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U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

Consular Information Sheet

 

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Please click on this link to read important information you should see before you travel abroad

This information is current as of today,

Bangladesh

January 26, 2006

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Bangladesh has a developing economy. Tourist facilities outside major cities and tourist areas are minimal. Read the Department of State  Background Notes on Bangladesh for additional information.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport, visa and onward/return ticket are required. All travelers to Bangladesh, including American citizens, must have a valid visa in their valid passport prior to arrival. A valid visa in an expired or cancelled U.S. passport is not acceptable. If you are issued a new U.S. passport, you must have your Bangladesh visa transferred to that passport. Note that airport visas (landing permits) are no longer available upon arrival by air. Some Americans seeking visas from the Bangladeshi Embassy in Washington, D.C. or from Bangladeshi Embassies or Consulates in other countries have reported that they are erroneously advised to enter Bangladesh on a landing permit.

Expired visas to Bangladesh may be extended at the Directorate of Immigration and Passport, located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka. The phone number is (880-2) 913-1891 or 913-4011.

There are two exit requirements:

A) When traveling by air, there is a departure tax on all foreigners except children under the age of two. This tax is included when air tickets are purchased. Otherwise, it is collected at the airport at the time of departure. The amount of the departure tax varies for travel to different countries (e.g., the tax for the U.S. is the most expensive, at USD $43). There is no travel tax for passengers transiting Bangladesh without a visa and In-country for 72 hours or fewer. These requirements may be subject to change, and travelers are advised to check with the Embassy of Bangladesh before traveling.

B) Departing foreign nationals are also required to comply with the income tax ordinance of 1984 and submit an income tax clearance certificate/income tax exemption certificate to local airline offices upon departure from Bangladesh.

See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Bangladesh and other countries. For further information on entry requirements and possible exceptions to the exit requirements, please contact the Embassy of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (3510 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone 202-244-0183, fax 202-244-5366, website http://www.bangladoot.org), or the Bangladesh Consulates in New York (211 E. 43rd Street, Suite 502, New York, NY 10017, telephone 212-599-6767), or Los Angeles (10850 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1250, Los Angeles, CA 90024, telephone 310-441-9399). Find more information about Entry and Exit Requirements pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: The security situation in Bangladesh is volatile, and Americans are urged to check with the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka for the latest information. A terrorist bombing campaign and threats to U.S. and Western interests have led to increased security measures around U.S. Government facilities in and around Dhaka.

On August 17, 2005, a banned Islamist terrorist group, Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), claimed responsibility for over 500 coordinated small bomb blasts in virtually every part of Bangladesh that killed two persons and injured several dozen. Subsequent JMB bombings and suicide attacks have killed approximately 30 Bangladeshis, including judges, court workers, police officers, and bystanders, and wounded nearly 200 Bangladeshis. JMB statements call for the imposition of strict Islamic law in Bangladesh, justify the indiscriminate use of suicide attacks, and condemn Western social and political concepts as un-Islamic. They also identify the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom as alleged enemies of Islam. It is unclear at this point what impact the recent arrests of senior JMB figures will have on JMB’s ability to mount new attacks. However, the potential for continued JMB violence, in Dhaka and elsewhere, should be considered real and serious.

Political confrontations manifested in demonstrations, rallies, and marches are unpredictable and have the potential for violence. In general, demonstrations occur on Friday afternoons but may take place at any time and any place. However, most demonstrations occur in downtown Dhaka, approximately five miles south of the U.S. Embassy. Protesters have used physical force, rocks, guns, and explosive devices during confrontations. In the past, police have used rubber bullets, tear gas, live ammunition, water cannons, and other riot equipment when confronting protesters. The U.S. Embassy continues to see anti-American rhetoric and sporadic anti-American protests following Friday prayers at the national mosque, largely due to U.S. involvement in Iraq. Americans are urged to avoid travel to the downtown Dhaka area on Fridays whenever possible. Visitors to Bangladesh should check with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka for updated information on political demonstrations or other activities.

Nationwide strikes or “hartals” are widely employed as a means of political expression in Bangladesh. The political opposition over the past several years has called a number of these hartals, resulting in the virtual shutdown of transportation and commerce, and sometimes attacks on individuals who do not observe the hartals. Clashes between rival political groups during hartals have resulted in deaths and injuries. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid all political protests, demonstrations, and marches. During hartals, American citizens should exercise caution in all areas and remain inside their hotels, residences, schools, or workplaces whenever possible.

