will too! 🙂

I’m traveling to Bangaldesh as a female solo traveler (for work, but will still be solo for most of the trip) so thank you very, very much for this honest and comprehensive travel guide and description. I’ve lived in Singapore for many years and travelled throughout most of SEA, yet Bangladesh seems next level. I was happy to read your blog to get an insight on what to expect. Unfortunately, I won’t make it to most of the places you’ve been and I also probably won’t make it on a boat or train ride (due to work and corporate compliance…), but all your information on food, hygiene, what to wear etc. helped me a lot. Thanks!!

Hi Sarah! This is amazing to read and thank you very much for taking the time to write that. Wishing you a fantastic time in Bangladesh! It is somewhere very special. And even with limited time I am confident you will have maximum experiences! Have a brilliant time! Sarah.

Wow! This travel guide for Bangladesh is incredibly comprehensive and informative. It’s evident that you had an amazing experience exploring the country. The unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of the Bangladeshi people shine through your words. I’m inspired to visit Bangladesh myself after reading about your adventures. Thank you for sharing this detailed guide and providing valuable insights into the history, attractions, transportation, and even local customs. Your enthusiasm and love for the country are contagious. Safe travels to all those planning to visit Bangladesh – book your trip now and embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure! You may love to know about Everest Base Camp Trek Guide which is an exhilarating and challenging trekking adventure that takes you through the majestic Khumbu region of Nepal.

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You are here: Home » Experiential Travel Guides » Bangladesh Travel: A Beginner’s Guide

Bangladesh Travel: A Beginner’s Guide

Last Updated on July 21, 2021 by Audrey Scott

Let’s face it. Reliable independent travel information about Bangladesh doesn’t flow quite as freely as it does for some other nearby countries in south Asia.

And even when you get in country, information can be hard to come by: ask five people a question and you're likely to get ten answers.

But persevere and show your curiosity and you’ll find that Bangladesh actually offers more diversity in sights and experiences that you might first expect, from UNESCO pre-Moghul mosques to cycling through tea estates to tracking tigers in mangrove forests. But perhaps more distinct are the human interactions that make visiting Bangladesh such a unique experience.

More than five weeks in Bangladesh? Is there really enough to do there?

— A typical response when we shared our Bangladesh travel plans.

Next time you wonder what there is to do and see in Bangladesh, take a look at the list below for inspiration. Seek it out, understand that things don’t always go as planned, and enjoy the journey.

Cox’s Bazar Spoiler: We're prepared for flak from Bangladeshis regarding the fact that Cox’s Bazar does not appear on our list. Cox's Bazar, home of the longest continuous stretch of beach in the world didn't make the cut during our visit. We'd spent plenty of time on beaches in Thailand before visiting Bangladesh, and frankly we were having too much fun in the Bangladesh countryside to up and make our way to the beach.

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s sprawling, crazy capital city

Make your way to old town Dhaka (Puran Dhaka) and Shakari Bazaar for interaction with some of the friendliest and most energetic people in the world. Go early in the morning or on a holiday so that you have a chance to see it all and engage with the crowds before things become too hot or busy. Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow old town streets. Wild, fun, human. Our favorite part of Dhaka by far.

Also recommended is the walking tour of old Dhaka by the Urban Study Group working to protect Dhaka’s historical buildings (ask for Taimur). Our tour happened to coincide with the Hindu holiday of Holi so our walks through the Hindu parts of town were in full festival and color mode. A fulfilling, educational experience all around.

The easiest way to get to the old town is by CNG (compressed natural gas auto rickshaw ) – ask to use the meter. Traffic in Dhaka is horrible, so plan your way around the city wisely or risk spending hours stuck in traffic that may leave you never wanting to exit your hotel again.

View more photos: Dhaka

Rocket steamer: river travel.

While the rocket steamer may not be one of the fastest ways to travel, but it is one of the most pleasant. Bangladesh is a country of rivers; you have to travel them to get a feel for the country. The Rocket Steamer is a great way to do this.

Although we’re usually cheapskates when it comes to transport, we do recommend splurging for an overnight first class cabin (around $25 total for the two of us). On the route from Dhaka to Khulna, this allowed us access to the front of the boat along with a handful – as opposed to hundreds – of other people.

Pull up a chair outside and watch Dhaka disappear in the rear view as the river opens wide with fishermen, villages and the occasional brickfield (brick-making operation). We will never forget drinking tea after sunset on the front deck as we exited Dhaka's orbit and made our way into wider, more silent waterways. Epic and soothing.

Because water levels were low, we chose to exit the boat at Pirojpur. From there, we took a bus the remainder of the way to Khulna (about 2 hours). In Khulna, we met up with our Sundarban tour boat the following day.

A note on safety: You might be asking, “ Is it really safe to take a boat in Bangladesh? I keep hearing reports of boats sinking .” The Rocket Steamer does indeed have a good safety record. However, be aware that other public river ferry transport options may not be as safe due to overcrowding and spotty maintenance.

Buying tickets: The Rocket Steamer departs around 6 PM from Sadarghat in old Dhaka. Although touts may suggest otherwise, you cannot buy tickets for the Rocket Steamer at Sadarghat in Dhaka. We advise going directly to the BIWTC (Bangladesh Inland Water Transport) office at 5 Dilkusha. Call ahead to confirm that boats are running. Schedules are subject to change based on water levels and repairs: +88-02-9559779. You can also buy Rocket Steamer tickets through local travel agent for a fee that will include a commission.

View More Photos: Rocket Steamer from Dhaka

Sundarbans: tiger tracking in mangrove forests..

The Sundarbans, the largest tidal mangrove forests in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a big attraction in Bangladesh. A Sundarbans tour is usually among the first items on a visitor's Bangladesh travel itinerary. The Sundarbans feature mangrove forests, visits to the Bay of Bengal, and an often unsuccessful search for tigers.

Most journeys to the Sundarbans depart from Khulna and travel south and east along various rivers and streams towards the Bay of Bengal. Within a few hours of leaving Khulna, industry, towns, fishermen and villages fade in favor of virtually uninhabited mangrove forests. Birds, deer, crocodiles, and wild boar become your new companions. Oh, and tigers — whether or not you get a chance to see them, they will likely see you.

Sundarban tours include a few landings to walk through the thick mud of the mangrove forests in search of the shy Bengal tiger. Although it’s unlikely you’ll actually see a tiger (there’s an estimated 400 of them remaining in this vast land mass), this is still a recommended trip to get yourself into the middle mangrove forests, see some different animals, and just enjoy nature and its silence.

Booking a Sundarbans Tour:

We went with Bengal Tours . The boat, food, and staff were all great. A standard tour for two nights/three days is around $150. If we had known in advance, we would have better timed our visit to coincide with the honey harvest season (April) and booked a “honey-hunting tour.”

Honey-hunting tiger tours run at the very end of the Sundarbans tour season, as the dry season becomes full-blown. This special tour follows villagers in the northwest reaches of the Sundarbans and includes as they harvest honey, a rather dangerous undertaking because of the apparent relative profusion of curious tigers in the area.

The Guide Tours also runs Sundarbans tours. Although we didn’t travel with them, one of our close friends did and he recommended them. Rupantar Eco-Tourism , was also recommended to us, but there were no tours running at the time of our visit.

View More : Sundarbans Photos

Bagarhat: pre-moghul mosques and crocodiles.

While Shait Gumbad Masjid (Sixty Dome Mosque) in Bagerhat, Bangladesh might qualify as one of more remote and foreigner-free UNESCO sites we've come across in our travels, it's certainly not a lonely place.

From the moment we stepped foot on the grounds of this 15th century pre-Mughal-era mosque, we were approached by playful school girls, elderly Imams, extended families, shutter-happy teenagers and everyone in between. Like all their Bangladeshi countrymen and women, they are a curious and friendly lot and will pay you oodles of attention, as this site currently does not get many foreign visitors.

Conversations went in and out of Bangla and English about Bangladesh, United States, Islam, crocodiles, cricket, Facebook and more. At every turn, mobile phones clicked with photos of us.

