Entry Procedures

Most visitors to Bangladesh need a visa. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka for tourism, while others must apply for a visa in advance at a Bangladeshi mission or through the e-visa system. Eligibility and conditions depend on your nationality and can change, so confirm the latest requirements with an official Bangladeshi source and your embassy before you travel.

A common guideline is that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Bangladesh and have at least one blank page for stamps. If you plan to use a visa on arrival, you may also need to meet specific conditions such as holding a return ticket. Requirements vary by nationality, so check your exact conditions before you travel.

On arrival you may be asked to show documents in addition to your passport and visa. These can include a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking, evidence of sufficient funds, and an address for your stay. If you use a visa on arrival, having these documents ready helps the process go smoothly.

Bangladesh has currency declaration rules for travellers. Foreign currency above a set amount must be declared to customs on arrival, and the local currency (taka) has its own import and export limits. Keeping your declaration and exchange receipts makes it easier to take remaining currency out again. Check the current thresholds with Bangladesh Customs and the central bank before you travel.

Travellers to Bangladesh have duty-free allowances for personal items such as a reasonable quantity of tobacco and gifts within set value limits. Alcohol is restricted: it is generally limited to non-Muslim travellers and must be declared, with only a modest quantity permitted. Larger or commercial quantities are subject to duty. Confirm the current allowances with Bangladesh Customs before you travel.

You can generally bring prescription and personal medicines into Bangladesh in reasonable quantities for your own use. Keep them in their original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s letter, especially for controlled substances or injectables. Some medicines that are common elsewhere may be restricted, so check before you travel and bring enough for your trip.

No routine vaccination is required to enter Bangladesh for most travellers, but proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are arriving from or transiting a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Health authorities often recommend being up to date on routine vaccines and considering others such as hepatitis A and typhoid. Consult a travel clinic well before departure for advice tailored to you.

Most international arrivals land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka. After disembarking you complete immigration, where officers check your passport, visa or visa on arrival, and may ask about your stay. You then collect baggage and pass through customs. Have your documents, accommodation details and return ticket ready to make the process smoother.

A few practical points help on arrival in Bangladesh. Traffic drives on the left, the local currency is the taka (BDT, ৳) and the country uses 220V with plug types C, D, G and K, so bring a suitable adapter. Dhaka can be busy, so agree fares or use a ride-hailing app for transport. Dress modestly, keep copies of your documents and confirm the latest entry and safety guidance before you travel.