Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2025: Simplified E-Visa Process
Bangladesh has streamlined its e-visa system for 2025, allowing most travelers to apply online for a 30-day tourist visa ($51 fee) with faster processing times of 3-5 business days. Always check for updates on health requirements, as post-pandemic protocols may still apply for certain nationalities.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Bangladesh, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Ensure all personal details match your visa application exactly to avoid entry issues at immigration checkpoints.
Renew early if needed, as processing times can vary by country.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of a few countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives can enter visa-free for short stays up to 90 days, but most nationalities require a visa in advance.
Visa on arrival is available for around 30 countries including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, valid for 30 days at major airports like Dhaka and Chittagong.
Always confirm eligibility on the official Bangladesh immigration website before travel.
Visa Applications
For e-visas, apply online via the official Bangladesh e-visa portal, submitting a passport scan, photo, flight itinerary, and hotel booking; the fee is $51 for single-entry tourist visas.
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but apply at least two weeks in advance to account for holidays or peak seasons.
Business or journalist visas require additional invitation letters from local sponsors.
Border Crossings
Entry is primarily through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka or Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong, where immigration is efficient but can involve queues during peak hours.
Land borders with India (e.g., Benapole) require pre-arranged visas and may have stricter checks; overland travel from India or Myanmar is possible but plan for potential delays.
Carry printed e-visa approvals and proof of onward travel to expedite processing.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies, evacuation (due to flooding risks), trip cancellations, and activities like river cruises in the Sundarbans.
Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases; options start at $1-2 per day from international providers, and some insurers offer Bangladesh-specific add-ons for monsoon-related disruptions.
Declare any pre-existing conditions and keep policy details accessible during your trip.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be applied for at the Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka or regional offices, requiring a fee of around $20-30 and proof of funds or accommodation.
Apply at least one week before expiration to avoid overstay fines, which can reach $5 per day and complicate future entries.
Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on the reason, such as extended tourism or business needs.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Bangladesh uses the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Dhaka by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during the dry season peak.
Consider flying into Chittagong for southern routes to cut domestic transfer costs.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at local eateries or street vendors for authentic meals like fish curry under BDT 200, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to save up to 60% on food expenses.
Markets in Dhaka and Sylhet offer fresh fruits, snacks, and ready-to-eat options at bargain prices, often half the cost of hotel buffets.
Opt for set thalis (meals) which provide variety and value for budget travelers.
Public Transport Passes
Use local buses or trains with daily passes around BDT 300 for unlimited city travel, drastically reducing costs compared to taxis or rideshares.
For intercity, book advance train tickets via the Bangladesh Railway app to secure lower fares and avoid surge pricing.
Rickshaws in cities like Dhaka are cheap at BDT 20-50 per short ride; negotiate for group savings.
Free Attractions
Explore public sites like the National Martyrs' Memorial, riverfronts in Dhaka, and tea gardens in Sylhet, which are free and provide immersive cultural experiences.
Many mosques and historical parks have no entry fees; visit during off-peak hours to enjoy them without crowds.
Community festivals and boat rides on local rivers can often be joined at minimal or no cost through homestays.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in major hotels and malls, but carry cash (BDT) for markets, small shops, and rural areas where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for better rates (avoid airport exchanges); inform your bank of travel to prevent card blocks.
Use mobile wallets like bKash for seamless local payments if you have a local SIM.
Combo Tickets & Tours
Purchase multi-site passes for attractions like the Liberation War Museum and Sonargaon for BDT 500-1,000, covering several spots and saving 40% versus individual entries.
Group tours to the Sundarbans or Cox's Bazar via local operators often include meals and transport at discounted rates for 2+ people.
Off-season bookings (monsoon) can halve tour prices while still offering great value.
Smart Packing for Bangladesh
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the humid climate, including long sleeves and pants for modesty at religious sites and protection from sun or insects.