And although the grounds of the mosque teem with people and activity, the interior is impressive with its dozens of columns, pre-Moghul architecture, and faded wall decor wiped out by heavy-handed plastering. However, what we enjoyed most was that the mosque is not a museum, but is still actively used by the local community.

If you have more time, take a rickshaw to Khan Jahan Ali Mazar where you’ll find a pond full of well-fed crocodiles and the Nine-Domed Mosque a short walk away. Keep an eye out for this friendly Imam who will take you around the 15th century building.

There isn’t really a place to sleep here, so visiting Bagerhat is best done as a day trip from Khulna. For a taste of beautiful peaceful brick-lined village lanes, a visit here is an absolute must.

Khulna Hotel : We enjoyed staying at Hotel Jalico on #77 Lower Jessore Road. Around $14 for a double room with A/C, including breakfast served in your room. Request a local breakfast – the “western breakfast” includes soggy eggs and toast.

More Photos from Bagerhat

Rajshahi and puthia: university town and hindu temples.

Take the early morning train from Khulna to Rajshahi for one of the most pleasant rides in the country through villages and rice fields. Besides offering an absolutely beautiful journey, this train seems to run on time. Purchasing a ticket at the Khulna train station is fairly easy. Foreigners will likely be directed around the back of the building to make their visit even easier. 1st class cabin tickets run about $3-$4/piece. Among the world's greatest train ticket values.

At dusk, go down to the Ganges/Patma river front: kids play cricket, families gather around food carts, and boats carry people back and forth towards the Indian border. You’ll soon be surrounded by Rajshahi’s students; curious, outgoing, and sporting good English. A good sign if these are the future leaders of their country.

Nearby Puthia is worth a stop to walk around, see the Hindu temples, and chat with the temple caretakers and other locals. You can see the town’s former prominence in the Hindu Temples and Palace. We particularly enjoyed the Govinda Temple with its exterior of carved terracotta tiles.

Note that the representative from the Puthia archeological association can be a bit overbearing and ultimately hijack your visit and your sanity, so be firm in expressing your wishes.

More Photos: Rajshahi and Puthia Photos

Paharpur monastery: tantric buddhist monastery.

Another UNESCO World Heritage site in Bangladesh: the 8th century Paharpur Monastery in northwestern Bangladesh is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries south of the Himalayas. Today, much of the site is in ruins but it’s still worth a visit. Fascinating to imagine how this university-style “dorms” where Buddhism and Buddhist monks thrived for several centuries under in what was once Buddhist Bangladesh.

If you visit Paharpur, we recommend spending the night in Joypurhat and taking an electric or auto rickshaw to the the site.

Paharpur Hotel : We stayed in a great guest room at an NGO called DMSS for around $11/double room. Our host, Aburpa, was wonderful and the money from your stay goes to support DMSS' work with indigenous people in the region. He can also arrange a rickshaw to the ruins. Contact the organization in advance to see if they have availability. A great place to stay.

More Photos: Paharpur Buddhist Monastery

Rural homestay in a bangladesh village exploration.

Bangladesh’s cities are busy, harried and full of people, traffic and commotion. From our perspective, an absolute must in Bangladesh: spending time in rural Bangladesh to get a completely different perspective. One of the highlights of our trip was a two-day village homestay in the village of Hatiandha outside of the city of Natore.

In the village, we stayed with a local family for two nights and enjoyed delicious home-cooked Bangladeshi food. We also had an opportunity to visit rural schools, walk around the village and fields to learn about agriculture, see a pottery village, various aspects of harvesting, puffing rice with hot sand and enjoying the pace of Bangladesh village life.

Arranging a Bangladesh home stay

The home stay program we used is a new initiative from Eco Connexion, the rural tourism arm of the NGO ESDO.

Srimongal: Tea Estates and Long Bike Rides

From our perspectives, another must see during a visit to Bangladesh. The aim: to get out of town and enjoy the countryside; tea estates, ethnic villages, national parks, lakes and greenery. You can hire a car, or as we did, rent bicycles and cycle your way through the teaberry flavored air of tea plantations, take up a local or two on their invitation for tea (or a birthday party). Go, enjoy the outdoors and let your days unfold by themselves.

Our suggestion: rent bikes and head out to Madhabpur Lake, not so much to see the actual lake but for the adventure on the way there and back. Beautiful scenery, villages and people. The fragrance of tea bushes in the fresh air of early morning is like nothing you'll experience in life.

The tea gardens surrounding Srimongal are remnants from the British Empire; workers were brought from other parts of the country and also from India. Today, this area is home to several different ethnic groups. Although working conditions are exceptionally difficult for the tea pickers, we found them incredibly friendly and welcoming.

It’s possible to arrange visits to indigenous Garo, Manipuri, and Khashia villages. Our suggestion is to go with a guide who is from that indigenous group and village so that you have a more personal experience. You can contact Nishorgo Network or Community EcoTour to arrange village visits. Don't miss a visit to Nilkantha for a taste of 7-layer tea. There's also an unassuming stand that serves up puchka. Makes for a perfect late-afternoon snack.

To rent bikes, contact Sablu at Classic Tours and Travels in Srimongal. He's a really nice guy who can arrange other tours. He also knows where to find a get a good shave.

READ MORE : The Destination Is Everything, The Destination Is Nothing

Chittagong Hill Tracts: Bandarban and Rangamati

This little sliver of land in the southeastern corner of the country can be a bit tricky to get to, but it's all worth the effort. More than a dozen ethnic groups share this region; it’s like a journey through Southeast and South Asia in one swoop.

Try to plan your visit around the weekly market in Bandarban and Rangamati on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In scenes like this one at the indigenous market in the town of Bandarban, it's easy to forget which country we're visiting.

Bandarban is part of an area known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). CHT's rolling hills in southeastern Bangladesh are home to over fifteen indigenous groups, many of which have their origins in far eastern India, Burma and Southeast Asia .

While the market had some unusual features for one in Bangladesh — a monitor lizard butchered to bits at the river's edge, a huge pig sawed in half mid-market, massive sting rays hanging on hooks, and sacks jumping with plump frogs — something else stood out. Women.

Women were everywhere – as vendors, buyers, connoisseurs of cigars, and among the out and about. While the presence of women may not sound terribly profound, their absence from other markets and many facets of public life here in Bangladesh has been noticeable. And we've missed it.

So at the Sunday episode of the Bandarban indigenous market we enjoyed the opportunity to sit with vendors (men and women), throw around a few words in Bangla (didn't really help), use charades to communicate some more, learn the local names of vegetables, and share a few smiles.

Also highly recommended is hiring a guide for half a day in Bandarban to go through villages and take a boat ride down Shangu river. We arranged for this through Guide Tours Bandarban Hill Resort (about $8-$10) and it was a fantastic experience. Our guide, Royel, was a Baum man from the surrounding villages and knew everyone, everything.

Another site to see near Bandarban is Bangladesh's largest active Buddhist temple, Buddha Dhatu Jadi or Golden Temple — a peaceful little place tucked into the hills above the town. You might be thinking, “Buddhism in Bangladesh?” Once upon a time, Buddhism was the prominent religion across the land that is now Bangladesh.

Although Buddhists only make up around 1% of the population today, you can find pockets of of Marma, Chakma and other ethnic communities practicing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in southeastern Bangladesh. There are even a few Bengali Buddhists about.

Our visit to Rangamati overlapped with both local Buddhist water festival and Bangla new years; we were adopted by a local Chakma man and visited about ten groups of family and friends, each with outrageous amounts of rice wine and food. Let’s just say we didn’t do a lot more than that during our two days there.

Permits to CHT:

It’s necessary to get a permit to enter the CHT. Most travel agents or hotels can arrange this for you for free or for a small fee. They will submit your passport details to the authorities so that your name appears on an approved list.

Bandarban Hotel

We stayed at Hotel Purbani on the main road in Bandarban town. Around $8 for a double room (fan) with some of the most attentive staff in the world. To enjoy the hills and countryside outside of town, take a look at the Bandarban Hillside Resort run by Guide Tours. We hired a guide from here and the facilities looked nice.

