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Scenic view of Bangladesh
COUNTRY GUIDE

Bangladesh country guide: visas, airlines and living abroad

A comprehensive guide to Bangladesh: country facts, currency, languages, airlines, visa preparation, immigration, expatriate planning and official sources.

Image credit
Source photograph · Ashikul Islam Anik · Own work · CC BY 4.0. Resized; display framing and overlay vary by screen size.

Country comparison metrics

HDI measures health, education and income. GPI measures national peacefulness, including safety, conflict and militarisation. These indices use different scales and are not a current travel advisory.

Bangladesh at a glance

Country code
BD
Capital / administrative centre
Dhaka
Region
Southern Asia
Languages
Bengali
Currency
Bangladeshi taka (BDT)
Country-code TLD
.bd
Calling code
+880
Area (metadata)
147,570 km²
Location map of Bangladesh highlighted on a world map

Original VisaWand location map using public-domain Natural Earth data. Boundaries are illustrative; small territories are indicated by a location marker.

Understanding Bangladesh

Bangladesh requires a travel and relocation plan that reflects its geography, administrative arrangements and the traveller’s own circumstances. This guide brings together basic country information, aviation context, entry planning, longer-term residence considerations and practical preparation. A visitor, an international student, an employee and a person joining family may face different procedures even when they hold the same passport.

The country profile places Bangladesh in Southern Asia. The listed capital or administrative centre is Dhaka; the language metadata lists Bengali. Currency information is presented as Bangladeshi taka (BDT), and the internet-domain information is .bd. These details are useful when checking application addresses, interpreting invoices, identifying local services and arranging communication. A country-code domain identifies an internet namespace; it does not, by itself, authenticate an immigration service or establish an applicant’s eligibility.

Use the guide in two stages. First, understand the destination and prepare a realistic itinerary or relocation objective. Then confirm the applicable requirements with the authority responsible for your nationality, passport type, place of legal residence and purpose of travel. The country-specific official extracts below retain their source dates and scope. They must not be read as a universal visa decision for all passports, and an airline ticket or a consultation booking does not confer permission to enter.

Demographic, geographic and transport material attributed to the CIA World Factbook comes from its final archived edition. Figures retain their original reference years and are historical background rather than a claim that every statistic is current. Government travel-advice extracts are reproduced with attribution under the Open Government Licence. The sections on preparation are practical editorial guidance; they do not invent a visa category, processing guarantee or entitlement to permanent residence. Check the linked original advice again before travel, as the published snapshot can change. Map boundaries are illustrative and do not express a position on sovereignty or disputed borders.

Country facts, geography and economic context

Historical country context, adapted from the public-domain CIA World Factbook final archive. Original dates are retained. These facts do not establish current entry or residence rights.

History and national context

The huge delta region at the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra River systems -- now referred to as Bangladesh -- was a loosely incorporated outpost of various empires for much of the first millennium A.D. Muslim conversions and settlement in the region began in the 10th century, primarily from Arab and Persian traders and preachers. Europeans established trading posts in the area in the 16th century. Eventually the area known as Bengal, which is primarily Hindu in the western section and mostly Muslim in the eastern half, became part of British India. After the partition of India in 1947, the Muslim-majority area became East Pakistan. Calls for greater autonomy and animosity between the eastern and western areas of Pakistan led to a Bengali independence movement. That movement, led by the Awami League (AL) and supported by India, won the independence war for Bangladesh in 1971.

The military overthrew the post-independence AL government in 1975, the first of a series of military coups that resulted in a military-backed government and the subsequent creation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) that took power in 1979. That government also ended in a coup in 1981, followed by military-backed rule until democratic elections were held in 1991. The BNP and AL alternated in power from 1991 to 2008, with the exception of a military-backed, emergency caretaker regime in 2007. The country returned to fully democratic rule in 2008 with the election of the AL and Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA. With the help of international development assistance, Bangladesh is on track to graduate from the UN’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) list in 2026.

