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Here is our practical information for travelling in Bangladesh including visa requirements, security concerns and recommended vaccinations. We suggest you also consider your home country’s travel advice for Bangladesh. See here the British FCDO travel advice, here the US State Department and here from the Australian government.
You must have a visa to travel to Bangladesh, unless you have a ‘no visa required’ stamp in your passport. At the Bangladesh border control, you may also need to show a return or onward ticket. You can apply for a visa in person at your nearest Bangladesh High Commission / Embassy or Consulate.
Most travellers are 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:
Entry requirements for a visa on arrival:
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.
Foreign nationals of Bangladeshi origin may be able to apply for a ‘no visa required’ stamp from your nearest Bangladesh High Commission / Embassy or Consulate.
It is safe to travel in Bangladesh but precautions should be taken and you should keep aware of your local surroundings and update yourself on any changes in the political situation.
Terrorist attacks in Bangladesh are not expected but cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could target the following locations:
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.
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.
Widespread protests across the country led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024. An interim government was formed on 8 August 2024 and the situation calmed.
Be alert to quickly changing situations on the streets. If you see a demonstration starting, move to a place of safety. Follow the advice of local authorities. Follow updates in local media and get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Political rallies and demonstrations may take place. These can turn violent and can 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 can result in fatalities. Attacks against property and public transport are possible.
Criminal gangs operate in Dhaka and other cities. Thieves often work in pairs on motorcycles or motorised rickshaws. Passengers using rickshaws or travelling alone in taxis are vulnerable, particularly at night. Avoid using public transport if you’re alone. Be aware of pickpockets and bag-snatchers. Do not carry large amounts of money, flaunt valuables or wear jewellery in the street.
Local customs reflect the fact that Bangladesh is mainly an Islamic country. Both men and women should dress modestly to avoid causing offence. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and legs when in public. Avoid public displays of affection. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. We can give you advice on respecting Ramadan when you arrive.
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 back home.
If you’re a foreign national of Bangladeshi origin, the Bangladeshi government will consider you to be a Bangladeshi citizen, even if you:
This may limit the amount of assistance that your home government can offer to you.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bangladesh guide.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Bangladesh, however, you are required to show a certificate of vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
There is no risk of polio in Bangladesh. However, proof of polio vaccination may be necessary for some travellers. Please check the World Health Organization: International Travel and Health for latest country specific information.
Most travellers to Bangladesh should consider getting the below vaccinations:
Some travellers to Bangladesh should consider getting the below vaccinations:
Read more here.
The best time to visit Bangladesh is during the cooler and drier months between November and March. During this period, the weather is more comfortable, with lower humidity and mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the country.
From April to October, the weather is hotter and more humid, and this period also includes the monsoon season (typically from June to October), which can bring heavy rains and potential flooding. If you’re looking to experience Bangladesh’s natural beauty, including its lush landscapes and vibrant greenery, visiting during the monsoon can also be a unique experience, but be prepared for possible disruptions due to weather.
In Bangladesh, internet and phone coverage is fairly good, but there are a few things travellers should keep in mind:
Major cities and tourist areas have good mobile coverage from several providers, including Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink and Teletalk. (We recommend Robi). Coverage might be less reliable in more remote or rural areas. It’s easy to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival. You’ll need to show your passport for registration. Local SIMs are affordable and offer various data and call packages. (Sampan can help you with this).
Many hotels, restaurants and cafes in urban areas provide free Wi-Fi. However, the quality and speed can vary. Purchasing a local SIM with a data package is a popular option for internet access on the go. Data speeds are generally good in urban areas but can be slower in rural regions.
Bangladesh offers a range of transportation options for travellers.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, and Novoair are some of the main carriers. Flights are available between major cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar, which can save time compared to overland travel.
Bangladesh Railway operates several routes connecting major cities and towns. Trains have various classes, including first class, business class and general class. Tickets can be purchased online or at train stations. It’s a good idea to book in advance, particularly for popular routes.
There are both long-distance and local bus services. Buses range from basic to luxurious, with air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options. Luxury buses often have more comfortable seating and amenities. Tickets can be bought at bus stations or through online booking platforms.
Cycle Rickshaws are common in cities and smaller towns. They are an affordable and scenic way to get around short distances. Auto-rickshaws, also known as CNGs (compressed natural gas vehicles), are a popular choice for slightly longer distances within cities.
Taxis are available in major cities. They might not always use meters, so it’s a good idea to agree on the fare beforehand. Services like Uber operate in Dhaka and other major cities, providing a convenient and often more reliable option for getting around.
Bangladesh has an extensive network of rivers. Ferries and boats are commonly used for travel in the delta regions, including routes to the Sundarbans and Cox’s Bazar.
