Bangladesh

The Land of Rivers
and Resilience

Flag of Bangladesh

Bangladesh, located in South Asia, is celebrated for its lush landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant communities. Known for the vast rivers and green fields of the Ganges Delta, as well as the pristine beaches of Cox’s Bazar and the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, the country offers stunning natural beauty.

Bangladeshi culture is deeply rooted in Bengali traditions, expressed through colorful festivals, music, and intricate arts. The cuisine is famous for its flavorful rice and fish dishes, spicy curries, and sweets like roshogolla. With a strong sense of resilience and pride, Bangladesh is a land of warmth, natural beauty, and cultural depth.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Bangladesh.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Bangladesh.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from a few nations (e.g., Maldives, Bhutan, and Barbados) can enter Bangladesh with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from most nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Bangladesh, though many nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a Bangladeshi visa is still required unless eligible for visa on arrival.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) may be eligible for visa on arrival, depending on nationality.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry; a Bangladeshi visa is required.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter Bangladesh using only a national ID card; a passport and visa are mandatory.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 1 year (e.g., tourist visa).
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days. Valid for one year, allowing application for a residence permit (typically for work, study, or family purposes).

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival stays are typically limited to 30-90 days, depending on nationality.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work visas require sponsorship.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as Bangladesh may reintroduce measures based on global health situations.
Toll

Driving in Bangladesh

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Bangladesh has several toll roads, including:
    • Dhaka-Chittagong Highway: A major route with multiple toll plazas (e.g., at Meghna Bridge).
    • Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Expressway: Connecting Dhaka to other regions, with tolls at various points.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and distance traveled. For example, a standard car pays approximately BDT 100-300 (Bangladeshi Taka) for major bridges like Meghna. For the most current rates, visit the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority website: https://www.brta.gov.bd/
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) is accepted at all toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Limited acceptance; major toll plazas (e.g., Bangabandhu Bridge) may accept cards, but cash is preferred.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: An e-toll system is being piloted at select locations; check for updates on https://www.brta.gov.bd/.

Driving in Bangladesh

  • Drive on the left side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for front-seat occupants, though enforcement varies.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40 km/h
    • Rural roads: 60 km/h
    • Highways: 80-100 km/h
  • Road conditions vary; major highways are paved but congested, while rural roads can be narrow, potholed, or flooded during monsoon season.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, especially for non-SAARC nationals.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Bangladesh does not use a vignette system; tolls are collected at specific points on major roads.
  • Road Safety: Driving can be chaotic due to heavy traffic, pedestrians, and rickshaws. Night driving is risky due to poor lighting and road hazards.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is somewhat reliable in urban areas (e.g., Dhaka), but connectivity can be spotty in rural regions; keep an updated physical map as a backup.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 999 for emergencies.

Useful Links

Bangladesh Currency

The official currency of Bangladesh is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 BDT
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5 BDT
  • Symbol: ৳ (often written as BDT)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, airports, and major hotels.
  • ATMs are widely available in urban areas (e.g., Dhaka, Chittagong) for direct BDT withdrawals, but may be scarce in rural regions.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas and small establishments.
  • Credit/debit cards are accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments, but less common in rural areas.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases and in rural areas, as digital payments are not universal.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the BDT fluctuates against major currencies.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Bangladesh Bank website: https://www.bb.org.bd/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Bangladesh

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Bangladesh, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. Even small quantities can lead to severe charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol consumption is heavily restricted; permits are required for non-Muslims, and public intoxication is illegal.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Islamic customs; dress modestly, especially in rural areas and during religious events like Ramadan. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics (e.g., Rohingya crisis).
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties including imprisonment. Public displays of affection may attract legal consequences.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, government buildings, or border areas (e.g., near Cox’s Bazar). Always ask permission for portraits of locals.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits (non-Muslims with permit only, declare on arrival).
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over BDT 10,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, pornography, and pork products.
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Bangladesh Tourism Board or the Consumer Rights Protection Department.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., Cox’s Bazar) must allow free access within 5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is mandated but not always implemented.

Key Resources

Bangladesh Travel Safety

Algeria is generally safe for travelers, with moderate crime rates and a reputation for hospitality, but travelers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols due to occasional security concerns. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Algeria.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like Algiers’s Casbah or public transport. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon but can occur, especially in border areas or during protests.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Algeria is considered safe, with locals often helpful. Avoid isolated areas at night and be cautious in border regions near Libya, Mali, and Niger.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging due to narrow roads, poor rural conditions, and reckless drivers.
    • Avoid night driving in rural or border areas due to poor lighting and security risks.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety: Avoid tap water; drink bottled water. Practice safe eating habits to prevent travelers’ diarrhea.
  • Vaccinations: Recommended: Hepatitis A, tetanus, COVID-19, and typhoid (for long-term stays).
  • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes (risk of malaria in rural areas) and ticks (risk of other diseases).
  • Altitude Sickness: No significant risk in Algeria (low elevation, with minor highlands).

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like Clinique El Bir in Algiers offer higher standards. Rural areas often lack advanced care.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities but carry essential medications.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as limited facilities in rural areas may require air ambulance transport to Europe.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 14 | Fire: 17 | Police: 17.
  • Tourist Police (Algiers): +213 21 73 40 40.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural/desert areas. Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for remote trails (e.g., Hoggar Mountains).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive political or historical issues.
  • Air Quality: Pollution can be high in Algiers; monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

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Flying to Bangladesh

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