The economy has grown at an annual average of about 6.25% for the last two decades. Poverty declined from 11.8 percent in 2010 to 5.0 percent in 2022, based on the international poverty line of $2.15 a day (using 2017 Purchasing Power Parity exchange rate). The country made a rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, but still faces economic challenges.

Geographic position

Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India

Land area

total : 148,460 sq km

land: 130,170 sq km

water: 18,290 sq km

Landscape

mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast

Climate and seasonal planning

tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)

Natural hazards

droughts; cyclones; much of the country routinely inundated during the summer monsoon season

Environmental conditions

flooding; water pollution, especially of fishing areas, from the use of commercial pesticides; groundwater pollution from naturally occurring arsenic; falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; destruction of wetlands; severe overpopulation with noise pollution

Geographic considerations

most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal

Capital and administrative centre

name: Dhaka

geographic coordinates: 23 43 N, 90 24 E

time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: the origins of the name are unclear, but it may be derived from either the dhak tree or Dhakeshwari, a goddess with a shrine in the city

Regional administration

8 divisions; Barishal, Chattogram, Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet

Population snapshot

total: 168,697,184 (2024 est.)

male: 82,708,252

female: 85,988,932

Urban development

urban population: 40.5% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: 2.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Major urban areas

23.210 million DHAKA (capital), 5.380 million Chittagong, 955,000 Khulna, 962,000 Rajshahi, 964,000 Sylhet, 906,000 Bogra (2023)

Languages and communication

Bangla 98.8% (official, also known as Bengali), other 1.2% (2011 est.)

major-language sample(s):


বিশ্ব ফ্যাক্টবুক, মৌলিক তথ্যের অপরিহার্য উৎস (Bangla)


The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

Religion and cultural context

Muslim 91%, Hindu 8%, other 1% (2022 est.)

Society and communities

Bengali at least 99%, other indigenous ethnic groups 1% (2022 est.)

note: Bangladesh's government recognizes 27 indigenous ethnic groups under the 2010 Cultural Institution for Small Anthropological Groups Act; other sources estimate there are about 75 ethnic groups

Economic context

one of the fastest growing emerging market economies; strong economic rebound following COVID-19; significant poverty reduction; exports dominated by textile industry; weakened exports and remittances resulted in declining foreign exchange reserves and 2022 IMF loan request

Industry and employment context

cotton, textiles and clothing, jute, tea, paper, cement, fertilizer, sugar, light engineering 

Agriculture

rice, milk, potatoes, maize, sugarcane, onions, jute, vegetables, mangoes/guavas, tropical fruits (2023)

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Trade and exports

garments, footwear, fabric, textiles, trunks and cases (2023)

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Trade and imports

refined petroleum, cotton fabric, natural gas, cotton, fabric (2023)

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Legal-system background

common law, incorporating elements of English common law; since independence, statutory law has been the primary form of legislation; Islamic law applies to Muslims in family and inheritance laws, with Hindu personal law applying to Hindus and Buddhists

Names and terminology

conventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladesh

conventional short form: Bangladesh

local long form: Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh

local short form: Bangladesh

former: East Bengal, East Pakistan

etymology: the name is a compound of the Bengali words Bangla (Bengali) and desh (country)

National holiday

Independence Day, 26 March (1971); Victory Day, 16 December (1971)

note: 26 March 1971 is the date of the Awami League's declaration of an independent Bangladesh, and 16 December (Victory Day) memorializes the military victory over Pakistan and the official creation of the state of Bangladesh

Internet identity

.bd

Airport infrastructure

17 (2025)

Rail infrastructure

total: 2,460 km (2014)

narrow gauge: 1,801 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge

broad gauge: 659 km (2014) 1.676-m gauge

Airlines and transport to Bangladesh

Air travel to Bangladesh should be planned around the actual operating airport, the operating carrier and the legal conditions at every connection. A marketed flight may be operated by another airline under a codeshare arrangement. Identify which carrier performs each sector, where checked luggage is transferred and whether a change of terminal or airport requires passing through immigration. A cheap connection is not necessarily usable if the traveller lacks the relevant transit or entry permission.