Rangamati Hotel

Banarupa Tourists Inn is on the outskirts of town. We were there during a big holiday, so rooms were hard to find. A double room cost around $18-$20.

Of course, there is much more to do in Bangladesh than what is on this list. Our aim is to provide you a starting point to inspire your thinking, planning, and preparation for Bangladesh. Independent travel in Bangladesh is intense, so be sure to plan in enough down time; try to get out of the big cities. Once you do, you are sure to set yourself up for some unforgettably unique experiences.

If you're interested in more information on travel to Bangladesh, be sure to listen to our Bangladesh podcast interview with Chris Christensen from the Amateur Traveler.

About Audrey Scott

36 thoughts on “bangladesh travel: a beginner’s guide”.

Great details, very informative.

Just adding to this otherwise pretty complete guide.

Boga Lake A part of Chittagong Hill Tracts, but can only be reached by trekking through some darn nice hill country inhabited by different tribes.

Cox’s Bazar Yes, you mentioned it yourself. A visit to Cox’s Bazar beach is pretty mandatory. Not because is pretty, but because Bangdeshis consider it to be a paradise and it is so far from. It is a wonder how a beach can be so unattractive in a fascinating way… but hey, this is Bangladesh!

Sorry, I should have added some pictures from both Boga Lake and Cox’s Bazar. Here they are:

Boga Lake http://www.globespots.com/photogallery.php?photogallery=boga_lake

Cox’s Bazar http://www.globespots.com/photogallery.php?photogallery=coxs_bazar

@Sutapa: There’s a lot of inconsistent information about Bangladesh in guide books and even when you get on the ground, so we tried to be thorough here with all the details we wish we had known before we went.

@Bo: Boga Lake was on our wish list, but as we were in CHT during the new year it was difficult to find guides and transport. We’ll just have to return to be able to visit next time…including Cox’s Bazaar 🙂

@Tom: Yeah, tigers going after honey does sound rather Winnie the Pooh-ish, but it is a dangerous activity. Something like 50-60 people get killed each year by tigers and many of them during the honey season.

Bangladesh definitely does surprise on its old mosques and ruins; there used to be much more, but as the population has grown it’s hard to keep things up. I don’t see EasyJet going to Dhaka anytime soon, but Air Asia used to from Kuala Lumpur. We flew $90 one-way from Dhaka-KL. Such a shame they stopped service!

Great tips, thanks for sharing! Tigers being curious about honey sounds adorable but I’m sure it’s far from the opposite – I need to switch my brain off of Disney mode!

I’m a complete geek for things like old mosques and ruins, I had no idea there were so many in Bangladesh! Now to book a ticket… EasyJet to Dhaka? Hmm!

Thanks for the wonderful detailed guide. I’ll be referring back to this when we eventually visit Bangladesh.

@Erin: You’re welcome! Just get in touch if you need any more details for planning your trip to Bangladesh or when you’re there.

Definitely one of the most detailed, well-illustrated and thorough write-ups I’ve seen about Bangladesh. Could you let me know if/where you discovered “inconsistent information about Bangladesh in guide books” in the Bradt guide? I’m in the midst of updating right now!

Thanks for covering Bangladesh in such a positive and interesting manner. One thing though, the mention of Tea Pluckers(not pickers in the true Tea jargon)life being exceptionally difficult is not correct as they are probably the only working group that are provided with their own homessteads, clean water, weekly ration and a large communal meeting place with TV for their entertainment.In some large estates they also have dispensaries and small scale hospitals. Working conditions are difficult for all agricultural growers in Bangladesh.In fact it is specially difficult for the Rickshaw Wallas who migrate from the villages due to no employment opportunities there and live in almost squalid conditions in the large cities.

@Mikey: Wow, thank you for your kind words about our write-up. Coming from you as an expert on Bangladesh that means a lot.

I don’t have the Bangladesh guidebooks in front of me at the moment, but some suggestions we have for updating the Bradt Guide would be: 1) For all transport routes, be sure to list (expected) hours/length of route. If possible prices as well (although these do change). 2) Give the Bangla name for sites and locations since many rickshaw drivers don’t speak English. I remember doing charades trying to communicate Buddhist temple when we were in Bandarban to the rickshaw drivers since they only knew the local name. 3) Improve the maps. I know Bangladesh is impossible to map, especially its cities, but we found it quite difficult to navigate the maps in the Bratdt Guide.

If more ideas come to mind, I’ll be sure to send you an email. Good luck with updating the Bangladesh Bradt Guide!

@Marc: Many people don’t think about Bangladesh as a travel destination, which is really a shame. Bangladesh is not the easiest travel out there, but it’s certainly fascinating and people are so welcoming.

@Murad: Thanks for sharing this about the Tea Pluckers. I completely agree that life for all agricultural people in Bangladesh is difficult and for rickshaw drivers they live extremely challenging lives.

Yes, the tea estates provided housing when the pluckers moved from other parts of Bangladesh and India many years ago. Of the people we spoke with, they still live in the same homes their parents had when they arrived many years ago. However, we were told by different sources that the situation now for tea pickers is worse than it used to be because the tea estates don’t have as much money for these services. Many earn around $1/day and the food rations are often not sufficient. But, it’s hopeful to hear that some tea estates are able to provide better services and pay.

Yes, Bangladesh is good for traveler. It is green. people also green here. River and and green tree are beautiful.

its great about travel in Bangladesh, nice writing. hope your page is run very rapidly. thanks.

The post is briefly helpful for the tourist who want to travel Bangladesh

My fingers tingle as I begin to pen this down; I’m a Bangladeshi by descent and the closest living link, is only a Bangladeshi friend staying in London. Every conversation with him is like taking a trip to the land I have sworn to visit at least once, the land where my roots lie.

Remarkable, Bruce. Hoping you have the opportunity to visit Bangladesh to bring your thoughts full circle.

WOW, great listing. It will help foreigners when they will visit my country Bangladesh. Thank you so much.

Thank you for your blog. I was wondering could you advise on a rough travel itinary I.e which route to take around the country. We land in Dharka and have 30 days and will be missing out Chittagong. If you could give a rough idea of the best route around the country taking into account transport options that would be fab. Look forward to hearing from you

I am sorry if this is the second message/ comment you get. I am currently in India and the internet is well…Indian. I cant see my first comment so maybe it didn’t send.

Anyway as of the 15 of this month i will be travelling Bangladesh (for the first time) for 30 days. I fly into Dhaka. I would be grateful if you could provide any advice / a rough idea of which way around you would travel the country. I.E taking into account the transport options and how possible it is to get from region to region, from Dhaka which region would you explore next and from there, where next and so on. I would like to end up in Dhaka again. I am trying to learn from experience as i have been in a situation where i should have traveled the opposite way around to the way i chose which meant to couldnt easily get to a place without spending days going back on myself. Any advice you can provide would be gratefully received.

Thank you in advance.

PS. dont worry about timing – i will attempt to sort that 🙂

Casey, we ended up transiting through Dhaka a couple of times during our travels in Bangladesh as it sometimes worked out easiest from a transportation standpoint. As for our route, we went from Dhaka to Khulna via the Rocket Steamer and then onward to the Sundarbans (boat tour) and Bagerhat. Then we continued train and buses to Rajshahi, Puthia, a homestay in Hathiendha, and Paharpur. From there we returned by bus to Dkahka and went by train to Srimongal and then all the way south to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bandarban & Rangamati). I’m not sure if that was the most efficient itinerary, but we were trying to maximize our use of trains and minimize our use of buses and highways. And, of course, there were many places in Bangladesh that we didn’t get to that you may want to visit.

Good luck with planning for your trip and enjoy!

This is a great post and really informative.

We have just one week in Bangladesh on our way from India to Myanmar. We fly in and out of Dhaka. Given our short time 7 nights 6.5 days what would you recommend as must see’s do’s? We like off the beaten track too.

Ideally we want to pick 2 or 3 keys things so we’re not too rushed!