Traffic congestion is common in urban areas. It can be particularly bad in Dhaka. Plan your travel time accordingly. Ensure your belongings are secure and be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
The official currency is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Taka. Coins are less commonly used but are available in denominations of 1, 2, and 5 Taka.
ATMs are widely available in urban areas and major tourist spots. They typically offer cash withdrawal in Taka. Some ATMs also accept international cards, but it’s good to check for any transaction fees. (City Bank generally works well for us). You can exchange foreign currency at banks, authorized money changers, and airports. Rates are generally better at banks and authorized money changers than at airports. It’s wise to carry some cash for places that don’t accept cards, especially in rural areas or smaller establishments.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in major cities, hotels, and higher-end restaurants. However, in more rural areas or smaller shops, cash is often preferred. Cards issued by international banks are generally accepted in urban centres. However, it’s a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage. Be aware of foreign transaction fees and check with your bank regarding any additional charges for international card use.
Costs when travelling vary from traveller to traveller. Here are some examples to give you an idea.
Street food such as singara (samosas), pitha (rice cakes) and chotpoti (spicy chickpeas) will cost USD 1-3 per portion. Casual dining may set you back USD 3-7. A mid-range restaurant up to USD 15. Western food can be much higher, as much as USD 30 per meal. A tea or coffee will be from 1-3 in a local café (but much less if having a cup of chai on the street). A bottle of water is about USD 0.20.
A local bus ride will cost from USD 0.50 to 2. An auto-rickshaw from USD 1-5. Taxis will vary depending on distance, but you can expect USD 15 from airport to Old Dhaka. Museums will charge about USD 1-5. Entrance to a National Park up to USD 20.
Bangladesh primarily uses the Type C and Type D plugs.
Very occasionally you will find Type M. The standard voltage in Bangladesh is 230 volts.
Tipping in Bangladesh is not as deeply ingrained in the culture as in some other countries, but it is becoming increasingly common, especially in the tourism and service sectors.
Tipping is generally not expected at small, local restaurants and cafés. However, leaving small change or rounding up the bill is appreciated. In more upscale establishments or those frequented by tourists, a tip of around 5-10 per cent of the bill is appreciated. Check if a service charge has already been included in the bill.
It is customary to give a small tip to hotel staff who assist with your luggage, typically around BDT 50-100 (USD 0.50 – USD 1). Leaving a tip of around BDT 100-200 (USD 1 – USD 2) per night for housekeeping staff is a nice gesture, especially if you’ve had an extended stay. If you receive exceptional service from the concierge or other hotel staff, a tip of BDT 200-500 (USD 2-5) is appreciated.
Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but rounding up the fare or giving a small extra amount (BDT 10-20) is appreciated if the service was good. It is not customary to tip a rickshaw driver, but rounding up the fare to the nearest 10 taka or giving a small amount extra is appreciated for longer rides or if the driver was particularly helpful.
Guides will expect a tip. Sampan’s tipping guidelines recommend a USD 5 tip per day per guest for guides. If you decide to tip the guide, please also tip the driver (of car and/or boat) if you have one. We suggest you tip your driver half of whatever you tip your guide.
Same-sex sexual activity between consenting males is criminalised under Section 377 of the Bangladesh Penal Code and punishable by imprisonment.
In our experience, most young and cosmopolitan Bangladeshis are accepting of homosexuality, but it is not something that they feel needs to be talked about or displayed publicly. Essentially, what goes on in your bedroom is not their concern. There have been cases when those discussing or seen to be promoting homosexuality have been killed by religious fundamentalists.
It’s advisable to be discreet about your sexual orientation and relationships, particularly in public spaces. Avoid public displays of affection and be cautious when discussing LGBTQ+ topics.
The hijra (a distinct community that can fall under the umbrella term “trans”) were legally recognised as a ‘third gender’ in 2013, but there is no legal framework for recognising other gender-diverse people who do not fall within the hijra community.
In major cities like Dhaka and Chattogram, infrastructure is improving, but accessibility can still be limited. Sidewalks are often uneven, and curb cuts may be absent. Some newer buildings and hotels are incorporating accessible features, but these are not the norm everywhere.
Public buses generally lack accessibility features. It might be difficult to find buses with low floors or space for wheelchairs. Auto-Rickshaws/CNGs are typically not designed with accessibility in mind, so they may not be suitable for all travellers. As for taxis, accessibility can vary. Some taxis may have more space, but many do not have modifications for disabilities.
Bangladesh Railway is working on improving accessibility, but many older trains and stations are not fully accessible. Some newer trains and stations may have better facilities. Major airlines like Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines offer assistance for passengers with disabilities. It’s best to inform the airline in advance to ensure that appropriate support is provided. (Here, once again, Sampan can assist).
Still have questions? Fire away! Our travel consultants will be happy to help where they can. Read more Bangladesh here. See here our commitment to responsible travel.