The airline information below uses IATA’s membership directory retrieved on 2026-10-10. Membership is a useful way to identify registered carriers and their airline codes, but it is not a complete census of airlines, a flight timetable or a statement that every carrier operates passenger services. Cargo airlines may also appear. Registration in Bangladesh does not mean an airline serves the traveller’s departure city, and foreign airlines may be the practical option for reaching the destination. Consult the carrier and airport directly for current routes and operating restrictions.

IATA-listed carriers registered in this destination

Before paying for flights, check the spelling of the passenger name, passport validity, baggage entitlement, change conditions and refund rules. Compare a protected through-ticket with separate tickets: a missed connection on independently booked sectors may leave the traveller responsible for replacement transport and accommodation. Keep sufficient time for immigration, security screening and baggage collection, especially when arriving in Bangladesh after a long international connection.

For an island, remote settlement or seasonal route, review the consequences of cancellation as carefully as the outward journey. Weather, runway limitations and operating schedules may restrict alternatives. Keep essential medicines, identification, payment methods and a change of clothing in hand luggage. Carry the address of the first accommodation and a reliable arrival contact. Never assume that a visa exemption also removes an airline’s document checks, or that approval for the destination automatically covers a transit country.

How to plan a visa application for Bangladesh

Start with the intended activity rather than the name of a visa found on a commercial website. A short holiday, attendance at meetings, a paid assignment, an academic course and joining a spouse can require different permissions. Write a short factual description of the trip, its duration, who will pay and whether any work will be performed. The responsible authority can then assess the relevant category without relying on an ambiguous description such as “business travel”.

Next, establish which rules apply to the individual passport holder. Nationality, ordinary or diplomatic passport status, dual citizenship, existing residence permits and previous immigration history can affect the route. An entry exemption offered to one nationality should not be applied to another. Likewise, a resident of a neighbouring country may still need permission based on nationality. Where a guide quotes UK travel advice, its stated British-passport scope is retained; it is not a promise that another passport receives the same treatment in Bangladesh.

Identify the correct application channel through an official embassy, consulate, immigration department or government portal. Check whether the application must be made from the applicant’s country of nationality or legal residence, and whether a third-party centre is officially appointed. Search advertisements and a country-code website address are not adequate evidence of authorisation. Confirm the official fee, currency, payment method and process for obtaining a receipt before transferring money or uploading identity documents.

Build the evidence file around the published checklist for the selected category. Possible evidence can include a passport, photographs, a travel plan, accommodation details, financial records, an invitation or proof of a family relationship, but the required list must come from the authority. Names, dates and addresses should be consistent across forms and supporting documents. Explain genuine discrepancies honestly; do not alter a bank record, conceal a refusal or submit a reservation that is presented as paid when it is not.

If translations, certification or legalisation are required, establish the accepted language and format before commissioning them. A translation accepted by a university or employer may not satisfy the immigration authority. Keep the source document, translator’s certification and any required legalisation together. Ask whether a digital upload is sufficient or originals must be produced at an appointment. Where biometrics or an interview are requested, attendance arrangements and passport retention may affect other planned journeys.

Submit only after reviewing every answer and retain the application reference, payment receipt and a complete copy of the evidence. Monitor the official account or authorised communication channel for requests. Respond within the stated period and keep a record of what was supplied. Processing-time estimates are planning information rather than guarantees; do not invent a completion date for Bangladesh, and avoid non-refundable commitments until the documents and travel conditions are suitable.

When a decision is issued, examine the name, passport number, entry validity, permitted duration, number of entries and any activity restrictions. An approval letter may require a later step before boarding or after arrival. If an application is refused, read the reasons and the authority’s instructions for any review, appeal or new application. A different factual situation or corrected evidence should be explained clearly; repeatedly submitting an unchanged file is unlikely to resolve the underlying issue.

Bangladesh: official entry, safety and health information

Country-specific official material reproduced from UK FCDO travel advice under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright. The entry section is scoped to British passport holders as stated by the source; other nationalities must check their own requirements. Source last updated: 2026-10-09T11:14:33+01:00. Retrieved 2026-10-10. Read the current original advice.