Hi Tanya, Glad this post was useful! Given your short time I’d probably take the Rocket Steamer and head down to the Sundarbans on a boat tour. Otherwise, you could take the train up to Srimongal and enjoy the tea plantations and lakes. The other option is go to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, but if you’re spending time in Myanmar then culturally that might be similar. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Great post, very informative. My husband and I are traveling to Bangladesh Nov 30 – Dec 18 are are including many of the same stops in our itinerary. One quick question regarding the trains…. was it easy to book/purchase the train tickets at the stations yourselves, or did you typically purchase the tickets through travel agencies or with the help of lodge owners (or others)? We also plan to travel mostly by train. We found that booking train tickets in India was very easy as there was typically at least one desk (or more) where foreigners could book tickets in English, though it sounds like this is likely not the case in Bangladesh. Thanks very much for any information you can provide!

Thanks, Kate! Glad you found this useful. Please take a look at Casey’s comment below as she recently traveled to Bangladesh in October 2016. Her experience is similar to ours — we bought our train tickets directly at the train station and language usually wasn’t an issue as someone usually spoke some English. Usually this was done the same day (if a very untraveled route) or the day before. However, we didn’t take any overnight trains so I’d probably check at the guesthouse/hotel if that needs to be reserved further in advance.

Hi, I love your posts on Bangladesh! They’re truly fascinating! I’m interested in planning a trip there myself, how did you go about finding places to stay? Let’s say both in Dhaka and in the countryside. From what I’m seeing on the internet, there aren’t that many hostels in the country.

Justin, thanks for the kind words about our Bangladesh articles! Please see Casey’s comment below as she recently traveled to Bangladesh (October 2016). Our experience was that we found hotels by looking in the guide book, asking around with Bangladeshis we met, and sometimes just walking around a town looking for signs. We never had a problem. One thing we did have was a Bangladeshi SIM card so we could make local phone calls to hotels in advance to see if they had availability and check the price. There weren’t many traditional hostels, but instead simple hotels/guest houses.

Hi there (Kate and Justin)

I returned from a month in Bangladesh on October 13. We did not have one nights accommodation booked in advance. They only places we had problems were Syhlet and Rangpur – the majority of guesthouse/hotels/hostels didn’t want ‘foreigners’. This is due to the hassle they get from the police after the terrorist incident in July. Also in Sylhet we were not able to hire cycle bikes to cycle through the tea gardens at all, but we went to the police station and the police commissioner have us two armed gaurds to go through the tea garden and to the lake – bonkers. Regarding train ticket. We book all at the train station there was always someone who spoke english and wanted to help. Some trains like night trains I would be at least a day in advance. Enjoy your travels – females have cover up clothes and a scarf (just for certain time not all the time)

Casey, thanks so much for commenting and helping to answer Kate & Justin’s questions based on your recent trip. Really appreciate this updated information.

Yes, that is bonkers about Sylhet and needing armed guards to go through the tea gardens and lake. I figured that security would have been tightened after the July attacks, but didn’t realize it would take that form. Same with guesthouses having stricter restrictions on foreigners.

Thanks again!

Thank you all for the good information! Very informative!

Glad to read a great guide about my Country Bangladesh. Thanks dear.

Awesome blog! I used to be questioning May you advise on a rough travel itinerary I.e. that route to require around the country. We have a tendency to land in the capital of Bangladesh and have thirty days and can be missing out metropolis. If you’ll provide a rough plan of the simplest route around the country taking under consideration transport choices that may be fabulous. Expect to hear from you. Thanks for sharing.

The experiences and places listed here are roughly the itinerary path that we took around Bangladesh, including transport (steamer first, then bus, then train, bus, train, etc.).

A nice read! Really enjoyed reading your adventure. Thanks for sharing it! I can see from the comments that it made everyone so curious about Bangladesh, most of whom never even thought anything about visiting this country ever! No wonder, this is the least traveled destination in the world.

me and my girl friend are travelling around Asia at present and potentially have a week in Bangladesh. We are not sure if it’s safe to travel to at the moment as it’s very hard to find any recent information. The travel advice from the foreign office is concerning us and the amount of sercurity that is surrounding the England cricket tour. I understand that care needs to be taken when visiting any large city but the travel advice suggests not walking around the streets and avoiding busy areas but doing these things would be one of the reasons to go there and don’t want to feel worried all the time while travelling!

We haven’t met any one who has been there or going there. Is it safe for western tourists to go there or is it maybe not the best time to visit?

Thanks, Mike.

congrats for ur blog is all so very nice & thanks for sharing it with us… can u please say me what do immigration officers offenly ask in dhaka airport to foreigners that arrived there? i will soon travel to bangladesh for the first time & i am a honduran woman who will travel alone to bangladesh with a tourist visa & i will have a hotel reservation for the days i will stay there, so it will be most helpful for me if u can inform me about the matter, in advance i thank u most for ur answer & help…

Dear Sally, We’re glad our blog post on our travels in Bangladesh was useful. I have to be honest that I don’t remember exactly what the immigration officers asked us when we arrived in Dhaka airport as it’s been a few years. However, usually the questions are related to your itinerary (where you will visit) and where you are staying (hotel). They might ask if you are on a tour or traveling independently, but that is more unusual.

Have a good trip!

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• Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport

Bangladesh travel guide

India’s sleepy eastern cousin, Bangladesh slumbers gently under monsoon skies at the mouth of the Jamuna River, one of the world’s great deltas. Formerly East Pakistan, this intriguing backwater gained independence in 1971 after a civil war that still plays a major role in the national psyche.

An influx of tourists was predicted following independence, but this has yet to materialised, meaning visitors have Bangladesh’s many and varied attractions to themselves. Those attractions range from Mughal palaces and gleaming mosques to palm-fringed beaches, tea-plantations and jungles full of snarling Bengal tigers.

Bangladesh’s frenetic capital, Dhaka, was once the main port for the whole of Bengal, and its rickshaw-crammed streets present a faded mirror to Kolkata across the border. Dhaka is a city of rain-washed colonial buildings, gaudy film posters, docksides thronging with boats and the constant cacophony of car horns and rickshaw bells. It can be a shock for the senses, but the blow is softened by friendly, inquisitive locals and delicious Bengali cuisine.

South of Dhaka, the Jamuna River breaks down into a tangle of jungle-choked waterways as you enter the Sundarbans, one of the last refuges of the Bengal tiger. Here, as elsewhere in Bangladesh, the best way to get around is by river – legions of boats ply every waterway, from tiny coracles to the paddleboat ‘rockets’ that chug between Dhaka and Kulna.

The south of Bangladesh is something else again; tropical beaches give way to forested hills that hide a host of Buddhist and animist tribes. Then there’s Sylhet, in the heart of tea plantation country, where foreign remittances have built a miniature version of England amidst the monsoon hills.

Above all else, Bangladesh is place to leave the mainstream travel map. Let the crowds mob the beaches of Goa and the forts of Rajasthan; in Bangladesh, you won’t have to queue to be amazed.

143,998 sq km (55,598 sq miles).

162,910,864 (UN estimate 2016).

1,173.3 per sq km.

President Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu since 2023.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed since 2009.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

Chittagong Hill Tracts

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, an area made up of the districts of:

• Khagrachari

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Bangladesh set and enforce entry rules. If you are not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Bangladesh High Commission London .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Bangladesh.

Passport validity requirements

When you apply for a visa to visit Bangladesh, your passport must have:

• at least 6 months remaining validity
• at least 2 blank pages

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet the requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

Make sure you get a stamp in your passport when you arrive. You must show immigration officers this arrival stamp when you leave Bangladesh.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to travel to Bangladesh, unless you have a ‘no visa required’ stamp in your UK passport.

At Bangladeshi border control, you may also need to show a return or onward ticket.

If you are working in Bangladesh, you must get an Income Tax Clearance Certificate or an Income Tax Exemption Certificate before leaving Bangladesh. You get application forms from the National Board of Revenue, Bangladesh .