Due to kidnappings and other security incidents, including those involving foreign nationals, U.S. citizens are advised against traveling to the Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts (collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts). Additionally, the U.S. Embassy continues to receive reports of incidents of kidnappings, arms and narcotics smuggling and clashes between local Bangladeshis and Rohingyan refugees in areas near Rohingya refugee camps in the Teknaf, Kutupalong, Ukhia, and Ramu areas of the Cox’s Bazar district. The U.S. Embassy also recommends against travel to these areas. Individuals who choose to visit these districts are urged to exercise extreme caution.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad .

CRIME: Urban crime can be organized or opportunistic, conducted by individuals or groups, and commonly encompasses fraud, theft (larceny, pick-pocketing, snatch-and-grab), robbery (armed and unarmed), carjacking, rape, assault, and burglary (home and auto). Incidents of crime and levels of violence are higher in low-income residential and congested commercial areas. Visitors should avoid walking alone after dark, carrying large sums of money, or wearing expensive jewelry. Valuables should be stored in hotel safety deposit boxes and should not be left unattended in hotel rooms. Police are generally responsive to reports of crimes against Americans.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

See our information on Victims of Crime .

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities in Bangladesh do not approach U.S. standards, even in tourist areas. There is no functioning emergency medical care system in Bangladesh. Prescription medication may be untrustworthy or unavailable. Medical evacuations to Bangkok or Singapore are often necessary for serious conditions .

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Bangladesh is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

The Bangladeshi road network is in poor condition and poorly maintained. The streets of Dhaka are extremely congested, with hundreds of thousands of bicycle rickshaws competing with baby taxis, cars, overloaded buses, and trucks on limited road space. Also, driving on the left-hand side of the road may be confusing to American visitors. Inter-city roads are narrow. Driving at night is especially dangerous. Streetlights are rare even in cities. Road accidents are common in Bangladesh. Numerous American residents in Bangladesh report having had at least one traffic accident. Fatal head-on collisions on inter-city roads are common. When vehicle accidents occur, a crowd quickly gathers and judges the more affluent party to be at fault. Travelers are strongly urged not to use rickshaws or three-wheeled baby taxis due to their high accident rate, as well as the increased possibility of purse-snatchings or muggings. Rental cars with drivers and regular taxis are the preferred means of transportation.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Bangladesh’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, National Tourism Organization, 233 Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1214, telephone (880-2) 811-9192 or 811-8559, fax (880-2) 811-7235, internet website http://www.parjatan.org, or e-mail address, bpcho@bangla.net.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Bangladesh as not being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Bangladesh’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives oversight/iasa.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Bangladesh is a riverine country with a wide network of waterways used for public transportation. Ferries and other boats compete with the railroads as a major means of public transport. Typically overloaded and top-heavy, ferries are subject to capsizing, particularly during the monsoon season from May to October or when encountering thunderstorms or wind gusts that arise unpredictably. Every year there are many fatalities resulting from ferry accidents.

Bangladeshi customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Bangladesh of items such as currency, household appliances, alcohol, cigarettes and weapons. There is no restriction as to the amount of U.S. currency visitors may bring into Bangladesh; however, they must declare to customs authorities if they are carrying more than USD $5,000 at the time of arrival. It is advisable to contact the Bangladeshi Embassy or Consulates for specific information regarding customs requirements. Please see our Customs Information.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a photocopy of their U.S. passport with them at all times in case they are questioned by local officials. This will provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship.

In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to which Bangladesh is a signatory, a U.S. citizen under detention in Bangladesh has the right to request that the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka be notified regarding his or her situation. Bangladeshi authorities have repeatedly failed to notify U.S. consular officials of the arrest of American citizens.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Bangladeshi laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bangladesh are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties .

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Bangladesh are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh . Americans withoutInternet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located approximately four miles south of Zia International Airport, and five miles north of downtown in the Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, telephone (880-2) 885-5500, fax number (880-2) 882-3744. The workweek is Sunday through Thursday. The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services Sunday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. For emergency services and general information during business hours, please call (880-2) 882-3805. For emergency services after hours, please call (880-2) 885-5500 and ask for the duty officer. The Embassy's Internet home page is http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 1, 2005, to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, and Safety and Security.