Warnings and insurance

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, an area made up of the districts of: 

  • Rangamati 

  • Khagrachari 

  • Bandarban

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Hindu festival of Durga Puja

The Hindu festival of Durga Puja will take place in Bangladesh from 16 to 21 October 2026. Public celebrations are expected throughout the festival. Expect large crowds around festival sites and Hindu temples, increased security and traffic disruption. There has been intercommunal violence during previous festivals.

Remain vigilant, stay away from large crowds where possible, keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Flooding

Flash floods and landslides have affected parts of Bangladesh, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet regions.

There is an increased risk of seasonal flooding in parts of northeast Bangladesh, including the Sylhet region, due to heavy rainfall during the pre‑monsoon period.

Flooding may occur with little warning and could disrupt transport, utilities and access to services, particularly in low‑lying and river‑adjacent areas.

Monitor local weather forecasts and updates from the Bangladesh Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and follow the advice of local authorities.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. 

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

  • check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
  • check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
  • review your travel insurance policy for coverage
  • monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts.

Energy and fuel shortages

Bangladesh is facing energy and fuel shortages linked to global supply disruptions. The authorities have announced measures including limits on fuel sales. This may lead to transport disruption and delays in some areas. You should plan ahead, allow extra time for travel and keep up to date with local media.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

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.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Bangladesh’s current rules 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 Bangladeshi High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Bangladesh, your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and no damage.

See ‘Applying for a visa’ for passport validity requirements for visas.

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.

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

Make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport when you arrive. Immigration officers will check the date on your entry stamp when you leave Bangladesh. You could get a fine for overstaying.

At Bangladeshi border control, you may also need to show a return or onward ticket.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

Electronic arrival and departure cards

Bangladesh has introduced online arrival and departure registration for foreign nationals. Travellers may be required to complete an electronic arrival card before entering Bangladesh and an electronic departure card before leaving.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Bangladesh for up to 3 months, unless you have a ‘no visa required’ stamp in your UK passport.

Applying for a visa

If you are eligible for a visa on arrival, you may be able to pre-register online before travel. Check the latest requirements with the Bangladeshi authorities and your airline before travelling.

Apply in advance for a visa from the Bangladeshi High Commission in the UK.

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date your visa starts. The visa starts from the date of issue, not the date of travel. If you plan to use Bangladesh as a hub to visit other countries in the region, make sure you get a multiple-entry visa.

The Visa on Arrival service continues to operate, including in the period before the national elections on 12 February. See Checks at the border.

You may be able to apply for a visa on arrival at Dhaka airport. You must have a return ticket and proof of funds 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
  • also available for business travel if you have a letter of introduction

If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a visa extension from the Department of Immigration and Passports.

Working in Bangladesh

If you are working in Bangladesh, you must get a work permit, and you’ll need 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.

‘No visa required’ stamp

British nationals of Bangladeshi origin may be eligible to apply for a ‘no visa required’ stamp from the Bangladeshi High Commission in the UK.

Checks at the border

During the election period, you may face further checks at the border and be asked for additional documents such as: 

  • proof of an onward or return ticket 
  • confirmation of accommodation 
  • contact details 

Check with your travel operator for the latest information before travelling.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Bangladesh, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had: 

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bangladesh guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or 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.

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.

Safety and security

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Bangladesh.

Terrorism

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. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe 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 are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Bangladesh.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks. These attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, and places such as:

  • public buildings, including restaurants and cafés
  • public transport
  • crowded areas
  • religious buildings
  • political rallies

Some groups have targeted people who they consider to have views and lifestyles contrary to Islam, including religious minorities.

Islamist extremist groups operate in Bangladesh. 

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.

Remain aware of your surroundings. Avoid large gatherings and other locations with a police or security presence. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Bangladesh held national elections on 12 February 2026. Political rallies and demonstrations can quickly turn violent leading to clashes. During demonstrations and strikes (‘hartals’), there can be arson, violence and vandalism in towns and cities across the country, which can result in fatalities.

There have been occasional attacks against minority religious communities.

