Risk level

Safety and security

Chittagong Hill Tracts region

There is a serious risk of politically motivated violence, kidnapping and sporadic ethnic clashes in this region.

Violent clashes occur between indigenous communities that are organized under opposing political groups. The clashes result from their desire to obtain political control over specific geographic areas.

These groups also engage in extortion and drug, money and weapons smuggling.

If you decide to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts region despite this advisory, you must contact the Chittagong Divisional Commissioner’s Office at least 10 days before you arrive.

Chittagong Divisional Commissioner’s Office

Southern Bangladesh

Many Rohingya refugees have entered southern Bangladesh, especially in the Ukhia and Teknaf sub-districts, in the south of Cox’s Bazar district. Bangladeshi authorities regulate access to these areas.

If you provide any humanitarian assistance in this region, make sure to do so through an established humanitarian agency that is registered with Bangladeshi authorities.

Stay informed on the ongoing situation.

Cox’s Bazar

Public infrastructure in the Cox’s Bazar area has severely degraded over the few past years. Resources such as basic food and potable water are limited.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism throughout the country, especially in Dhaka. Extremists have carried out attacks using improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers. Westerners have been targeted. Although such incidences have been less frequent since 2020, smaller attacks and attempted attacks still occur.

Further attacks are likely. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
• police stations

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during religious holidays. Limit your attendance at events where a large number of people, including foreigners, may gather. These include:

• sporting events
• festivals
• public celebrations
• hotels and conference centres

 Terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Civil unrest

Demonstrations, blockades, nationwide general strikes—known as hartals—and politically motivated violence have occurred. These incidents are likely to reoccur.

During strikes, demonstrations or election periods, avoid:

• Road 86 (north of Gulshan Circle 2)
• the Road 79–Gulshan Avenue intersection

Large gatherings often occur in those areas, making it difficult to pass safely.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Demonstrations

Sudden violent demonstrations and clashes can take place on Friday afternoons following Jumma prayers.

Previous violent demonstrations have resulted in several hundred deaths. Attacks using explosive devices have occurred in crowded public places, hotels, movie theatres and railway stations.

Blockades

During blockades, protesters have set fire to vehicles and damaged railway tracks, leading to derailments and injuries.

• Avoid travelling during blockades, as attacks may occur
• Prepare to have sufficient food, water and fuel available, as there may be shortages

General strikes

General strikes can effectively shut down all businesses and disrupt transportation, including in the diplomatic/expatriate areas. Passengers at Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport may be stranded without transportation.

You may also have difficulty finding essential supplies such as fuel.

There is a high incidence of violence during these events.

During a general strike:

• avoid travelling within Dhaka, outside the Baridhara and Banani areas
• avoid all travel outside Dhaka

Politically motivated violence

Attacks have occurred at political rallies in several cities, including:

• Chittagong
• Dhaka
• Khulna
• Sylhet

Certain groups have used explosive devices and firearms during confrontations between rival political factions, demonstrators and police.

Be vigilant in Dhaka around:

• the National Parliament House and the Bangladesh Secretariat
• the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque
• the University of Dhaka
• the Mirpur, Motijheel, Naya Paltan, Purana Paltan and Shahbag districts
• the commercial district of Kawran Bazar

Crime

Violent crime

Violent crime, such as armed robberies and rapes, occurs.

Kidnappings for ransom have also occurred, though they rarely involve foreigners.

Religious minorities have been the targets of attacks. These minorities include:

• Hindus
• Buddhists
• Christians
• secular writers, including some foreigners

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging, are common, particularly in tourist areas.

• Avoid walking in public alone or after dark
• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• Do not wear jewellery
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Decline help from anyone who approaches you at the airport with an offer to arrange transportation or assist with luggage

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may face some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

• Avoid travelling alone, including on public transportation, especially at night
• Don’t go to the police station by yourself

Safe-travel guide for women

Forced marriage

Forced marriages affecting foreigners take place. Sometimes, the affected person doesn’t know about or consent to the marriage.

Some Canadians could be forced into marital arrangements and detained against their will. They could be subjected to:

• threats
• intimidation
• violence by family members

Once you’re abroad, your family members may retain your passport to prevent you from returning to Canada. Keep digital or physical copies of your travel documents in a safe place.

If you’re in Canada

If you’re in Canada and you believe that you’re being forced to travel overseas to marry, call your local police for assistance.

If you’re abroad

If you’re abroad and you believe that you’re being forced to marry, contact the nearest office of the Government of Canada. You may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

Useful links

• General information and advice about forced marriage
• Safe-travel guide for women

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, especially in Dhaka.

When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention if others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

More about overseas fraud

Essential services and tourist facilities

Planned power cuts occur daily in most parts of the country and can last for many hours.

