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Bangladesh
Country Specific Information
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January 16, 2009
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Bangladesh is a democratic republic with a parliamentary form of government. Bangladesh remains a developing country with
poor infrastructure. 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. The United States is on a list of countries eligible for visitor
(tourist) visas on arrival (landing permits). The country of Bangladesh has not widely publicized their policies for visas
on arrival and travelers should be aware that delays may be encountered in airport visa issuance. Additionally, if issued,
landing permit validity is usually limited to a maximum of fifteen days. 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.
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 once 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, 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 at http://www.immi.gov.bd/, which provides further details on rules relating to foreigner registrations.
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 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 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. More information
can be obtained from the Bangladesh Board of Revenue web site at http://www.nbr-bd.org/.
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, web site http://www.bangladoot.org, 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, web site http://www.bdcgny.org or Los Angeles at 10850 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1250, Los Angeles, CA 90024, telephone 323-932-0100, fax 323-932-9703.
Visit the Embassy of Bangladesh web site at http://www.bangladeshconsulatela.com for the most current visa information.
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.
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. American citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful
can turn confrontational and escalate into violence quickly and unexpectedly. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid
the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American 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 Dhaka’s web site at http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/.
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, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found. Americans 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 Embassy’s
web site at http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada
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, but
are on the rise in wealthier areas as well. 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. Crimes, however, often go unsolved.
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.
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 add the city code for Dhaka, so dial 02-999. The caller will again be connected
to the Dhaka Metro Police Exchange, which should be able to provide the number of the appropriate police station within Bangladesh,
but the Dhaka Metro Police Exchange is unlikely to be able to transfer the call to a police station outside Dhaka. The caller
would have to 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.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
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.
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. 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.
Land disputes are extremely 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 new owner 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.
American 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. American Citizens should bear in mind that the U.S. Embassy
cannot protect personal property in the absence of owners and cannot take sides in a legal dispute.
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.
For more information, please refer to the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka information on forced marriage at http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/forced_marriage_home.html, or contact the American Citizens Services unit directly at DhakaACS@state.gov, or 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.
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.
For information on avian influenza (bird flu), please refer to the Department of State's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet.
Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions may exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Bangladesh according to anecdotal reports;
however the Government of Bangladesh has no written policy regarding the entry of individuals with HIV/AIDS. The Government
of Bangladesh has informed us that if a health officer or immigration officer at the airport has concerns about an individual's
possible HIV/AIDS status, they will make a case-specific determination regarding that individual's entry. Please verify this
information with the Embassy of Bangladesh at http://www.bangladoot.org before you travel.
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 web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Bangladesh. For further information, please consult the CDC's
Travel Notice on TB: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-TB.aspx
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. Conditions differ around the country.
The Bangladeshi road network is in poor condition and poorly maintained. 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. 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. 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. Visit the web site of Bangladesh’s National Tourism Organization at http://www.bangladeshtourism.gov.bd.
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. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa/.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information 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 at http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/forced_marriage_home.html.
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 web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh. Americans without Internet 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 (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. The Embassy's home page is
http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/.
This replaces the Country Specific Information for Bangladesh dated June 17, 2008 to update the sections on Country Description, Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Medical Facilities and Health Information, and Special Circumstances.