There have also been attacks targeting the police and security forces. These have included improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in major cities.

In July and August 2024, a popular uprising led to widespread violence across Bangladesh, with many deaths and injuries.

Be alert to quickly changing situations on the streets. Stay away from protests or demonstrations, rallies and large gatherings. 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.

Crime

Robbery and violence

There are reports of an increase in violent crime since the popular uprising in Bangladesh in July and August 2024.

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, taxis, buses or trains are vulnerable to violent crime, particularly at night. Avoid using public transport if you’re travelling alone. See Transport risks.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Be alert when using and carrying your phone in public and crowded spaces. To reduce your risk, do not carry large quantities of money or wear expensive-looking jewellery or watches.

Sexual assault

There is a risk of sexual assault, including attacks on female foreign national visitors. 

Female travellers often experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. Avoid isolated areas when alone at any time of day. Be vigilant, particularly at night. 

See advice for women travelling abroad.

Methanol poisoning

There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Bangladesh.

Alcohol is strictly regulated in Bangladesh. Non-Muslim citizens over 21 and foreign visitors may drink in licensed venues with permits, while it is banned for Muslims except for medical reasons. These restrictions often lead people to seek alcohol from unlicensed sources, creating a black market, which can use methanol, and increasing the risk of methanol poisoning.

Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

Dhaka and Sylhet airports

Dhaka international and Sylhet airports are fully operational. Check with your travel provider for updates.

Risks at Dhaka and Sylhet airports include:

  • theft, including passport theft
  • harassment
  • overcharging of taxi fees

To reduce your risk:

  • avoid touts offering to carry your bags
  • keep documents and belongings safe
  • arrange taxis in advance

Laws and cultural differences

Bangladesh is a majority Muslim country. Respect the customs and laws. Make sure your actions do not cause offence.

Personal ID

Local officials may ask you for ID.

Carry copies of the photo page in your passport and your Bangladeshi visa. Keep the originals somewhere safe and leave copies with friends or relatives in the UK.

Dress code

Both men and women should dress modestly to avoid causing offence. Women should cover their shoulders and legs in public.

Ramadan

Ramadan in 2026 is expected to start on the 17/18 February and last until the third week of March.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. Get advice on respecting Ramadan from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should:

  • 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

British nationals of Bangladeshi origin

If you’re a British national of Bangladeshi origin, the Bangladeshi government will consider you to be a Bangladeshi citizen, even if you:

  • have never had a Bangladeshi passport
  • were born outside of Bangladesh

This may limit the help the UK government can offer you. For more information on Bangladeshi nationality, check with the Bangladeshi High Commission in the UK.

The Bangladesh Police Expatriate Help Cell offers services to foreign nationals, 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 access to British High Commission officials.

Family law and property disputes

Family law in Bangladesh is very different from UK law. Always check your legal position 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.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is 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 a 1949 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.

Driving standards

Road accidents are common in Bangladesh due to:

  • poor driving standards
  • many unlicensed and/or unroadworthy vehicles
  • large numbers of rickshaws on the roads

Driving at night is especially dangerous as many drivers do not use headlights or use undipped headlights. There is also a risk of robbery if you travel between towns after dark. Avoid driving alone at night.

Cycle rickshaws and taxis

Cycle rickshaws used on main roads alongside traffic are not safe – they offer little protection if there is an accident.

Police are often unable to verify private hire drivers’ details, as driving records are often inaccurate.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber are available in Bangladesh. Uber drivers generally only accept cash payment. 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 (registration plates are generally in Bangla and appear on Uber in English)
  • 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

Buses

The risks of travelling by bus include:

  • extremely poor maintenance and driving standards
  • lack of seat belts
  • 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.

Air travel

Due to the security situation in Bangladesh, there are frequent disruptions to air travel, often at short notice. Stay in touch with your airline. Security checks at the airport can also be slow.

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

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Monsoon season

The monsoon season runs from June to September and can cause widespread flooding and travel disruption.

If travelling, you should check:

Tropical cyclones

There is a risk of tropical cyclones in Bangladesh. Check weather reports from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the World Meteorological Organization.