Applying for a visa

Apply for a visa from the Bangladesh High Commission London .

If you plan to use Bangladesh as a hub to visit other countries in the region, make sure you get a multiple-entry visa.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for a visa when you arrive at Dhaka airport . You must have a return ticket to apply for a visa on arrival. Visas on arrival are:

• single entry
• valid for 15 to 30 days
• not guaranteed – Bangladeshi immigration officers issue them at their discretion

If your visa expires while you are in Bangladesh, you can apply for a visa extension from the Department of Immigration and Passports . You may get a fine for overstaying.

British-Bangladeshi nationals

British nationals of Bangladeshi origin may be able to apply for a ‘no visa required’ stamp from the Bangladesh High Commission in London.

Contact the Bangladesh High Commission in London if you have questions.

Air passengers in transit

If you are in transit to another country, you do not need a Bangladesh visa as you will not pass through Bangladeshi border control – this is sometimes called ‘staying airside’.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Bangladesh guide .

Depending on your circumstances, these may include a:

• yellow fever vaccination certificate
• polio vaccination

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Bangladesh . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into or out of Bangladesh

You may need to declare foreign currency or Bangladeshi taka, depending on the amount you are travelling with. See Bangladesh Customs’ rules on bringing money into or out of Bangladesh .

You can cash travellers’ cheques at banks and airports. ATMs are available in most urban areas and accept UK cards. There are fewer ATMs in rural areas.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Bangladesh

Terrorists attacks in Bangladesh can’t be ruled out.

Attacks could target the following locations:

• crowded areas and places where foreign nationals are known to gather
• religious buildings
• political rallies

There have been occasional attacks against minority religious communities and targeting police and security forces. These have included improvised explosive device ( IED ) attacks in major cities. Some groups have also targeted people who they consider to have views and lifestyles contrary to Islam.

Significant events include:

• 2017 – Daesh claimed responsibility for bombings in multiple locations, including targeting a security check post near Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
• 2016 – there was an attack claimed by Daesh at the Holey Artisan Bakery in the Gulshan 2 district of Dhaka, which resulted in the death of 20 hostages, including foreign nationals, and 2 police officers
• 2015 to 2016 – groups affiliated to Al Qaeda in the Indian Sub-continent ( AQIS ) claimed responsibility for murders in Dhaka and Sylhet targeting human rights activists and secular bloggers

The Bangladeshi authorities continue to disrupt planned attacks. Increases in security force presence and restrictions on movement may be put in place at short notice. You should remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in and around police buildings. Avoid large gatherings and other locations with a police or security presence. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Bangladesh has a long history of political violence.

National elections took place on 7 January. Political rallies and demonstrations may continue to take place. These can quickly turn violent and lead to clashes with law enforcement. During demonstrations and strikes (‘hartals’), there can be arson, violence and vandalism in towns and cities across the country and, on occasion, resulting in fatalities. Attacks against property and public transport are possible. There can also be disruption to local and regional transport services.

Avoid large gatherings (including demonstrations and rallies) and political buildings. If you see a demonstration starting, move to a place of safety.

Follow updates in local media and get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Bangladesh TV (BTV) has English-language news.

Robbery and violence

Criminal gangs operate in Dhaka and other cities. Thieves often work in pairs on motorcycles or motorised rickshaws known as ‘CNGs’.

Potential threats include armed robbery, violent crime and rape.

Passengers using rickshaws or travelling alone in taxis are vulnerable, particularly at night. Avoid using public transport if you’re alone.

Protecting your belongings

Be aware of pickpockets and bag-snatchers. Do not carry large amounts of money, use a mobile phone or wear jewellery in the street.

Visiting police stations

There have been reports of officials abusing their authority. Make sure someone goes with you if you visit a police station.

Dhaka and Sylhet airports

Risks at Dhaka and Sylhet airports include:

• theft, including passport theft
• taxi drivers overcharging or robbing customers

You should:

• avoid touts offering to carry your bags
• keep documents and belongings safe
• arrange taxis in advance

Laws and cultural differences

Local customs reflect the fact Bangladesh is mainly an Islamic country.

Personal ID

Local officials may ask you for ID.

Carry photocopies of the personal details page in your passport and Bangladeshi visa. Keep the originals somewhere safe and leave copies with friends or relatives in the UK.

Both men and women should dress modestly to avoid causing offence. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and legs when in public.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims.

Get advice on respecting Ramadan when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time, both for women and men
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening

Dual Bangladeshi-British nationals

If you’re a dual British-Bangladeshi national, the Bangladeshi government will consider you to be a Bangladeshi citizen, even if you:

• have never had a Bangladeshi passport
• were born outside Bangladesh

This may limit the help the British government can offer you. For more information on Bangladeshi nationality, check with the Bangladesh High Commission London .

The Bangladesh Police Expatriate Help Cell offers services to expatriates, including dual nationals.

Alcohol laws

You may need a liquor permit to drink alcohol in Bangladesh. A liquor permit allows you to drink alcohol in government-licensed bars. Check the requirements at your local district office and apply for a permit if necessary.

Illegal drugs penalties

There are severe penalties for possessing and trafficking illegal drugs. Some drug-related offences are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Prison sentences and conditions

If you break local laws, you may get a prison sentence, served in a local prison. Delays and inefficiency in the judicial system can result in long detentions until court hearings eventually take place. Prison conditions are far below UK standards.

British nationals detained in Bangladesh have the right to request that the British High Commission in Dhaka is notified about their situation and British High Commission officials can gain access to them.

Family law and property disputes

Family law in Bangladesh is very different from UK law. Take particular care when, for example, child custody is an issue.

The British High Commission in Dhaka cannot help British nationals of Bangladeshi origin with land or property problems.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking lawyers in Bangladesh .

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relations are illegal in Bangladesh.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Bangladesh, see information on driving abroad .

You need an international driving permit ( IDP ) and a UK driving licence to drive in Bangladesh. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Bangladesh has a high rate of road accidents. Take great care when travelling by road, including by public transport, and when crossing streets. Cycle rickshaws are not safe – they offer little protection if there is an accident.

Ride hailing apps like Uber are available in Bangladesh. To make sure you get in the right car safely:

• wait in a safe location, not out on the street
• match the car’s registration plate, make and model
• ask the driver to state your name
• check the driver’s photo
• share your journey details and consider enabling GPS tracking on your phone so trusted contacts can see your location

In Bangladesh:

• driving standards are poor
• many drivers do not hold the correct licence or road worthiness certificates for their vehicles
• mandatory vehicle safety checks are often ignored
• a large number of rickshaws use the roads and ignore traffic laws

Driving at night is especially dangerous as many drivers do not use headlights or use full-beam headlights. There is also a risk of robbery if you travel between towns after dark. Avoid travelling alone at night.

The risks of travelling by bus include:

• extremely poor maintenance and driving standards
• frequent traffic collisions, some resulting in deaths
• rape, sexual assaults and other crimes, sometimes committed by the bus crew

Avoid travelling by bus alone and at night.

Private hire vehicles

Police are often unable to verify private hire drivers’ details, as driving records are often inaccurate.

When you’re travelling through an airport, allow enough time to complete check-in and security procedures, as both you and your baggage will need to go through security screening checks, including X-ray checks.

In 2019, an attempted hijacking took place of a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Dhaka to Dubai via Chittagong. The Bangladesh Civil Aviation Ministry has completed its investigation into the incident. Extra security measures are in place.

Rail travel

The rail network is extensive but old and generally considered slow.

Rail travel risks include:

• frequent fatal accidents
• flood-damaged bridges and culverts in dangerous condition
• crime, including theft and sexual assault

On some trains, you may be able to lock first-class compartment doors. Make sure the door is locked if you’re travelling at night.

For information see Bangladesh Railways .

Sea and river travel

River and sea ferry risks include:

• dangerous overcrowding, particularly during religious holidays and other festivals
• falsified safety certificates on some vessels
• missing or inappropriate safety and survival equipment
• lack of communication equipment
• criminal gangs targeting vessels

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Monsoon season.