Water supplies are also inconsistent. Several areas of the country can go for days without any water.

Be aware that tourist facilities are inadequate throughout the country.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Road travel is dangerous, particularly after dark. Many vehicles operate without headlights or with full high beams.

Traffic in urban areas is extremely congested and chaotic. Road accidents causing injuries or death are common. Crowds, which can turn hostile, often gather around the scene of such accidents.

In you are involved in a serious accident where you could be deemed at fault:

• immediately make your way to a police station
• lock your doors and windows and call police if you cannot move your vehicle

Public transportation

Safety standards for public transportation, including buses, trains and ferries, are poor.

Thieves are present on trains, ferries and long-distance buses. They also target rickshaw, CNG (motorized rickshaw) and taxi passengers, particularly around dusk.

Be extremely cautious if using public transportation.

• Avoid travelling alone and after dark
• Use only registered taxis booked through a hotel

Buses

Buses are generally in poor condition. They are often involved in accidents.

Trains

Rail travel is slow and derailments occur. Trains are often overcrowded. Lock your compartment if you travel by train at night,

Ferries

Ferry accidents are common due to poor safety practices or extreme weather conditions.

If you choose to travel by ferry:

• make sure the vessel you are boarding is carrying appropriate safety equipment and that life jackets are provided for all passengers and accessible at all times
• don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy
• verify the safety standards of ferries with your tour operator

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Bangladeshi authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of arrival in Bangladesh.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

You should obtain a visa before travelling to Bangladesh. While you can apply for single-entry tourist and business visas upon arrival, which are valid for stays of up to 30 days, there is a risk of you being denied entry into the country.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

You must carry all documents pertaining to the purpose of your visit. If you're travelling for business, you must also produce:

• a hotel booking confirmation
• a letter of invitation or letter of offer from a local company providing details regarding the purpose and duration of your stay

Exit requirements

If you enter Bangladesh on a business visa, you'll have to provide local authorities with an Income Tax Clearance Certificate or an Income Tax Exemption Certificate upon departure.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizens can obtain a “No Visa Required” stamp on their passport. However, it may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.

If you entered Bangladesh with this stamp, make sure it’s transferred to any new passport you obtain while in the country.

Recognition of dual citizenship

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.  

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in South Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in South Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in South Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis and malaria.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Southern Asia, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate. You will likely need medical evacuation to Singapore or Thailand in case of serious illness or injury.

You may have to pay in advance, in cash, to obtain medical services.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can face life imprisonment or a death sentence.

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Alcohol consumption

Bangladeshi citizens, including dual citizens, may not consume, possess, transport or buy alcohol without a permit.

Muslims may not consume alcohol. Muslims who do face detention or other penalties.

Ramadan

In 2023, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 22.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Business transactions are considerably slower during Ramadan.

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Women in particular should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless garments.

Public displays of affection are not socially acceptable.

Photography

It’s illegal to take pictures of:

• government offices
• airports
• military establishments or officials
• official residences
• demonstrations

LGBTQ2 travellers

Bangladeshi law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Other related offences include being in a same-sex marriage and promoting homosexuality.

Those convicted can face life imprisonment.

LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Bangladesh.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Bangladesh.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Bangladesh, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Children

Local authorities may consider your child as a Bangladeshi citizen if you are Bangladeshi, regardless of their place of birth or if your child has formally obtained Bangladeshi citizenship. 

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Bangladesh.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Bangladesh by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Bangladesh to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Identification

Local authorities may ask you to verify your identity.

Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times.

Property disputes

Property disputes, including those between family members, are common and can turn violent.

Contact a local lawyer if you find yourself in such a situation.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left.

You must carry an International Driving Permit.

More about the International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the taka (BDT).

When entering or leaving the country, you must declare any funds exceeding US$5,000 or 5,000 taka, or their equivalent.

You must have a ticket for travel outside Bangladesh if you want to exchange taka for U.S. dollars.

You cannot leave the country with more U.S. dollars than you declared upon arrival.

Natural disasters and climate

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Bangladesh is located in an active seismic zone.

Bangladeshi authorities usually issue tsunami warnings immediately following a large earthquake.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning. 

In the event of an earthquake:

• monitor local media for the latest information
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Earthquakes - What to Do?
• Tsunami alerts - U.S. Tsunami Warning System

Monsoons and cyclones

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from June to October. Every year during the monsoon season, a third of Bangladesh’s territory is seriously affected. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Bangladesh’s coastline is also subject to cyclones. Heavy rain can cause flooding throughout the country, resulting in significant casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure.

If you decide to travel to Bangladesh during the rainy season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• stay away from disaster areas
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Useful links

• Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons
• Bangladesh Meteorological Department
• Large-scale emergencies abroad