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  As with visas, “No Visa Required” seals are no longer valid in expired passports, and all foreign nationals are required to obtain a seal in a valid passport prior to entering or departing Bangladesh.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 to visit other countries in the region, ensure that you obtain a multiple-entry Bangladeshi visa before your 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 your arrival.  It is difficult and time-consuming to change your immigration status after you have arrived in Bangladesh.

Visas to Bangladesh that 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 website, 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 United States 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 Shah Jalal International Airport Immigration Office.  Fines for overstays in excess of 15 days cannot be paid at the Shah Jalal 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 7^th 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.

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.

Multiple strains of influenza continue to circulate in Bangladesh including H1N1 influenza A pandemic strain.  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 website.  

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.

Dengue fever, a mosquito borne illness, is prevalent in Dhaka and surrounding areas.  Prevention is the key, as there is no vaccine or treatment once infected.  Malaria is a problem in the surrounding areas outside Dhaka.  If travel is planned outside Dhaka, prophylaxis medication should be considered and started prior to travel. Mosquito repellent and bed nets are strongly recommended, especially in the Dengue season, which is from October through January.

There were multiple outbreaks of anthrax in rural communities in Bangladesh in 2009 and 2010 among persons who slaughtered sick animals.  This is not a risk for U.S. citizens who avoid this activity.  Human vaccination against anthrax is not recommended.