Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• You should avoid protests and demonstrations. These can quickly turn violent in Bangladesh and can include the burning of buses and other public vehicles, road blocks and confrontation with the police.  General strikes ("hartals") have been fairly frequent over the past few months and more hartals are likely to be called in the future. See  Safety and Security - Local Travel - Civil Unrest/Hartals/Demonstrations.
  
  

• We advise against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (this does not include the city of Chittagong). If you propose to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts you are required to give the Bangladeshi authorities ten days' notice of your travel plans. See Safety and Security - Local Travel - Chittagong Hill Tracts.
  
  

• There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Up to 75,000 British nationals visit Bangladesh every year. 70 British nationals required consular assistance in Bangladesh in the period 1 April 2010 - 31 March 2011. See General - Consular Assistance - Statistics.  
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. British nationals should exercise caution.

See our terrorism abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Armed robbery, pick pocketing, and purse snatching are common to Bangladesh. It is not unknown for resident Westerners, familiar with local conditions in Gulshan and Banani, to be the victims of armed robbery. Therefore it is advised that you do not carry a large amount of money with you or wear jewellery in the street. Thieves often work in pairs on motorcycles or 3-wheeled motorised rickshaws known as ''CNGs''. Passengers using ''cycle rickshaws'' and ''CNGs'' or travelling alone in taxis are particularly vulnerable, especially at night.  If travelling alone you should try to avoid using public transport. We do not recommend ''cycle rickshaws'' as a safe mode of transport.

We have had reports of officials sometimes abusing their authority. You should be accompanied when visiting police stations.

Safety and Security - Crime - Crime at international airports

Passengers sometimes face harassment at Bangladesh’s international airports. There are regular reports of theft and harassment at Dhaka and Sylhet airports. Beware of touts offering to carry your bags – many are thieves. Arrange pick-up transport in advance with your hotel/colleagues/friends. Taxis, including those serving the airport, often overcharge and drivers have been known to rob passengers. Passport theft at Dhaka and Sylhet airports is a particular concern. Ensure your documents and any valuables are accounted for and secure at all times.

Safety and Security - Crime - Abductions

Abduction of children and businessmen for ransom is not unknown. Although this does not appear to be particularly directed at foreigners, you should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

See our victims of crime abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Civil Unrest/Hartals/Demonstrations

Political and other demonstrations can quickly turn violent in Bangladesh. During civil unrest, hartals (general strikes) and demonstrations you should exercise extreme caution. In the past, many such events have become violent, with explosives and firearms sometimes being used. You are advised to stay away from large gatherings, and avoid political offices and rallies. Road 86, in the Gulshan 2 area of Dhaka attracts a high level of political activity as the main opposition party has its offices here. This activity tends to be in the evenings and can attract large numbers of supporters and activists who gather in the street. To avoid any potential incidents we advise staff and visitors to avoid this road between 18:00 and 06:00 daily.

Demonstrations are often held at short notice in all areas of Bangladesh including Dhaka (though less so in Gulshan and Baridhara) and there is the potential for these demonstrations to become violent.  In January 2011 violent demonstrations took place outside the Dhaka Stock exchange after stock market falls.  In December 2011, two people died following clashes between police and protestors during a hartal. The areas located near Dhaka University campus and other universities can be particularly volatile during civil unrest and demonstrations. The period after Friday prayers can be a time of increased tensions. You should avoid party offices during periods of heightened political tension.

You should also monitor the local media for information on more localised or minor events. Details of English language news broadcasts are as follows:

ATN Bangla – 09:00 and 18:00
Bangla Vision – 18:00
BTV – 10:00, 16:00 and 22:00

You should consult a reliable local contact before venturing into unfamiliar areas or areas where there is a history of trouble.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Chittagong Hill Tracts

We advise against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts which comprise the districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. This does not include Chittagong City, or other parts of Chittagong Division.