Include quick-dry items and a light rain jacket for sudden showers; women should carry scarves for head covering in conservative areas.
Layer for cooler evenings in the hills, and opt for neutral colors to blend with local customs.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type A/C/D/G plugs, a portable power bank for long days in remote areas, and a waterproof phone case for river trips.
Download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps), translation apps for Bengali, and a VPN for reliable internet access.
A compact camera or GoPro is ideal for capturing boat rides and markets; pack extra memory cards.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with antidiarrheal meds, prescriptions, and vaccinations proof (e.g., hepatitis A, typhoid).
Include high-SPF sunscreen, DEET mosquito repellent for dengue-prone areas, and oral rehydration salts for heat or food-related issues.
Pack water purification tablets or a filter bottle, as tap water is unsafe; hand sanitizer is essential in crowded spots.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack with rain cover for sightseeing, a reusable water bottle, and a lightweight sleeping bag for potential homestays.
Bring passport copies, a money belt for cash security, and a torch/flashlight for power outages in rural zones.
Pack earplugs and a travel towel for noisy buses or boat accommodations.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable sandals or flip-flops for humid streets and mosques, paired with sturdy waterproof hiking shoes for Sundarbans trails or hill treks.
Water shoes are vital for beach visits at Cox's Bazar or river crossings; break them in before travel to avoid blisters.
Pack extra socks for muddy monsoon paths and lightweight sneakers for urban exploration in Dhaka.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, wet wipes for limited facilities, and antifungal cream for humid conditions.
A compact umbrella or poncho handles frequent rains; add lip balm with SPF and electrolyte packets for hydration.
For longer stays, pack laundry soap sheets to wash clothes in sinks, keeping your load light.
When to Visit Bangladesh
Dry Season (November-February)
The best time to visit with cool, dry weather averaging 20-25°C, ideal for exploring Dhaka's markets, tea gardens in Sylhet, and beach relaxation at Cox's Bazar.
Fewer rains mean comfortable river cruises in the Sundarbans and cultural festivals like Pohela Boishakh preparations.
Accommodations are affordable outside December holidays, with low humidity enhancing outdoor adventures.
Pre-Monsoon (March-May)
Hot and humid with temperatures 30-35°C, suitable for indoor sites like museums in Dhaka or hill stations in Sreemangal for cooler escapes.
Fewer crowds allow for budget travel, but pack for heat; early mango season adds fresh local flavors to meals.
Avoid strenuous activities midday; focus on morning boat trips or shaded heritage walks.
Monsoon (June-October)
Rainy season with heavy downpours and 25-30°C humidity, best for lush landscapes in the Sundarbans or budget stays as prices drop 30-50%.
Experience vibrant rice paddies and fewer tourists; river levels rise for scenic boat rides, but check flood alerts.
Ideal for cultural immersion like village homestays, though some roads may close—opt for resilient destinations like Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Post-Monsoon Transition (Late October-Early November)
Milder weather around 25-28°C with receding rains, perfect for hiking in the hills or festivals like Durga Puja in Dhaka.
Vegetation is at its greenest, enhancing photography in tea estates and national parks without peak-season crowds.
Transitional period offers balanced costs and comfortable conditions for extended tours across the delta regions.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Exchange rate approx. 1 USD = 110 BDT. Cards accepted in cities but cash essential for rural areas and markets.
- Language: Bengali (Bangla) is official; English widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and business hubs like Dhaka.
- Time Zone: Bangladesh Standard Time (BST), UTC+6
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Mixed plugs: Type A (US two-flat), C (Euro two-pin), D/G (Indian three-pin)
- Emergency Number: 999 for police, fire, or ambulance; 112 also works in some areas
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; add 10% at restaurants or BDT 20-50 for guides/drivers
- Water: Tap water unsafe—drink bottled or purified only; avoid ice in rural spots
- Pharmacies: Easily found in cities (look for red cross signs); stock basic meds but carry prescriptions