Travel Consideration: Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a developing economy. Tourist facilities outside major cities and tourist areas are minimal.

A passport and onward/return ticket are required. A visa is not required for a tourist stay of up to 15 days. Visas (landing permits) are available for a fee upon arrival by air. Further information on entry requirements can be obtained from the Embassy of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh, 2201 Wisconsin Avenue N.W. Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone 202-342-8373, Internet: http://members.aol.com/banglaemb/main.htm or from the Bangladesh consulates in New York, 211 E. 43rd Street, Suite 502, New York, NY 10017, telephone 212-599-6767, or Los Angeles, 10850 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1250, Los Angeles, CA 90024, telephone 310-441-9399.

Public demonstrations, marches and labor strikes are widely used means of political expression in Bangladesh. A number of general strikes, or "hartals," have been called by the political opposition over the past several years, resulting in the virtual shutdown of transportation and commerce, and attacks on individuals who do not observe the “hartals.” Clashes between rival political groups have resulted in deaths and injuries to participants. Violence is a particular problem on university campuses. Visitors to Bangladesh should check with the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka for updated information on planned political activities.

Crime rates in Bangladesh have traditionally been low compared to those in other areas of the world. However, crime in Dhaka and Chittigong is increasing, as are reports of crimes involving weapons. Foreigners have not been especially targeted. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlets A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to South Asia to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Medical facilities in Bangladesh do not approach U.S. standards, even in tourist areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that, in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation has proven useful.

Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: 202-647-3000.

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.

Safety of Public Transportation: poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: poor

The Bangladesh road network is in generally poor condition, in part due to the difficulty of building and maintaining a transportation infrastructure across a vast river delta. The streets of Dhaka are congested, with hundreds of thousands of bicycle rickshaws competing with three-wheeled taxis, cars and trucks for limited road space. Because intercity roads are narrow and in poor condition, driving outside urban areas at night may be dangerous.



While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to the 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 Bangladesh's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession of, use of, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bangladesh are strict. The death penalty or life imprisonment can be imposed for some drug-related crimes. At a minimum, convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone 202-736-7000.

Americans living in or visiting Bangladesh are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka and obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh. The U.S. Embassy is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, telephone (880) (2) 8824700-22. Their Internet home page is http://www.usembassy-dhaka.org.