The monsoon season runs from June to September and can cause widespread flooding and travel disruption.

If travelling, you should check:

• access routes
• weather updates from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department
• the advice of local authorities

Tropical cyclones

There is a risk of tropical cyclones in Bangladesh. See extreme weather and natural hazards advice that includes what to do if you’re caught in a storm.

Check weather reports from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the World Meteorological Organisation .

Bangladesh can be affected by tsunamis and the government of Bangladesh can issue tsunami warnings. Monitor local news and follow any advice given by local authorities.

Earthquakes

Around half of Bangladesh, including the cities of Moulvibazar and Sylhet, is in a high-risk earthquake zone. Other areas, including Dhaka, are at moderate risk. Tremors and earthquakes, usually minor ones, happen occasionally.

See earthquake advice from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency .

This section has safety advice for regions of Bangladesh. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

Chittagong City and other districts of Chittagong Division are not included in the travel warning.

Security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is a cause for concern. There are regular reports of violence and other criminal activity, particularly in more remote areas.

If you plan to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts, you must give the Bangladesh authorities 10 days’ notice.

• Chittagong Divisional Commissioner’s Office (Telephone: 031 615 247)
• Chittagong Deputy Commissioner’s Office (Telephone: 031 619 996)

Myanmar border

There are ongoing reports of increasing violence and fighting in Myanmar (Burma), close to the Bangladesh border. The situation in border areas near Myanmar remains unpredictable, and may deteriorate at short notice. You should monitor local news outlets closely. 

Continuing violence has resulted in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees crossing into the south-east of Bangladesh.

Most of the refugees are in the subdistricts of Ukhia and Teknaf in the southern part of Cox’s Bazar district. The Bangladesh authorities control access to these areas.

There are regular reports of insecurity, protests and violence.

Teknaf has the highest level of drug-related gang violence across Bangladesh, including:

• murders and shooting incidents between the gangs and police
• drug seizures, including large amounts of yaba (a mixture of caffeine and methamphetamine)
• kidnappings

Violence has increased in the refugee camps. There is no sign that foreign nationals are being targeted.

If you plan to visit Ukhia and Teknaf, you should:

• use caution
• consult the local authorities – you may need permission to travel there
• work through humanitarian agencies recognised by the Bangladesh government if you want to provide assistance

India border

Take particular care near the border with India. There are regular reports of individuals being killed for illegally crossing the border. There are occasional skirmishes between the Indian and Bangladeshi border guards, including exchanges of gunfire.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance and access to money for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.

If you suspect a heart attack, ask for a ‘cardiac ambulance’.

It may be faster to travel to the nearest hospital yourself if you have a vehicle.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Bangladesh guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Risks include:

• dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease that can occur year-round but is more widespread during the rainy season, May to September
• other mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, chikungunya and Zika virus
• severe air pollution, especially from November to March

Dengue cases are increasing, including in Dhaka. See insect bite avoidance advice on TravelHealthPro .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

You should carry any medical papers or prescriptions and be prepared to answer questions if stopped by police.

Healthcare facilities in Bangladesh

Medical facilities in Bangladesh are poor. Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Bangladesh .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Bangladesh

Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)

Expatriate Help Cell

Contact your travel provider and insurer.

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Bangladesh
• dealing with a death in Bangladesh
• being arrested in Bangladesh
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Bangladesh Travel Guide: All you need to know to visit Bangladesh in 2023

Welcome to bangladesh.

Bangladesh is one of the greenest countries in South Asia and offers a rich culture just waiting to be explored by travelers seeking a unique experience. Take advantage of an ideal combination of adventure and exploration, with the comfort and relaxation you deserve on vacation.

This ultimate Bangladesh travel guide will help you make the most of your Bangladesh trip with practical and inspiring tips.

Document checklist for Bangladesh

Visa (if applicable)

Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have two blank pages)

Sufficient funds to cover your trip

Return or onward ticket

Essential Bangladesh travel information

Currency - Bangladeshi taka (৳). $1 is equivalent to approx. ৳ 104.

Daily budget for 1 person - Allow a daily budget of ৳ 4600 ($44).

Languages - The most widely spoken language in Bangladesh is Bengali (also known as Bangla). English is also widely spoken.

*Number of travelers per year** - In 2019, 323,000 travelers visited Bangladesh, according to the World Bank. Untouched by mass tourism, Bangladesh offers diverse landscapes, heritage monuments, and welcoming people.

Socket type - Types A, C, D, G and K, 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Time zone - Bangladesh Standard Time (GMT+6).

Top 3 cities to visit - Chattogram, Srimangal, and Cox’s Bazar.

Top 3 landmarks/monuments - The National Martyrs' Memorial, Shahid Minar, and Saith Gambad Masjid.

Visa information for Bangladesh

The Bangladesh government allows those visiting for tourism, casual visits to meet friends & family, or attend conferences or workshops, to apply for tourist visas.

The Bangladesh Visitor Visa explained

Most travelers are allowed to stay in the country with the Bangladesh Visitor Visa for a maximum of 30 days in total . After filling out the form, you will need to submit your application form and supporting documents by post or in person (with an appointment) at your nearest Bangladesh Visa Application Center.

We will provide you with the application form and a guide for the next steps of how to get your Bangladesh tourist visa without issues. You can contact your personal iVisa Expert for assistance at any time.

When applying with the help of iVisa you can choose between a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa . You must show your visa to local authorities upon entering the country.

Benefits of getting your Bangladesh Visa with iVisa:

100% Government Compliant

Unlimited access to your iVisa Expert

Simplified application process

Fill out the form at your own pace

Step-by-step instructions and tips for the entire process

Apply now with iVisa

Visa difficulty index for Bangladesh

Accessibility: 3/5 The Bangladesh Tourist Visa is a paper visa. After filling out the form online, you will need to submit it by post or in person (with an appointment) at the nearest Bangladeshi embassy or application center. Luckily, iVisa can assist in obtaining this visa for your peace of mind!

Time to get your visa: 3/5 If your visa is approved, Bangladesh authorities send you your visa in about 3-10 working days for in-person submissions, and up to 10 working days if you submit by post.

Costs: 5/5 Good news! There is no government fee for the Bangladesh Tourist Visa. You’ll only need to pay for the iVisa processing fees, which depends on your nationality.

Typical costs and budget for Bangladesh

A guide to what you'll spend on a daily basis traveling through Bangladesh on a mid-range budget.

Daily spending - Around ৳ 4,600 ($44) per person, per day. This includes:

Meals - Expect to spend about ৳ 1,140 ($11) in total for three meals per day.

Transport - Depending on your travel plans and standard of travel, local transportation may cost up to ৳ 625 ($6) per day.

Hotel - The average hotel price in Bangladesh for a couple is ৳ 5,372 ($52). On average, a trip to Bangladesh for two people for one week will cost ৳ 63,562 ($612).

Transport and best ways to travel around Bangladesh

There are many ways to get to and around Bangladesh , whether by boat or by road. Here are some tips for navigating the country safely.

Flying to Bangladesh

At Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport alone, 29 airlines operate and serve flights to and from 33 destinations. Several major airlines offer flights to Dhaka airport (DAC):

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the national airline and offers direct flights to the United Kingdom, Canada, India, China, and the Middle East.

Emirates and Qatar Airways offer several flights a day from Dubai and Doha to Dhaka, connecting the country with most of the world.

Qatar Airways

Etihad Airways

Turkish Airlines

British Airways

Arrival and immigration tips for Bangladesh

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka is the largest airport in Bangladesh. Depending on the season and time of arrival, immigration procedures can get chaotic and long queues are common. A few tips to make the immigration process smoother :

Apply for your Bangladesh Tourist Visa in advance to avoid standing in a queue to get a visa on arrival, even if your nationality qualifies.

Make sure you know the entry requirements, such as customs declarations and health declarations, before you depart, as things can change quickly.

Travel light and prepare to carry your own luggage, as trolleys at the airport are often unavailable, and scams with baggage assistance are prevalent.

Pre-book an airport transfer with your accommodation or through a reputable company.

