Entry Requirements and Visas
Most visitors to Bangladesh require a visa to enter the country. However, citizens of certain countries—including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bhutan, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Guyana, Honduras, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Montserrat, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Uruguay, Vatican City, and Zambia—do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days.
Most travelers have two options: obtaining a visa in advance or applying for a Visa on Arrival (VOA). While a VOA is convenient, advance visas are generally recommended as they provide more certainty and leave you less vulnerable to discretionary decisions by border officials. Advance visas also allow for longer stays and multiple entries, with long-term visas valid up to 60 months.
Visa on Arrival
Holders of EU, Australian, New Zealand, North American, Central American, South American, Middle Eastern, Russian, South Korean, Japanese, Singaporean, and Malaysian passports are eligible for a 30-day single-entry VOA. To qualify, you'll need to show:
- A verified hotel booking or tour company booking
- US$500 in cash or available credit
- An onward air, train, or bus ticket
- A passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages
The VOA costs US$51 or €51 and must be paid in cash upon arrival—cards and local currency are not accepted. Print your hotel booking and onward ticket before arrival, as you can be redirected to an airport kiosk that may charge inflated fees for printing. The 30-day VOA can be extended for an additional 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka, though applicants can apply for the extension up to a week before visa expiry but not sooner.
Advance Visas
To apply for an advance visa, obtain an Invitation Letter from a Bangladeshi tour company or business contact, then submit an online application via Visa.Gov.Bd at least three weeks before your travel date. Print your application form and submit it in person at a Bangladeshi embassy, high commission, or consulate with your passport, photos, and required documents. Most diplomatic missions offer mail-in services. Visas are typically issued within five to seven working days, depending on the total volume of applications.
Money, Currency, and Costs
Bangladesh's currency is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). For the best exchange rates, exchange money at banks or authorized money changers rather than at hotels or airports. If arriving from India by land, you may find informal money changers at border towns useful for converting Indian rupees to dollars before crossing—this can be helpful if you need US dollars for your Visa on Arrival fee.
Bangladesh is generally affordable for visitors. Meals at local restaurants are inexpensive, accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to upscale hotels, and local transportation is cheap. Larger cities like Dhaka and Chittagong have ATMs where you can withdraw cash using international cards, though it's wise to carry some cash as backup.
Staying Safe and Emergency Contacts
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night. Petty theft can occur in busy markets and on public transportation. Avoid displaying expensive items, keep valuables secure, and use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing cabs on the street.
Bangladesh's international dialing code is +880. Save important emergency contact numbers in your phone before arrival. Register with your embassy upon arrival, particularly if staying for an extended period. Keep copies of important documents separate from originals.
Health
Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic before traveling to Bangladesh about recommended vaccinations. Ensure your routine vaccinations are current. Water safety is a concern—drink bottled or purified water only, and avoid ice made from tap water. Food hygiene varies, so eat at established restaurants and avoid street food if your stomach is sensitive.
Quality healthcare is available in major cities like Dhaka and Chittagong, particularly at private hospitals. Medical facilities outside these cities may be limited. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended and should cover emergency evacuation. Bring any prescription medications in their original containers, as obtaining the same medications locally may be difficult.
Staying Connected
Bangladesh has good mobile phone coverage in urban and most rural areas. Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport or at any mobile carrier shop. Major providers include Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, and Teletalk. SIM cards are inexpensive and prepaid plans offer affordable rates for calls, texts, and data. You'll need your passport to register a SIM card.
Internet is widely available through mobile data plans and WiFi at hotels, cafes, and shopping centers. Connection speeds and reliability vary, so don't rely solely on internet for critical communications. Consider purchasing a data plan for your SIM card to stay connected throughout your visit.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country where Islamic customs are respected. Dress modestly, particularly outside tourist areas and when visiting religious sites. Remove your shoes before entering homes, mosques, temples, and some shops. It's polite to accept offered hospitality—refusing refreshments can be considered rude.
When greeting, a handshake is common in business contexts, though some conservative individuals may prefer to avoid physical contact across genders. Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and giving or receiving items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. Avoid pointing with one finger; instead, gesture with an open hand.
Photography requires sensitivity—always ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Avoid photographing religious sites without permission. Show respect for local customs by asking locals for guidance on appropriate behavior in unfamiliar situations. Learning a few Bengali phrases is appreciated and helps build rapport with locals.