Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

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 (88-02) 885-5500, fax number (88-02) 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 (88-02) 882-3805.  For emergency services after hours, please call (88-02) 885-5500 and ask for the duty officer.

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport, visa and onward/return ticket are required. The United States is on a list of countries eligible for visitor (tourist) visas on arrival (landing permits).  Please note that Bangladesh has not widely publicized their policies for visas on arrival.  Travelers may encounter delays in airport visa issuance or refused entry if they do not have visas prior to arrival.  Additionally, if issued, landing permit validity is usually limited to a maximum of fourteen days. Therefore, we recommend that travelers obtain visas prior to arrival.  A valid visa in an expired or canceled U.S. passport is not acceptable to the Bangladeshi authorities; if you are issued a new U.S. passport, you will need a new visa.

Bangladeshi-Americans and their immediate family members are eligible for a No Visa Required for Travel to Bangladesh seal, which can be issued by the nearest Bangladeshi Embassy or Consulate.  This endorsement allows travelers multiple entries into Bangladesh with no restriction on duration of stay, for the validity of the bearer’s passport.  As with visas, No Visa Required seals are no longer valid in expired passports, and all foreign nationals are required to obtain a seal in a valid passport prior to entering or departing Bangladesh.

If you intend to use Dhaka as a hub from which to visit other countries in the region, ensure that you obtain a multiple-entry Bangladeshi visa before arrival.  If you intend to work for a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Bangladesh, you should ensure that your sponsor has provided you with up-to-date advice on the kind of visa you must obtain before arrival.  It is difficult and time-consuming to change your immigration status after you have arrived in Bangladesh.

Visas to Bangladesh which are expiring may be extended at the Directorate of Immigration and Passport, located at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, and Dhaka.  The phone numbers are (880-2) 913-1891 and 913-4011.

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 visas.  Additionally, those who overstay for more than 90 days face the possibility of being charged with violating the Foreigners Act of 1946.  For further information on these rules, please check with the nearest Bangladeshi Embassy or Consulate (U.S. addresses listed below) before traveling, or visit the Bangladeshi Immigration Police web site, which provides further details on rules relating to foreigner registration.

When traveling by air, there is a departure tax on all foreigners except children under the age of two.  This tax is often 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, depending on the destination (e.g., the departure tax for the U.S. is the most expensive, at USD $43).  There is no travel tax for transit passengers transiting Bangladesh without a visa and in country for 72 hours or less.  These requirements may be subject to change, and travelers are advised to check with the Embassy of Bangladesh before traveling.

If your visa or no visa required” seal has expired or is in a passport that is no longer valid, you should expect delays upon departure.  Travelers who have overstayed by 1 – 15 days will be fined 200 Bangladeshi Taka (Tk) per day, which can be paid at the Zia International Airport Immigration Office.  Fines for overstays in excess of 15 days cannot be paid at Zia International Airport.  Travelers who have overstayed 15 – 90 days are subject to a fine of 500 Tk per day, which must be paid at the Immigration and Passport Office at 7th Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka.  Individuals who overstay in excess of 90 days face prosecution by the Bangladeshi Immigration and Passport Authority.

The Government of Bangladesh has no written policy regarding the entry of individuals with HIV/AIDS.  However, according to anecdotal reports, some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions may exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh has informed the Embassy that a health officer or immigration officer at the airport who has concerns about an individual's possible HIV/AIDS status will make a case-specific determination regarding that individual's entry.  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 NW, Washington, DC  20008, telephone 202-244-0183/7248/ 7216/3830/3571, fax 202-244-2771/7830,  or the Bangladeshi Consulates in New York at 211 E. 43rd Street, Suite 502, New York, NY 10017, telephone 212-599-6767/6850/1874, fax 212-682-9211 or Los Angeles at 10850 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1250, Los Angeles, CA 90024, telephone 323-932-0100, fax 323-932-9703.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

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SAFETY AND SECURITY: Elections were held on December 29, 2008 and a new government was sworn in on January 6, 2009. The security situation in Bangladesh is fluid, and Americans are urged to check with the U.S. Embassy for the latest information.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Bangladesh from time to time.  U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence quickly and unexpectedly.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  For this reason, the U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens proceed with caution in traveling to all universities and colleges in Dhaka at all times.  The U.S. Embassy also recommends that U.S. citizens avoid Road 86 in the Gulshan-2 area of Dhaka.  One of the major national political parties’ headquarters is located on this road.  Large unscheduled events occur frequently and usually spill out on to the road, making it impassable.  Baitul Mukarram Mosque (National Mosque),Muktangan (bordered by Baitul Mukarram Mosque to the east, the General Post Office or GPO to the south, the Secretariat to the West, and Topkhana Road to the North) , and Topkhana-Motijheel Road should be avoided on Fridays from noon to 6:00 pm.