Security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts continues to be a cause for concern. In February 2010 clashes between rival ethnic groups led to fatalities. A gun fight in January 2011 between rival political factions resulted in at least five fatalities. There are regular reports of violence and other criminal activities, particularly in the more remote areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. If you propose to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts you are required to give the Bangladesh authorities 10 days' notice of your travel plans. A central point of contact is the Chittagong Divisional Commissioner's Office (tel: 031 615247; fax: 031 617400/614961) or the Chittagong Deputy Commissioner's Office (tel: 031 611600/619996; fax: 031 620570). 

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Indian Border

You should exercise particular care near the border areas in Bramanbaria district. There are occasional skirmishes between the Indian and Bangladeshi border guards, including heavy fire. 

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

If you intend to drive then you should hold an international driving licence.

The Bangladesh road network is in poor condition, and road safety is also very poor. Drivers of larger vehicles expect to be given right of way. Speeding, dangerous and aggressive overtaking and sudden manoeuvres without indicating, mean that serious accidents are common. You should take particular care on long road journeys and use well-travelled and well-lit routes where possible. Traffic is heavy and chaotic in urban areas and the streets of Dhaka are extremely congested with buses, trucks, cars, CNG three-wheelers, rickshaws and pedestrians.

Driving at night is especially dangerous as many vehicles are unlit, or travel on full-beam headlights. Streetlights are rare, even in cities. There is also a risk of banditry if you travel between towns after dark, by train, bus or ferry.

See our driving abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the European Commission website to see whether this will affect your travel.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Rail Travel

Bangladesh has an extensive but old rail network. Rail travel in Bangladesh is generally slow. There are occasional derailments and other incidents, which can result in injuries and deaths.

On some trains, first class compartments may be lockable. You should ensure that the compartment door is locked if travelling overnight. For useful information see the Bangladesh railways website.

Safety and Security - Local travel - Sea/River Travel

River and sea ferries are often dangerously overcrowded, particularly in the days before and after religious festivals and other holidays. There have been a number of serious accidents in Bangladesh and capsizing is common. You should exercise caution if such transport is required.

There are also frequent acts of piracy in and around Bangladeshi waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions.

See our river & sea safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation  

Bangladesh Country Profile

Bangladesh has a long history of political violence. You should keep yourself informed of developments in Bangladesh by regularly checking this advice and monitoring the local media. Please see the detailed guidance in the Local Travel – Civil Unrest/Hartals/Demonstrations section of this advice.

Local laws reflect the fact that Bangladesh is a predominantly Islamic country.  You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. 

Women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or trousers. You should dress modestly to avoid giving offence.

Same sex relations are illegal.

You should be aware that if you or your parents are Bangladeshi nationals you will be considered by the Bangladesh Government to be a Bangladeshi citizen, even if you have never held a Bangladeshi passport and were born outside Bangladesh. In such cases this may limit the assistance the British Government can offer you.

The violation of local laws may result in a jail 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.

There are severe penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. Some drugs-related offences are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment.

You should carry a photocopy of the data page and Bangladeshi visa from your passport at all times, plus copies of other important travel documents, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity is readily available. These should be kept separately from the originals, and copies left with friends or relatives in the UK.

Family law in Bangladesh is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when, for example, child custody becomes an issue. See our child abduction page.

See our your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas  

Visas are required to enter Bangladesh. For further information you should check with the Bangladesh High Commission, www.bhclondon.org.uk. Dual Bangladeshi/British Nationals are able to obtain a 'No Visa Required' stamp, but this will limit the assistance HMG can offer you. Please see the Consular Assistance section below.

New visa rules introduced in October 2006 require foreign nationals who come to Bangladesh to work, or for long term visits to have the appropriate work permits and clearances on arrival. There are increased financial penalties for overstaying on your visa as well as the possibility of a case being charged (under the Foreigners Act 1946) against those who overstay for more than 90 days. For further information on these rules you should visit the Immigration website, which provides further details on rules relating to Foreigner Registrations.

If you intend to use Dhaka as a hub from which to visit other countries in the region, ensure you obtain a multiple entry visa. If you are intending to work in Bangladesh for an NGO make sure that your sponsor has provided you with appropriate advice on the kind of visa you must obtain before arrival.