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.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Tsunamis

Bangladesh can be affected by tsunamis. In some cases the Bangladeshi government will issue tsunami warnings. Monitor local news and follow any advice given by local authorities.

Health

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

Call 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 quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

See what health risks you’ll face in Bangladesh, including:

  • 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.

Medication

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.

You should carry any medical papers or prescriptions and be prepared to answer questions if police ask you about any medication you’re carrying.

Healthcare in Bangladesh

Medical facilities in Bangladesh are poor. Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Bangladesh where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

Expatriates, employment and immigration in Bangladesh

A temporary visit to Bangladesh and permission to reside there are separate planning questions. The terms “expatriate”, “immigrant” and “resident” describe circumstances, but they do not identify an immigration category by themselves. Determine the lawful basis for the intended stay and whether the application is made before travel or through a permitted procedure after arrival. This guide does not assume that a visitor can change status locally, obtain employment or remain indefinitely.

For employment, confirm whether the prospective employer must sponsor the applicant, obtain an approval or demonstrate particular conditions before the worker applies. Ask whether the permission is tied to a specific employer, occupation or location and what happens if the employment ends. Professional licensing, recognition of qualifications and an immigration work authorisation may be separate requirements. A job offer without the required permission should not be treated as a lawful start date.

International students should verify the institution, course eligibility and the immigration requirements directly with the competent offices. Admission, tuition payment and a student visa are separate milestones. Establish whether part-time work is allowed, whether dependants can accompany the student and what options exist after the course. Do not infer work rights or a settlement route from a school’s marketing claims. Keep a budget for study, accommodation, insurance and the return journey.

For family migration, establish which relationships are recognised and what evidence is accepted. Marriage, partnership, parenthood or dependency may involve different procedures, and a family member’s nationality does not automatically settle the applicant’s rights. Check income, accommodation or sponsorship requirements where applicable. Document custody and consent for children travelling with one parent. If names differ across civil records, obtain appropriate explanations and accepted supporting documents.

Long-term residence and citizenship should be researched as distinct stages. Temporary permits can expire, require renewal or impose limits on absence. Permanent status may have separate qualifying conditions, and naturalisation may involve language, residence, conduct or other legal tests. No number of years or automatic entitlement is promised here for Bangladesh. Before relying on a future route, ask the responsible authority or a qualified local adviser to identify the current provision and its conditions.

Practical preparation for living in Bangladesh

The language information for Bangladesh lists Bengali. Identify the language used by the office handling the application and by the intended employer, school, clinic or landlord. A multilingual country can have significant regional differences. Arrange interpretation when accuracy matters, particularly for a contract or medical consultation, and keep translated copies of essential information. Everyday language learning can help integration, but it does not replace a required certified translation.

Use Bangladeshi taka (BDT) as the starting point for a local budget and verify the monetary arrangements with the relevant central bank or financial institution. Avoid treating an old exchange-rate statistic as a quote for a present transaction. Separate immigration fees, transport, deposits, accommodation, utilities, insurance and professional charges. Compare the exchange rate, transfer fee and receiving-bank cost, and keep a reserve for a delayed arrival or an unexpected return journey.

An accommodation decision should follow the lawful duration and purpose of stay. Verify the property, the landlord’s authority and the contract before paying a deposit. Ask about utilities, notice periods, registration documents and refund conditions. A temporary booking can provide flexibility while the newcomer checks a neighbourhood and travel times. If accommodation evidence is needed for an application, confirm the accepted form with the authority rather than assuming that every informal invitation or booking is sufficient.

Healthcare preparation should reflect both the traveller’s health and the local services available. Review the country-specific health advice where supplied, consult an appropriate clinician for vaccinations or medication questions, and check the insurance wording. Carry prescriptions and establish the rules for importing controlled medicines. A familiar medicine brand may not be available in Bangladesh; plan continuity of treatment through a legitimate provider. Insurance should cover the actual activities and circumstances of the stay.