U.S. citizens should stay up-to-date with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  Information regarding demonstrations in Bangladesh can be found on the U.S. Embassy Dhakas web site. 

Protests involving workers from the large garment-manufacturing industry are not uncommon.  Visitors to Bangladesh should check U.S. Embassy Dhaka’s web site for updated information on the current political and security situation.

U.S. citizens are advised against traveling to the Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts (collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts) due to kidnappings and other security incidents, including those involving foreign nationals.  Foreigners traveling in the Chittagong Hill Tracts are required to register with local authorities.  Additionally, the U.S. Embassy has in the past received reports of incidents of kidnapping, arms and narcotics smuggling and clashes between local Bangladeshis and Rohingyan refugees in areas near Rohingyan 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, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s, Bureau of Consular Affairs web site which contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution.  U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Bangladesh who are registered at the U.S. Embassy will receive updated security information about Bangladesh via e-mail.  All Demonstration Notices and Warden Messages are posted on the Embassys web site.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada or, by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  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 U.S. 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 extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.

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CRIME: Urban crime can be organized or opportunistic, conducted by individuals or groups, and commonly encompasses fraud, theft (larceny, pick-pocketing, and 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, but are on the rise in wealthier areas as well.

The Embassy has recently noted an increase in crime directed against foreigners in the Diplomatic Enclave in Dhaka.  Many of the reported attacks occurred while the victims were riding in rickshaws; other incidents involved the targeting of small groups of foreigners on foot.

To reduce your risk while riding in a rickshaw, keep your bags or valuables under your legs or behind you back, away from passing vehicle traffic and ensure the your bags carrying straps are not visible.  For security reasons, the Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens avoid riding in taxis, buses, and engine-powered rickshaws (CNGs)

U.S. citizens 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 US. citizens.  Crimes, however, often go unsolved.

If you fall victim to a crime, the Embassy recommends that you not fight with your attacker.  Flee to a safe area and report the situation to the local authorities.  We remind all U.S. citizens to exercise vigilance when traveling in Dhaka.  Please be alert and aware at all times and vary routes and schedules.  We encourage all U.S. Citizens to carry their mobile phones with them at all times.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available.  Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law.  In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.

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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates).  This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport.  The embassy staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds may be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are 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. Posts in countries that have victims of crime assistance programs should include that information.

The local equivalent to the 911 emergency line in Bangladesh is 999.  This connects you to the Dhaka Metro Police Exchange.  There is no guarantee that English will be spoken or understood at the Dhaka Metro Police Exchange.  The Police Exchange can only transfer calls to the appropriate police station within the Dhaka metropolitan area, and then the caller will have to speak with that police station in order to actually have any police services performed.  There is similarly no guarantee that English will be spoken or understood at the local police station.

Outside of Dhaka, the caller will need to include the city code for Dhaka by dialing 02-999.  The Dhaka Metro Police Exchange will receive the call, and should be able to provide the number of the appropriate police station within Bangladesh; however, they are unlikely to be able to transfer the call to a police station outside Dhaka.  The caller should then hang up and dial the number provided by the Dhaka Metro Police Exchange.  The ability to speak and/or understand English is even more unlikely at local police stations outside of Dhaka.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that countrys 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.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Bangladesh is a country crisscrossed with rivers, and thus uses a wide network of water-based public transportation.  Ferries and other boats compete with the railroads as a major means of public transport.  Typically overloaded and top-heavy, ferries do capsize, particularly during the monsoon season from May to October or during unexpected thunderstorms or windstorms.  Every year there are dozens of 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.  While there is no restriction as to the amount of U.S. currency visitors may bring into Bangladesh, visitors 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.

Land disputes are common in Bangladesh and are extremely difficult to resolve through legal channels.  Court cases can last for months, and sometimes years, without there ever being a final and accurate determination of which party has legitimate claim to the title.