When departing, arrive at least 4 hours at the airport before boarding, to avoid missing your flight due to traffic jams or airport queues. Pre-pack some food and water in case you’re caught in long queues.

Auto and bicycle rickshaws in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is home to electric, CNG auto, and bicycle rickshaws you can flag down for short to medium distances. It is a very affordable and convenient way to get around the cities and towns. Make sure to negotiate and confirm the price of the trip before you get in.

Trains in Bangladesh

Train travel is very popular in Bangladesh. Simply book a train ticket in advance at the main railway station in Dhaka. Just make sure you have enough time to get to the station, book a ticket, and board your train, as traffic toward the train station can get quite chaotic.

Boat travel in Bangladesh

Long-distance boats along the rivers of Bangladesh are also called ‘launch travel’. It’s an iconic experience to travel by launch in Bangladesh, specifically the overnight launch from Dhaka to Barisal. The prices depend on the comfort level:

VIP cabin: ৳ 10,000 ($96)

First class cabin (aircon & shared toilet): ৳ 2,500 ($24)

Economy class seats (shared toilet) ৳ 800 ($8)

Third class (floor space): ৳ 280 ($3)

Ferries are used for short-distance river travel from one side to the other.

Buses in Bangladesh

Bus travel is another affordable way to travel between cities. There’s no need to pre-book as multiple buses depart daily to any destination. Tour agent stalls line the streets of major tourist areas to purchase tickets. Air-conditioned buses are well worth the price, even if more expensive than others.

Safety in Bangladesh

The people of Bangladesh are very friendly, and you can expect a warm welcome if you visit. However, there are a few security risks and a high degree of caution should be taken. Some recommendations:

Don’t carry all your valuables in one place and don’t flash expensive jewelry or equipment in public.

Bangladesh is susceptible to many natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. Monitor local media, and keep an eye on the local weather to keep yourself updated about potential dangers.

Don’t walk the streets alone at night, especially as a woman.

Be vigilant about scams and pickpocketing. Double-check all exchanges and negotiate everything in advance.

Do not buy illegal drugs, always follow local laws, and follow instructions of local security forces in case of terrorist attacks or natural disasters. To avoid medical or other emergencies, it's important to purchase travel insurance in advance. This will help access medical facilities, get medical treatment, and even assist with medical evacuation if necessary.

Weather in Bangladesh

The best time to visit Bangladesh in the dry season, from November to March, when it’s warm and sunny. Dhaka is comfortable with a max. temperature of 25°C (77°F) around this time of year.

Between March and May, temperatures can reach up to 40°C (100°F) and humidity levels are high, triggering thunderstorms. The long monsoon season arrives at the end of May and doesn’t end until October.

Must do and see in Bangladesh

Don’t miss these awesome sights on your holiday to Bangladesh:

Go tiger spotting in the Sundarbans, where the Brahmaputra and Ganges meet at the edge of the Bay of Bengal. It’s home to spectacular wildlife such as Bengal tigers, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Relax on St. Martin’s Island, a coral island where clear blue waters and unparalleled beauty create a serene atmosphere that will calm any human mind.

Visit the Sajek Valley, an emerging tourist spot among the hills of the Kasalong mountain range with lots of forests, small rivers and mountain roads.

Kuakata is one of the most scenic coastlines in Bangladesh and the only beach in Bangladesh where you can watch both sunrise and sunset.

Go back in time at Lalbagh Fort (also known as Aurangabad Fort), an unfinished Mughal fort built in the 16th century.

Typical Bangladeshi food to try

Hilsa Curry - The national dish of Bangladesh. It is made from Hilsa fish, marinated in turmeric and chili paste, before slowly fried. It’s served with mustard gravy and rice. The result is a spicy combination of sweet and sour flavors.

Biryani - A popular dish across the entire Indian subcontinent, Bangladeshi biryani is often regarded as the best in the world. It is common to find mutton, goat, chicken and beef in Bengali cuisine, but there is a wide variety of biryani dishes to choose from.

Chingri Malai - This is a creamy, tasty seafood curry with coconut milk and aromatic spices cooked with prawns or shrimp.

Panta bhat - A great example of Bangladeshi food, also popular in the Bengal region, and mostly associated with the working class. It uses leftover rice soaked in water overnight to ferment, and is served as breakfast the following morning after being seasoned with salt, chili and onion.

Vaccine information for Bangladesh

It's important to know what routine vaccines and COVID-19 measures are required to enter Bangladesh before booking your trip. We advise you to check the CDC website for more info about all vaccine requirements and any recommended guidance or medicine lists.

Spotting tigers in Bangladesh

Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest. This misty maze of tidal waterways and small islands is home to more than 110 Bengal tigers .

Typically, safaris involve a multi-day boat trip from Khulna, or nearby. While you're onboard your main tour boat, you'll break into smaller groups during the day to track tigers either on foot (accompanied by armed forest guards) or in smaller boats.

Other wildlife you can spot in the Sundarbans include saltwater crocodiles, wild boar, langurs, and many of the region's 260 bird species. The best time to spot Bengal tigers is in the cooler season from October to March when the animals like sitting in the sun on river banks, or April and May, when they’ll be swimming to cool themselves down in the hottest months of the year.

Several tour operators run licensed zoologist-guided tiger safaris in the Sundarbans. Reputable tour operators in Khulna include Bengal Tours and Guide Tours.

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Capital Dhaka

Population 161,006,790

Area 147,570 km 2

Bangladesh is a country located in Southern Asia. There are 2 countries ( India , Myanmar ) that Bangladesh shares its borders with. The official language of Bangladesh is Bengali . Traveling across Bangladesh if English is your first (and only) language may be difficult due to language barriers.

In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI) , which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Bangladesh was ranked 65th out of 100 countries in 2021.

The national currency in Bangladesh is Bangladeshi taka (BDT). The taka (Tk) is subdivided into 100 poisha .

Bangladeshi Banknotes

Tk2 Tk5 Tk10 Tk20 Tk50 Tk100 Tk500 Tk1000 Tk1

Bangladeshi Coins

Tk1 Tk2 Tk5 1 5 10 25 50

Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com , Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.

Ookla® Speedtest No data available.

ATM Density It may be difficult to locate an ATM in Bangladesh. 11.45 ATMs per 100,000 people. The global average is 39.49.

SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Bangladesh, a passport or ID is required as identification.

Socket types

There are 4 socket types used in Bangladesh. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries. Type D is not very common around the world, so it might be a good idea to check if your electronics need an adapter.

Type C 220 V, 50 Hz    Type D 220 V, 50 Hz    Type G 220 V, 50 Hz    Type K 220 V, 50 Hz   

The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).

• EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
• Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
• Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
• Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)

What hotel chains are present in Bangladesh?

There are no Mariott hotels in Bangladesh.

There are no Hilton hotels in Bangladesh.

The IHG hotel chain operates in Bangladesh .

The Best Western hotel chain operates in Bangladesh .

There are Radisson hotels in 2 cities: Chattogram and Dhaka .

There are no Accor hotels in Bangladesh.

What fast food chains are present in Bangladesh?

The McDonald’s chain does not operate in Bangladesh .

The KFC chain operates in Bangladesh .

The Burger King chain operates in Bangladesh .

The Subway chain does not operate in Bangladesh .

The Domino’s Pizza chain operates in Bangladesh .

The Starbucks chain does not operate in Bangladesh .

• Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)

What is the weather like in Dhaka?

Weather data for Dhaka (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com

Railways There are passenger trains operating between some cities.

Subway Systems The subway system is available in Dhaka .

Taxi Apps Uber is available in 13 cities . Bolt is not available in Bangladesh .

Car Rental Avis , Sixt , Hertz are not available in Bangladesh.

Road Connectivity Index (2016)  With a score of 3.1 , Bangladesh is placed 117th out of 129 nations.

Driving Side In Bangladesh traffic is left-handed .

• List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
• List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
• Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
• The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)

Theft Occurrence Rate  9.00 thefts per 100,000 people in 2006. The global average is 544.