Families should assess schools, childcare, accessibility and the effect of the move on each member’s legal status. Check enrolment documents and whether translated academic or vaccination records are required. An adult’s work permission does not necessarily give a spouse work rights or a child access to every service. A realistic plan includes transport, communication, emergency contacts and arrangements if one family member’s application is delayed or refused.

Tax residence, immigration residence and access to public services can be governed by different rules. A person may need professional advice about income earned abroad, employment deductions or obligations in both the departure and destination jurisdictions. Do not infer tax treatment from an immigration label. Keep records of arrival and departure dates, contracts and payments, and ask a qualified adviser to identify the relevant rules for the actual circumstances.

After arrival, check whether a residence card, address registration, identity number or another local procedure is required by the authorised route. Maintain a calendar of expiry dates and renewal windows using the official instructions. Keep important records securely, with a backup available if a device is lost. When leaving Bangladesh, settle contractual obligations, retain payment evidence and check whether departure affects a continuing permission or a future return.

A preparation checklist for Bangladesh

Prepare one coherent personal record before consulting an adviser. It should state the traveller’s nationality, passport type, current legal residence, destination, intended dates and purpose. Include dependants and all transit points. This simple profile reduces misunderstandings and helps the adviser distinguish a visitor application from employment, study or family residence. Leave out unnecessary sensitive documents until the recipient and purpose have been verified.

Create a document register with the issuing body, issue date, expiry date, language and any certification requirement for each item. Note whether an original, copy or digital version is accepted. This is particularly useful for civil records and qualifications that may take time to obtain. A well-organised file makes it easier to answer a request for additional evidence without accidentally sending contradictory versions of the same document.

Use a financial worksheet that separates the application cost from the cost of the journey and the first period in Bangladesh. Record which payments are refundable and what conditions apply. A consultation charge, government visa fee, airline ticket and accommodation deposit are different transactions with different terms. Request itemised invoices and retain receipts; a single total described as a “visa package” can obscure what has actually been purchased.

Before submitting the application, read the form as a whole. Check dates against the itinerary, employment details against the contract and funds against the stated budget. Where an explanation is needed, make it factual and concise. If a representative prepares the application, review it yourself before signing. Responsibility for the truth of the information should not be delegated to an adviser or a travel agent.

Before departure, check the current official entry and travel advice, the transport operating status, the documents required at boarding and any arrival formalities. Download essential records for offline use and keep paper copies where practical. Share the itinerary with a trusted contact and confirm the first arrival transfer. A complete application file is useful, but it is the current permission and actual travel conditions that determine whether the planned journey can proceed.

Choosing assistance for a Bangladesh application

Select a consultant by relevant experience and a clear written scope. Ask which part of the process the consultation covers: identifying an appropriate category, explaining a checklist, reviewing evidence or representing the applicant where permitted. The adviser should distinguish general preparation from legal representation and identify any local licensing or authorisation required for the service. A confident sales statement is not a substitute for a source-backed explanation.

Request a written fee breakdown and understand what is excluded. Government charges, translations, courier costs, appointments and further representation may be separate. Ask who will handle the file, how questions are answered and what records the customer receives. A consultant should not promise guaranteed approval or claim influence over the decision-maker. The authority responsible for Bangladesh determines the outcome under the applicable rules.

When using VisaWand, compare the profile, the consultation scope and the displayed fee before booking. The consultation is an opportunity to clarify the route and preparation; it does not itself create entry permission. Keep control of original documents, email accounts and official application credentials. Provide sensitive material only through an appropriate verified channel, and ask how it will be stored, used and deleted when the service ends.

Sources, dates and attribution

Country metadata: mledoze/countries, Open Database Licence. Historical extracts: CIA World Factbook, public domain, final archived edition. FCDO extracts: © Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0. Maps: original VisaWand artwork using public-domain Natural Earth data.

Source collection date: 2026-10-10. Archived Factbook profile date: December 31, 2025. Government advice snapshot last updated: 2026-10-09T11:14:33+01:00.

Licences: Open Database Licence · Open Government Licence v3.0. Country identifiers include territories and do not imply a position on international recognition. Download the derived country-facts database (ODbL).

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