The U.S. Embassy currently has on file nearly thirty cases of American citizens who claim to have been victimized in land-grabbing disputes.  Rarely are these simple cases of a legitimate property owner versus an opportunistic land-grabber.  More often, it is a case of disagreement between an owner who believes he has historical ownership of the property and a buyer who has just purchased the same property.  One of them has been swindled, both of them have deeds, and it is next to impossible to determine whose deed is valid.

The dangers in becoming involved in a property dispute range from being threatened by bullies to being involved in a lengthy court dispute.  Those involved in a court dispute run the risk of having cases filed against them, and may be arrested and jailed, sometimes for months.

U.S. citizens wishing to purchase property in Bangladesh should be thoroughly aware of the risks they take and should only purchase property from a seller whose ownership is beyond doubt.  Additionally, they should recognize the risks associated if they are not physically present to oversee their property.  U.S. citizens should bear in mind that the U.S. Embassy cannot protect personal property and cannot take sides in a legal dispute.

The U.S. Embassy occasionally receives reports of parents attempting to force their sons or daughters into an unwanted marriage. A marriage must be entered into with the full and free consent of both individuals.  The parties involved should feel that they have a choice.  If an American citizen is being forced into a marriage against his/her will, help and advice are available.  Please refer to the U.S. Embassy in Dhakas information on forced marriage, or contact the American Citizens Services unit directly by email, or at 011-88-02-885-5500 from the United States, 02-885-5500 from inside Bangladesh, or 885-5500 from anywhere in the city of Dhaka.  All travelers to Bangladesh should retain their passports and their return plane tickets to ensure independence to travel.

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities in Bangladesh do not approach U.S. standards, even in tourist areas.  There is limited ambulance service in Bangladesh.  Several hospitals in Dhaka (e.g. Apollo Hospital and Square Hospital) have emergency rooms that are equipped at the level of a community hospital. Hospitals in the provinces are less well equipped and supplied.  There have been reports of counterfeit medications within the country, but medication from major pharmacies and hospitals is generally reliable.  Medical evacuations to Bangkok or Singapore are often necessary for serious conditions or invasive procedures.

Most cases of influenza during the period August through December 2009 were caused by  the H1N1 influenza A virus; there is no current pandemic influenza activity in Bangladesh.  Any questions or concerns about influenza or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional.  Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors in Dhaka can be found on the Embassy web site. 

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health requires incoming travelers to complete a health questionnaire and if they report flu symptoms a sputum sample is collected from them.  If the test result is positive for H1N1 influenza the traveler is contacted by the Ministry after 24 hours for further treatment.

For further information about 2009-H1N1 Influenza, including steps you can take to stay healthy, please consult the Department of State, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control web site, the U.S. Government pandemic influenza web site, and the World Health Organization web site.  For additional travel safety information, please consult the State Department's web site.

For information on avian influenza (bird flu), please refer to the Department of State's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet.

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 web site.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site.  The WSO web site also contains additional health information for travelers including detailed country-specific health information.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Bangladesh.  For further information, please consult the CDC's Information on TB.

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

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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 apply to every location or circumstance.  Conditions differ around the country.

The Bangladeshi road network is in poor condition. The streets of Dhaka are extremely congested; bicycle rickshaws compete with three-wheeled mini-taxis (CNGs), cars, overloaded buses, and trucks on limited road space.  Inter-city roads are narrow and poorly maintained.  Driving at night is especially dangerous; as streetlights are rare even in cities. The U.S. Embassy urges all U.S. Citizens to avoid driving after dark outside of Dhaka, as accidents are most frequent at this time. Also, driving on the left-hand side of the road may be confusing to U.S. citizens.

Road accidents are common in Bangladesh.  Fatal head-on collisions on inter-city roads are common.  When vehicle accidents occur, a crowd quickly gathers and violence can occur when the crowd becomes unruly.  Travelers are strongly urged not to use public transportation, including buses, rickshaws, and three-wheeled baby taxis due to their high accident rate and crime issues.  An alternative to consider is a rental car and driver.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.Also, we suggest that you visit the web site of Bangladesh s National Tourism Organization.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Bangladesh s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for the oversight of Bangladesh’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAAs web site at FAAs safety assessment page.

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CHILDREN S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction and the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka information on forced marriage.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Bangladesh dated July 29, 2009, to update the sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Medical Facilities and Health Information, and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.