Road Traffic Casualties 15.30 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019. The global average is 16.74.

Travel Advisory Level (U.S. DoS)  Level 2 : Exercise increased caution. 

Emergency phones in Bangladesh

• Bangladesh Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
• Travel Advice for Bangladesh (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
• Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
• Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)

Smoking & Alcohol

Smoking ban Inconsistent or only partially enforced smoke-free laws

Cananbis legality Both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is prohibited .

• List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
• Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)

Bangladesh travel guide

Bangladesh tourism | bangladesh guide, you're going to love bangladesh.

A combination of bustling cities, mangrove forests and a rich cultural heritage, Bangladesh is a country that offers a diversity of things to do for the adventurous visitor.

What to do in Bangladesh

1. visit kantanagar temple.

This Hindu monument, located in Rangpur and built in 1752, has an impressive collection of terracotta motifs and panels containing stories that depict Bangladesh's rich cultural history.

2. Explore Dhaka

Explore the network of alleys and bustling bazaars in Old Dhaka, visit Ahsan Manxzil, with its Indo-Saracenic style architecture, or check out Lalbagh Fort, from the 17th century.

3. Go to the Beach

Cox's Bazar, situated on the Bay of Bengal, is a good place to escape the energy of the cities. There are facilities, such as hotels and restaurants, in Cox's Bazar that are geared towards tourism.

4. Travel by Boat

Take the Rocket, a paddle steamer that travels along the Brahmaputra River between Dhaka and Morelganj, for a trip that allows you to see the way of life along the rivers in Bangladesh.

5. Visit a Tea Estate

Head to Sylhet Division and visit some of the tea estates for which Bangladesh is renowned. The most popular estates are near Srimangal, a town that is situated among the tea plantations.

When to visit Bangladesh

With its sub-tropical climate and monsoon rains, the best time to visit Bangladesh is between winter and spring, from November to March, when temperatures can range between 48-77°F.

How to Get to Bangladesh

Entry requirements.

All foreign visitors must get a visa before their trip. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after leaving Bangladesh.

Shah Jahal International Airport in Dhaka is the main point of entry into Bangladesh and operates services on airlines, such as the national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines, as well as international carriers, such as Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

There is a rail link between Kolkota in India and Dhaka that is operated by both Indian and Bangladeshi rail companies. It is also possible to catch the Bandhan Express from Kolkota to Khulna on a weekly basis.

It is only possible to take a bus from India to Bangladesh as the border with Myanmar is not open to road traffic. Services, such as Shohagh and Green Line, operate on a daily basis from Kolkota to Dhaka.

Popular airports in Bangladesh

Popular airlines serving bangladesh, where to stay in bangladesh.

Accommodation in Bangladesh ranges from budget to high-end hotels in the major cities of Dhaka and Chittagong, and resorts at Cox's Bazar. Standards of accommodation tend to be better in places of touristic interest, such as Cox's Bazar, Sylhet and Dakha, while the international chains in the cities are geared towards business travelers rather than tourists.

Where to stay in popular areas of Bangladesh

Most booked hotels in bangladesh, how to get around bangladesh, public transportation.

A public bus network serves the major cities. These buses are often crowded, and alternatives exist in the form of rickshaws and taxis. Rickshaws can be found throughout Bangladesh and are used during the day in preference to taxis, with fares starting at around 30 BDT (0.30 USD).

Bangladesh Railway operates an Intercity network throughout the country. The trains have a choice of first, second or third-class travel.

There is the option to catch local buses between cities. While these run frequently, they are often overcrowded and not as comfortable as the intercity coach services operated by companies, such as Soudia, Green Line and Hanif.

Self-drive rental cars are not readily available in Bangladesh and it is advisable to rent a car with a driver if you wish to travel around the country by car.

Domestic flights are operated between the cities of Bangladesh by the national airline Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and the privately owned Novoair and US-Bangla Airlines. Schedules operate regularly between Dhaka, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, Rajshahi and Chittagong.

The Cost of Living in Bangladesh

Credit cards are generally accepted in hotels, restaurants and stores in the capital but are not as widely used in other parts of Bangladesh. ATMs are becoming increasingly common in the bigger cities, although not all of them accept Visa or Mastercard. A gallon of milk and a dozen eggs will cost around 360 BDT (4.20 USD) in a grocery store. Eating out will be cheaper than buying groceries, with a meal per person in a local inexpensive restaurant costing around 150 BDT (1.75 USD).

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Bangladesh Travel Blog, Advice, Tips and Tricks

Top 5-star hotels in bangladesh to stay, complete guide: domestic airlines in bangladesh for hassle-free travel, best online travel agencies (otas) in bangladesh, budget-friendly luxury hotels in sylhet, best italian restaurants in dhaka, best chinese restaurants in dhaka, best budget hotels in dhaka, bangladesh travel and tourism sector.

The travel and tourism sector in Bangladesh is increasing day-by-day and also contributes to the country's national economy. These sectors in Bangladesh are also helping to increase the employment advantages for the young generation. The natural scenery and beauty are very helpful for this sector. Many architectural or heritage sites are available around all over the country.

The people of our country love to see different places and different countries for enjoying, moving, and gaining knowledge. For that traveling lover's people, the tourism industry in Bangladesh is growing at present time. With the development of the nation's growth and GDP rate, the characteristics of tourism and traveling have occurred suddenly in nature for the growth of development.

Meaning of Travelling and Tourism

Travelling and Tourism mean viewing something special and amazing or architectural places and also doing activities with non-profit and unproductive. The international association of scientists and tourism shortly known as AIEST also said about the meaning of tourism and travels that creates a relationship between the two sites or two peoples without any earning activity from the other persons only give them the enjoying and joyful facilities.

Significance of Bangladesh Tourism Sector or Industry

The importance of traveling is very needed for the peoples of the country in Bangladesh. This is significant for releasing depression and gaining knowledge opportunities from different places and countries.

Some people are very much addicted to traveling. Every year these types of people are trying to visit architectural places. If you are interested to visit places, then you can create a large group for visiting.

At present, this sector creates and obtains an industry which is the main or attractive point for earning money and gaining the countries profits. This tourism and traveling industry sectors are increasing their activities all over the world and growing firstly.

The Attracting Travelling Industry and Sector in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is surrounded by so many natural sceneries and architectural beauties and activities. It is the dream natural beauties all over the world.

There are full of natural attraction when you see the country. The land of Bangladesh recognizes as the natural scenery. The foreigners of the world are attracted to their greenery, land, civilizations, and typical climates. There are so many attractive resources are available in the country Bangladesh.

If you are not visiting this natural beauty full country, then you must be visiting and traveling the natural beauties of Bangladesh.

There are many historical places in Bangladesh including Cox's Bazar, Sundarbans, Kuakata, Rangamati, Sonargaon, Paharpur, Moynamoti, and others. All the time, foreign visitors and tourists are very much enhanced or fascinated by traveling of Bengal.

Different religions are available in Bangladesh such as Marma, Chakma, Saotal, Garo, and many others. The clothing styles and different cultures and their lifestyles are very amazing that resonate with all of the tourist heart and mind.

Although the traveling and tourism industry in Bangladesh is not a potential development than other countries, they play significant activities for reducing poverty and the development of the nations. The earning activity and measurement of Bangladesh are very low than other neighboring tourism developing countries. The amount of earnings in Bangladesh from the tourism and traveling industry is very low but that is very useful for the Bangladesh economy.

The Potential Point of Bangladesh Tourism Industry

There is a lot of natural beauty including the world heritage site, longest seaside, and mangrove forest with so many natural attractions that are surrounded in Bangladesh but lack of utilization of these resources.

Tourism is the services industry that needs an accurate utilization of growing and developing natural and economical facilities. If you want to earn foreign currency, then this tourism sector is the best of their options.

Many educated unemployed people are available everywhere. If our nation wants to convert them unemployment manpower to skill manpower by giving proper knowledge and training in traveling and tourism sectors. From this tourism industry or sectors, we can earn a lot of foreign currencies and unemployment opportunities.

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