If you have had your passport renewed in Bangladesh, you will require a new visa. The Bangladesh Immigration & Passport Department are able to issue ‘exit visas’ or a ‘no visa required’ stamp. They can be contacted at their Dhaka office on: 880 2 8159878 / 8123788 / 8123323. Please note that officers there are unlikely to speak English, so you may need to have an interpreter.

Entry Requirements - Passport Validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Bangladesh. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. However, it is always sensible to have a short period of extra validity on your passport in case of any unforeseen delays to your departure. You do not have to wait until your old passport expires to apply to renew it. Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months. For passport applications in the UK, you should apply to the Identity and Passport Service.

If you or those you are travelling with qualify for a British passport, you are encouraged to make this application in the UK and receive your passport before travelling.  This is particularly relevant if you are travelling with minors. There can be a lengthy process obtaining a British first time passport outside of the UK. Should you need to make a passport application through the High Commission in Dhaka, details can be found on the UK in Bangladesh website.

Entry Requirements - Working in Bangladesh

Foreign nationals working in Bangladesh are required to obtain an Income Tax Clearance Certificate or an Income Tax Exemption Certificate prior to each departure from Bangladesh. Full details of the requirements and those exempted can be obtained from the Bangladesh Board of Revenue website.

Medical facilities in Bangladesh are poor. Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable. You must have suitable medical insurance, which includes cover for treatment outside Bangladesh.

Malaria and dengue fever are common to Bangladesh. Malaria is usually restricted to specific rural areas, especially the Chittagong Hill Tracts. But dengue fever is common in towns, including Dhaka. Suitable precautions, like the use of mosquito repellents, long trousers and long sleeves, should be taken.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 6,200 adults aged 15 or over in Bangladesh were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.1 of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Bangladesh and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our travel health page.

You may also view the website of the Bangladesh Government at: http://www.mofl.gov.bd.

Natural Disasters - Monsoon season

The climate in Bangladesh is sub-tropical and governed by monsoon winds. Extreme weather episodes such as cyclones can occur.  In the monsoon season, which is normally from June to September, there is widespread and extensive flooding.  This can disrupt travel particularly in rural areas. You should check that routes are passable before setting out on long journeys.

Natural Disasters - Earthquakes

Bangladesh is located in a high-risk earthquake zone. The country lies on a major geological fault line.  On 18 September 2011, some buildings in the north of Bangladesh were damaged by the ‘Sikkim Earthquake’ which struck near the border of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim.

Natural Disasters - Tsunamis

Bangladesh can be affected by tsunamis and the government of Bangladesh can issue tsunami warnings. Travellers should monitor local news and comply with the advice given. Updated weather reports can be found at:  www.bmd.gov.bd .

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance (including medical evacuation) before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our travel insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things go Wrong page.

General - Consular registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Consular Assistance

British nationals of Bangladeshi origin often seek consular assistance with land or property ownership disputes. The British High Commission has no authority to intervene on your behalf with land/property problems and can only provide you with a list of local lawyers.

In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to which Bangladesh is a signatory, a British national under detention in Bangladesh has a right to request that the British High Commission be notified regarding his or her situation and gain access to them. In most circumstances this right does not extend to Dual Nationals. 

General - Consular Assistance  - Statistics

Up to 75,000 British nationals visit Bangladesh every year. 70 British nationals required consular assistance in Bangladesh in the period 1 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident; seven deaths; five hospitalisations and three arrests. If you are concerned see the pages on forced marriages or passport pages of the FCO website.

General - Money

The currency in Bangladesh is Taka. Travellers' cheques can be cashed at banks and at the airports. Credit cards should be used with due caution as there is the potential for fraud. Standard Chartered Bank has ATMs in Dhaka, Chittagong, Bogra, Sylhet, Narayanganj and Khulna. HSBC has ATMs in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet.  Some of the five-star hotels in Dhaka have ATM facilities. UK cash point cards are accepted. There are commercial money transfer services available in Dhaka and in towns/cities across Bangladesh where money can be sent from the UK.